Editing Crispus (section)

== Career==
By 313, there were two remaining ''augusti'' in control of the Roman Empire—Constantine in the west and his brother-in-law [[Licinius]] in the east. On 1 March 317, the two co-reigning ''augusti'' jointly proclaimed three new ''caesares'': Crispus, alongside his younger half-brother [[Constantine II (emperor)|Constantine II]], and his first cousin [[Licinius II|Licinius Junior]].{{sfn|Pohlsander|1984|p=86}} Constantine appointed Crispus as Commander of Gaul.{{sfn|Pohlsander|1984|p=87}} The new ''caesar'' soon held residence in Augusta Treverorum (modern [[Trier]]), regional capital of [[Germania]].

By October 322, Crispus was already married to a woman named Helena, as she bore him a child, a son Flavius, in that month. The [[Codex Theodosianus]] recorded Constantine’s celebration of the event.<ref name="crispus"/>

Crispus was leader in victorious military operations against the [[Franks]] and the [[Alamanni]] in 318, 320 and 323.{{sfn|Pohlsander|1984|p=87}} Thus he secured the continued Roman presence in the areas of Gaul and Germania. The soldiers adored him thanks to his strategic abilities and the victories to which he had led the [[Roman legion]]s.

Crispus spent the following years assisting Constantine in the war against by then hostile Licinius. In 324, Constantine appointed Crispus as the commander of his fleet which left the port of [[Piraeus]] to confront Licinius' fleet. The subsequent [[Battle of the Hellespont]] was fought at the straits of [[Bosporus]]. The 200 ships under the command of Crispus managed to decisively defeat the enemy forces, which were at least double in number. Thus Crispus achieved his most important and difficult victory which further established his reputation as a brilliant general.{{sfn|Pohlsander|1984|p=88}}

Following his navy activities, Crispus was assigned part of the legions loyal to his father. The other part was commanded by Constantine himself. Crispus led the legions assigned to him in another victorious [[battle of Chrysopolis|battle outside Chrysopolis]] against the armies of Licinius.

The two victories were his contribution to the final triumph of his father over Licinius. Constantine was the only ''augustus'' left in the Empire. He honoured his son for his support and success by depicting his face in imperial coins, statues, mosaics, cameos, etc. Eusebius of Caesaria wrote for Crispus that he is "an [[Imperator]] most dear to [[God]] and in all regards comparable to his father,” going as far as to compare their relationship to God the Father and God the Son.{{sfn|Pohlsander|1984|p=98}}