Constantius Becomes Senior Emperor

The immediate result of this conduct was a reward from the hand of God, so that he came to the supreme authority of the empire. For the older emperors, for some unknown reason, gave up their power, and this sudden change took place in the first year after their persecution of the churches. [a]

From that time Constantius alone received the honors of chief Augustus. He had earlier been distinguished with the diadem of the imperial Caesars, among whom he held first rank. But after his worth had been proved in that office, he was invested with the highest dignity of the Roman Empire, being named chief Augustus of the four who were afterward chosen for that honor. He also surpassed most emperors in the size of his family, having gathered around him a very large circle of children, both sons and daughters. And finally, when he had reached a happy old age and was about to pay the debt that all must pay and exchange this life for another, God once more showed his power in a special way on his behalf. He arranged that his eldest son Constantine should be present in his last moments, ready to receive the imperial power from his hands. [b]