Nikephoros (Greek: Νικηφόρος) was junior Byzantine Emperor from 741 to 743. He was crowned after his father, Artabasdos (r. 741–743) usurped Emperor Constantine V (r. 741–775). Constantine seized power again on 2 November 743, and Nikephoros, Artabasdos, and Niketas were blinded and confined in the Chora Church.
Nikephoros | |
---|---|
Emperor of the Romans | |
Solidus of Nikephoros, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding patriarchal cross | |
Byzantine co-emperor | |
Reign | June 741/2–2 November 743 |
Predecessor | Constantine V |
Successor | Constantine V |
Father | Artabasdos |
Life
editNikephoros was made strategos of Thrace by his father Artabasdos soon after he usurped the throne from Byzantine Emperor Constantine V, around June or July of 741.[1] He was elevated to junior co-emperor at some point in 741.[2][3]
After Constantine defeated Artabasdos on 2 November 743, he had Artabasdos, Nikephoros, and Niketas humiliated in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being blinded and confined in the Chora Church.[4][5]
References
edit- ^ Brubaker & Haldon 2011, p. 686.
- ^ Brubaker & Haldon 2011, p. 158.
- ^ Garland 2006, p. 10.
- ^ Garland 2006, p. 9.
- ^ Oikonomides 1986, p. 46.
Bibliography
edit- Brubaker, Leslie; Haldon, John (2011). Byzantium in the Iconoclast Era, c. 680-850: A History. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-43093-7.
- Garland, Lynda (2006). Byzantine Women: Varieties of Experience 800-1200. Ashgate. ISBN 978-0-7546-5737-8.
- Oikonomides, Nicolas (1986). A Collection of Dated Byzantine Lead Seals. Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection. ISBN 978-0-88402-150-6.