Licinius was of peasant origin; his family was from Dacia.
A second war between Constantine and Licinius took place in 324. Licinius was defeated twice on July 3 at Adrianople and on September 18 at Chrysopolis. Soon thereafter, he surrendered to Constantine. Constantia interceded with her half-brother for the life of her husband, and Constantine spared Licinius' life, ordering him to reside at Thessalonike as a private citizen. A few months later, in the spring of 325, Constantine ordered Licinius to be executed, violating the oath which he had sworn to Constantia. A year or so later, in 326, the younger Licinius also fell victim to Constantine's wrath or suspicions.