Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Constantius II
Mint: Antioch
Year: 337 - 341 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 14.0mm
Weight: 1.59g
Reference:

Obverse
CONSTAN-TIVS AVG, pearl-diademed head right

Reverse
GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS, two soldiers holding spears and shields with one standard between them. Dot on banner. Dot-dot to left and right of the banner top. Mintmark SMAN (Antioch)

Constantius II was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 337 to 361 AD, following the death of his father, Constantine the Great. He was one of the three sons of Constantine, initially sharing power with his brothers, Constantine II and Constans, until conflicts led to their deaths, leaving him as the sole ruler. 

His reign was marked by strong support for Arianism, a Christian doctrine that denied the full divinity of Christ, leading to significant religious tensions and conflicts within the empire. Constantius II faced ongoing military challenges, particularly from the Sassanian Empire, managing to defend the eastern provinces against invasions. 

He called several synods, including the Council of Rimini in 359 AD, to promote Arian orthodoxy, which met with resistance from Nicene Christians. Constantius II implemented administrative reforms to improve tax collection and governance, particularly in the eastern provinces. 

His later years were characterized by military campaigns against the Goths, who posed a significant threat to the empire. Constantius II died on November 3, 361 AD, in Cilicia while preparing for a campaign against the Persians. His reign is often viewed as a period of internal strife and religious conflict, with lasting effects on early Christian theology. Overall, Constantius II's leadership faced numerous challenges and laid the groundwork for the eventual rise of Julian, his cousin and successor.