Crispus




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Crispus(Flavius Julius), eldest of the sons of Constantine the Great, by Minervina, born, some say, in the East, others, at Arles, about A.D. 300. He derived his name from his great grandfather Crispus, Brother of Claudius Gothicus. According to St. Jerome he received his education under Lactantius.  Be that as it may, certain it is his father made him Caesar on the 1st of March, A.D. 317, together with his brother Constantinus, and Licinius junior; and he was nominated consul the following year.  A prince of great talents and virtues, Crispus distinguished himself at an early age by his military skill and valor.  In the war carried on by his imperial father in Gaul, he turned the tide of victory against the incursive Franks, A.D. 320.  The following year he served the office of consul for the second time, with Constantinus Caesar for his colleague.  In 323 he destroyed the fleet of the Emperor Licinius at Gallipoli.- 
By a rash and cruel order of his father, in 326, Crispus was put to death, before he had completed his thirtieth year, on a false accusation brought against him by his mother-in-law Fausta, whose criminal love, it is said, he had repelled; and to whose revenge or jealousy he fell a victim. 
His numismatic style is D.N. FL. IVL. CRISPVS NOB. CAES.- Crispus and his brother Constantine the younger, associated on coins, are called CRISPVS ED CONSTANTINUS NOBB. CAESS.

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