Flavius Julius Crispus was the son of Constantine and his first wife/concubine, Minervina. He was born sometime around 300, and when Constantine became a member of the Tetrarchy in 307 he had to put aside Minervina to marry Fausta, the daughter of one of the senior Tetrarchs, Maximian.

On 1 March 317 Crispus was appointed Caesar by Constantine, and was a key figure in his military activities. He was responsible for the province of Gaul, with the assistance of a military commander. In 320 and 323 he led campaigns against the Frank and Alamanni Germanic tribes. In 324 he was the commander of Constantine's naval fleet in the eastern Mediterranean, in the war against Licinius.

He was very highly regarded by contemporary sources, which refer to his "magnificent deeds" and call him "an emperor most dear to God." A popular and successful commander, his position as Constantine's heir was virtually guaranteed.

His life ended under mysterious circumstances. In 326 Constantine, his father, ordered him executed. His step-mother Fausta was executed this same year. Some historians, writing centuries after the fact, have claimed there was an affair between the two. Another possibility is a plan of treason. One of the most logical claims is that Fausta wanted to advance her own three sons by discrediting the highly successful Crispus. This theory states that she began spreading rumors about him plotting treason, and on the basis of these Constantine had him executed. Later, upon discovering his wife's role in this, he had her executed also.

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