Crispus (as Caesar 317 - 326CE)

Crispus (as Caesar 1 March 317 - 326CE). Flavius Julius Crispus, also known as Flavius Claudius Crispus and Flavius Valerius Crispus, was the son of Constantine I and his first wife, Minervina. He was proclaimed Caesar on March 1, 317, together with his half-brother Contantine II and his first cousin Licinius Junior. He was a brilliant military leader and was the heir to the empire until he was executed. The most acceptable version of events indicate that he was set up by his stepmother, Fausta, who had become jealous of his influence over Constantine, so claimed that Crispus had attempted to rape her. Constantine believed her and had him executed - he then executed Fausta when he discovered the truth a few months later. Crispus and his family suffered damnatio memoriae together with Fausta.