# Constantine — The Divine Comedy character guide

> Constantine in The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0021-canto-xix

## Who they are

Roman emperor whose Donation is criticized in the poem.

## In the story

### [Canto III: Piccarda and Constance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-iii)

Mentioned as 'Costanza' (Constance), the mother of Frederick II, who was also a nun torn from her convent.

### [Canto VI: Justinian's Discourse on the Roman Eagle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-vi)

Mentioned as the emperor who turned the eagle against the course of heaven.

### [Canto XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xv)

Referenced indirectly through the mention of the Emperor Conrad, whom Cacciaguida followed.

### [Canto XX: The Righteous Kings and the Mystery of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xx)

The next king on the Eagle's arc who, with good intent, ceded to the pastor (the Pope), leading to the Donation of Constantine.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/characters/constantine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/characters