Roman Britain / People

Emperors and rulers

Constantine

The emperor proclaimed by troops at York in AD 306, whose career reached far beyond Britain.

Illustrated portrait of Constantine.

Also found as: Constantine the Great, Constantine I

Constantine was proclaimed emperor by his father’s troops at York in AD 306, after the death of Constantius Chlorus. York, Roman Eboracum, was a military and political centre with influence reaching far beyond northern Britain.

The Yorkshire Museum holds a large marble head identified as Constantine. The portrait provides an object to set beside the written story of his rise. Its size invites questions about public display: who would see an imperial image, and what might its presence communicate?

His later career included victory in civil wars, support for Christianity and the foundation of Constantinople. Proclamation at York was one stage in a longer struggle for power, rather than immediate, uncontested rule over the whole empire.

Context and evidence

Distinguish the ancient portrait from the modern statue beside York Minster. They belong to different periods. One helps investigate imperial presentation; the other raises questions about how later generations choose to commemorate the past.

Sources and further reading

  1. Yorkshire Museum: bust of Constantine
  2. University of York: Constantine

Romans in Britain · People · Places · Learning resources