Constantiolus

Constantiolus was a general of the Byzantine Empire, active early in the reign of Justinian I (r. 527–565). He succeeded Justin in command of Moesia Secunda. A passage of Theophanes the Confessor incorrectly identifies him as "Constantinus" (Constantine).

Biography

Origins and early career: dux of Moesia According to John Malalas and Theophanes the Confessor, the father of Constantiolus was named Florentius. No details are given about him, though he could be identified with Florentius, Roman consul in 515. It is likely that Constantiolus held the title of dux Moesiae Secundae and the rank of magister militum (often rendered in Greek as stratelates). Constantiolus returned to Constantinople with his findings. His report probably contributed to the end of Belisarius' service as magister militum per Orientem and his replacement by Mundus. Constantiolus and Mundus, who were to have guarded the palace in the emperor's absence, instead joined Belisarius in attacking rioters massed in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The event ended the Nika riots and also seems to be the last chronological mention of Constantiolus.