WI Crispus survives?

Crispus was Emperor's Constantine I firstborn son by his concubine (other sources mention her as his first wife) Minervina.
He was a brilliant military commander leading the Roman army to victory against Alemmani and Franks and distinguished himself during his father's civil wars against Licinius in the naval battle of Hellespontus.
Proclaimed Caesar aged 17 and he was his father's favourite son and appeared to be his undisputed heir.
However he was falsely accused of assaulting Fausta (his stepmother) and in a fit of rage Constantine ordered his execution.
But Constantine soon regretted that decision and reversed the order but it was too late... Crispus had already been executed in Pola...

WI Crispus had survived? Would he succeeded his father as sole Emperor or Constantine would divide the Empire in 4 parts instead of 3 (as per OTL)?
Crispus being a brilliant military commander would he be more capable in dealing with Persians and several barbarian tribes threatening the Empire if he had succeed his father to the Purple (whether as sole Emperor or co-Emperor with his half-brothers)?
 
Well, if we assume that Constantine dies in 337, Crispus would be early-to-mid thirties now, a grown man. Compared to his younger half-siblings he would have had a longer time successfully learning of the divisions in the empire, and given that he was reportedly much like his fate in all things, especially in a successful military career (which the Romans valued above all else - support of the army being crucial, and Crispus had that), and if he does support the Christian faith, then there is a chance that the ROman Empire may survive longer, even with his brothers causing significant problems - of which would happen.

But you also have to keep in mind that he does have his own son (born in 325, i think, and a wife,) so he does have his own family at the time, a more successful Constantinian dynasty might be a good thing.
 
Well, if we assume that Constantine dies in 337, Crispus would be early-to-mid thirties now, a grown man. Compared to his younger half-siblings he would have had a longer time successfully learning of the divisions in the empire, and given that he was reportedly much like his fate in all things, especially in a successful military career (which the Romans valued above all else - support of the army being crucial, and Crispus had that), and if he does support the Christian faith, then there is a chance that the ROman Empire may survive longer, even with his brothers causing significant problems - of which would happen.

But you also have to keep in mind that he does have his own son (born in 325, i think, and a wife,) so he does have his own family at the time, a more successful Constantinian dynasty might be a good thing.

I agree... Also i forgot to mention that Crispus had the complete loyalty of the Legions who they adored him after leading them to numerous victories... Also he was Augusta's Helena favourite grandson and she might have influenced him towards christian faith... A strong Constantinian dynasty would propably saved the Empire from some dangers that occured in OTL...
 
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He's still in danger from Fausta, if she's still alive, and her sons.

I don't think a 4-way division (or 6-way if you count Delmatius and Hanniballianus) will be stable. His half brothers eliminated Delmatius and Hanniballianus in OTL (and later turned against each other), and they would treat Crispus the same way. He'll therefore have to fight to keep his share.

He might succeed since he was by far the best commander of the four, although they had the advantages of (i) having more resources and (ii) being legitimate, which Crispus may not have been.
 
He's still in danger from Fausta, if she's still alive, and her sons.

I don't think a 4-way division (or 6-way if you count Delmatius and Hanniballianus) will be stable. His half brothers eliminated Delmatius and Hanniballianus in OTL (and later turned against each other), and they would treat Crispus the same way. He'll therefore have to fight to keep his share.

He might succeed since he was by far the best commander of the four, although they had the advantages of (i) having more resources and (ii) being legitimate, which Crispus may not have been.

As i said above Crispus was extremely popular with the army so there is a chance that his brothers soldiers might refuse to fight against him...
If this happens then they have to find another way to neutralise him without upseting the Legions...
 
Well, when Crispus was charged with committing "incest" - or attempted incest with Fausta, Constantine's mother, Helena, was apparently extremely influential in throwing suspicion against Fausta as she wanted to secure her sons on the throne. A POD at this point could be that Crispus is save at the expense of Fausta.

I would agree that if the other three children survive, then there is going to be significant problems for Crispus down the road.
 
Well, when Crispus was charged with committing "incest" - or attempted incest with Fausta, Constantine's mother, Helena, was apparently extremely influential in throwing suspicion against Fausta as she wanted to secure her sons on the throne. A POD at this point could be that Crispus is save at the expense of Fausta.

I would agree that if the other three children survive, then there is going to be significant problems for Crispus down the road.

If i am not mistaken Augusta Helena was absent from the court when Crispus was executed thus she was unable to save him... However if Constantine's second order reversing Crispus's death sentence arrived on time then Crispus would have propably been exonerated after his grandmother's return...
 
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