| Minervina | |
|---|---|
 Imaginary portrait (1587) | |
| Roman empress | |
| Tenure | 306–307 (alongsideGaleria Valeria 306–307 andValeria Maximilla 306–307) |
| Spouse | Constantine I (disputed) |
| Issue | Crispus |
Minervina was either the first wife or concubine ofConstantine I, and the mother of his eldest son and futurecaesarCrispus. Little is known of her life. Her birth and death dates are unknown.
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Constantine spent his early life inNicomedia as apolitical hostage inDiocletian's court.[1] Constantine had a relationship with Minervina. Ancient historiansAurelius Victor andZosimus refer to Minervina as aconcubine.[2] On the other hand, apanegyric delivered around 310 states that Constantine was married at a very early age,[3] around the year 290.[2] Barnes, Woods andPLRE view the panegyric as proof that Minervina was married to Constantine,[4][5][2] while Pohlsander considers the possibility of the panegyrist not being entirely truthful.[3]
Crispus's year of birth is nowhere outright stated, she must have given birth to him before 307.[6] Constantine provided a formal education to his son and Crispus was elevated to the rank ofprinceps iuventutis as well as holding the office ofConsul three times.[6] This may suggest that the marriage of Constantine and Minervina was a legal Romanmarriage.[citation needed] When Constantine wanted to strengthen his alliance with the otherTetrarchs, in 307 AD he marriedFausta, the daughter of the emperorMaximian. Minervina might have already been dead by 307, but it is possible that Constantine set her aside[3] or initiated a divorce with her. Minervina does not appear in the historical record after 307 AD.
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