Constans II

Reign: 641 – 668
Life: 630–668

Constans was the last attested emperor to serve as consul, in 642, although the office continued to exist until the reign of Leo VI the Wise (r. His religious policy saw him steering a middle line in disputes between the Orthodox and Monothelites by refusing to persecute either and prohibited discussion of the natures of Jesus Christ under the Typos of Constans in 648. His reign coincided with Arab invasions under Umar, Uthman, and Mu'awiya I in the late 640s to 660s. Constans was the first emperor to visit Rome since the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, and the last one to visit Rome while the Empire still held it.

During Constans II's reign, Childeric II ruled France, Emperor Gaozong of Tang ruled China, and Pope Vitalian ruled Papacy.

Want to learn more? Further reading

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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