Crispus was the first-born son of Constantine the Great. Even after the birth of children to Fausta, his second wife, Constantine remained close to Crispus. He was an able military commander and seemed the most likely to eventually succeed his father. However, in 326 CE he was suddenly executed on the orders of his father. Shortly afterwards Constantine also ordered the death of his stepmother Fausta. It has been suggested that Crispus was killed because of false accusations, including incest and rape were made by Fausta against Crispus. On discovering them to be untrue, Constantine had Fausta killed.