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The Reunification of Rome Under Constantius II (356 CE)
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In the year 356 CE, the Roman Empire was a fractured entity, divided into eastern and western halves following the death of Emperor Constantine the Great in 337 CE. Constantine's three sons—Constantius II, Constantine II, and Constans—had initially divided the empire among themselves, but internal strife and power struggles soon led to further fragmentation. By 356 CE, Constantius II, the most capable and ambitious of the brothers, sought to reunite the empire under his sole rule.
Constantius II had already secured control over the eastern provinces, but the western half of the empire was in turmoil. His brother Constans had been overthrown and killed in 350 CE by the usurper Magnentius, who declared himself emperor in the west. Constantius II, determined to restore unity, launched a military campaign against Magnentius. The two forces clashed in a series of battles, culminating in the decisive Battle of Mursa Major in 351 CE, where Constantius II emerged victorious. Magnentius, however, managed to retreat and continued to resist for several more years.
By 356 CE, Constantius II had consolidated his power in the west, effectively reuniting the Roman Empire under his rule. This reunification was not without its challenges. The empire was vast, and maintaining control over such a diverse and sprawling territory required constant vigilance. Constantius II faced threats from external enemies, such as the Persians in the east and Germanic tribes along the Rhine and Danube frontiers, as well as internal dissent and rebellion.
Constantius II's reign was marked by his efforts to strengthen the administrative and military structures of the empire. He sought to centralize power and reduce the influence of regional governors and military commanders, who often acted independently. He also continued his father's policy of promoting Christianity, although his approach was more cautious and less confrontational than Constantine's. Constantius II was an Arian Christian, and his religious policies sometimes brought him into conflict with the Nicene Christians, who held different theological views.
Despite his achievements, Constantius II's reign was not without controversy. His heavy-handed tactics and reliance on a network of informers and spies earned him a reputation for suspicion and paranoia. His efforts to maintain control over the empire often led to harsh measures, including the execution of perceived rivals and dissidents.
In the end, Constantius II's reunification of the Roman Empire was a significant but fleeting achievement. The empire's vast size and the pressures of external threats and internal divisions made it difficult to maintain unity. After Constantius II's death in 361 CE, the empire would once again be divided, this time between his successors, Julian the Apostate and later Valentinian I and Valens.
The year 356 CE stands as a pivotal moment in Roman history, marking the temporary reunification of the empire under Constantius II. It was a time of both triumph and turmoil, as the emperor sought to navigate the complex challenges of ruling a vast and diverse empire. His efforts to restore unity and stability, though ultimately short-lived, left a lasting impact on the course of Roman history.