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Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter I. Downfall of Heathenism and Victory of Christianity in the Roman Empire." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. pp. 1783-1838. (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library).
§ 3. The Sons of Constantine. A.D. 337-361. (pp. 1805-1807).
Schaff notes that while Constantine had held a monarchy, upon his death in 337, the "empire was divided among his three sons, Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius" (Schaff 2014, p. 1805). There was considerable unrest as the three jockeyed for position. In 340 Constans overcame Constantine II, and Constantius, with the help of a field officer, overthrew Constans, so became sole ruler in 350 (Schaff 2014, p. 1806). Schaff considers the three sons to have failed to adopt their father's tolerant attitudes, showing that lack through violent attacks upon pagans, including confiscation of property so as to give it to churches. This violence provoked many, at least outwardly, to convert to Christianity. Constantius further became an avowed Arian, rather than an orthodox Christian.. Orthodox Christians, not surprisingly, urged toleration for the orthodox point of view (Schaff 2014, p. 1807).