--- title: Byzantine Emperor author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 1970-01-01 --- # Byzantine Emperor _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ The [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) Emperor ruled as an absolute monarch in an institution which lasted from the 4th to 15th century CE. Aided by ministers, high-ranking nobility, and key church figures, the emperor (and sometimes empress) was commander-in-chief of the army, head of the Church and government, controlled the state finances, and appointed or dismissed nobles at will. The position was conventionally hereditary but new dynasties would be founded throughout the medieval period. Living in the sumptuous [Great Palace of Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1211/the-great-palace-of-constantinople/), the emperors enjoyed fabulous wealth but also great risk that, in troubled times, they could be removed by a usurper, imprisoned, blinded, or murdered. Many emperors founded lasting dynasties or achieved even longer-lasting fame as great rulers, and these include [Constantine I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_I/), [Justinian I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Justinian_I/), [Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_I/), [Basil II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_II/), [Alexios I Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexios_I_Komnenos/), [John II Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/John_II_Komnenos/), [Constantine VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_VII/), and [Leo III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_III/). Still others gained infamy for their misrule, military incompetence, and bloody reigns: [Empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/), [Nikephoros I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nikephoros_I/), [Anastasios I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Anastasios_I/), [Constans II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constans_II/), [Constantine V](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_V/), and [Leo I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_I/). ### Coronation The coronation ceremony of [Byzantium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantium/) developed from the simpler ceremony of ancient [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) where the newly crowned emperor was acclaimed by the army who raised their shields in salute. The military flavour of the ceremony would continue into the 6th century CE but an important and lasting addition was the role played by the Patriarch of Constantinople from the 5th century CE onwards. The bishop would pray over the diadem or crown, bless the imperial insignia, and anoint the emperor's head with myrrh. It became a convention for emperors to crown their heir while still on the throne themselves, in which case they would crown their son, but if the new emperor's father was already dead (or the throne had been usurped) then the bishop laid the crown on the new monarch's head and anointed him with the sign of the cross. When proclaimed emperor, the gathered Byzantine nobility would then bow in homage, the *proskynesis*. Within a few centuries, and perhaps in emphasis of the emperor's role as all-powerful, the bishop was relieved of this duty and the emperor crowned himself. This coincided with the moving of the ceremony from the [Hippodrome of Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1158/the-hippodrome-of-constantinople/) to the [Hagia Sophia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hagia_Sophia/) church from the mid-7th century CE (although empresses were crowned in the Augustaion forum and Church of Saint Stephen). With these two changes, it was made more obvious to all that the emperor was appointed by [God](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/). A third connection between the ruler and the church was the often deliberate scheduling of a coronation on an important Christian feast day. Indeed, the whole coronation became a religious ceremony with Holy Communion taken and prayers of blessing said. [ ![Coronation of Theophilos](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/7853.jpg?v=1745995930) Coronation of Theophilos Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7853/coronation-of-theophilos/ "Coronation of Theophilos")Besides the crown, the emperor had special robes for the occasion, the long *chlamys* cloak which was fastened at the wearer's right shoulder. The *chlamys* would ultimately be replaced by the *mandyas*, a long cloak fastened at the front of the neck and more closely connected with ecclesiastical costumes. ### Titles, Regalia & Clothing The emperor was known by several titles over the centuries. As Byzantium was, in effect, the [Eastern Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/), the Latin title of *imperator* was converted to the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) *autokrator*. From the 7th century CE the title of *basileus*, meaning emperor, was adopted instead, actually stolen from Persian rulers. The female equivalent was *basilissa*. Byzantine emperors jealously guarded their titles and prohibited any foreign rulers from adopting similar ones. [Charlemagne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Charlemagne/), the 8th-century CE King of the [Franks](https://www.worldhistory.org/Franks/), unfortunately, could not be prevented from adopting *basileus,* and so Byzantine emperors distinguished themselves by extending their own title to *basileus ton romaion* (Emperor of the Romans) Aside from his jewel-encrusted diadem and the finery of his embroidered robes, the emperor's regalia included the magnificent jewelled brooch to fasten his cloak. This piece of jewellery was composed of a large central stone set in a circle of smaller ones with three jewels suspended from it. The brooch can be clearly seen in the 6th-century CE [mosaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mosaic/) panel depicting Justinian in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/). Another piece of the imperial regalia was a [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) belt sparkling with gems. As the nobility became even more garish in their own attire and equipment, so the emperors became concerned that they were not outshone before the public. Justinian I (r. 527-565 CE) even issued a decree that nobody except himself could embellish their belt or their horse's bridle and saddle with pearls, emeralds, or hyacinths. To make sure everyone complied with the new fashion rules, the punishment for ignoring them was [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) and a fine of 100 lbs of gold. The emperor was also distinct in one other area - the colour of his clothes. [Tyrian purple](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tyrian_Purple/) was a dye produced from the murex shellfish, and it took so many shells to produce a decent quantity of dye that it was tremendously expensive. [ ![Justinian I](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/3341.jpg?v=1775638447) Justinian I Sponsored by a Greek banker, Julius Argentarius (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3341/justinian-i/ "Justinian I")Purple became even more closely associated with emperors when [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) V (r. 741-775 CE) added a new chamber to the imperial residence in the Great [Palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) of Constantinople which was lined with porphyry, a rare purple-laced marble. This room was used thereafter for royal births and gave rise to the phrase *porphyrogennetos* or “to be born in the purple” meaning the person had a legitimate claim to the throne. Finally, even in death, the emperor was distinguished by being the only person to be buried in a sarcophagus of purple porphyry. ### The Imperial Residence For most of the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/)'s history, the official residence of the emperor, his family and court, was the Great Palace of Constantinople. Located along the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/)'s sea walls and first built by Constantine I, the palace would become a sprawling magnificence over the centuries and include a golden throne room, reception halls with clever automata of animals and birds, chapels, a barracks, treasuries with booty from all the empire's wars and conquests, sacred holy relics, [Roman baths](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Baths/), and fountained gardens. There was a communicating wing which connected the complex to the Hippodrome and a huge monumental gate topped with the largest icon in the city, a golden figure of Christ. Fitted out with exotic marble, fine mosaics, and magnificent statues, the palace was designed to impress locals and foreign visitors alike. ### A Remote Figure The coronation was the first of the many public events where the emperor would be seen by the people, but the majority of those which followed would be just as carefully orchestrated whether they be appearances in the Hippodrome or audiences granted to visiting ambassadors. Indeed, the accessibility of the emperors would be reduced by this pomp and circumstance, enhancing their image as a unique individual chosen by God to rule the empire. This withdrawal had consequences for government, too, as here described by the historian T. E. Gregory: > As the emperor withdrew into the narrow confines of palace and court, those who were close to him naturally gained considerable real power, though not always the prestige that went with it. Thus, the members of the emperor's family, especially his wife and mother, and the chamberlains and other domestic servants (who were often eunuchs) gained appreciably in power. They frequently controlled access to the emperor, and individuals who wished to present petitions or seek the ear of the emperor often had first to secure the favor of these influential people (41). Very few of his subjects might have ever seen the emperor in person, but one thing most people saw across the empire was his image. On coins, medallions, weights, plaques, mosaics, and [sculpture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Sculpture/), the emperor's likeness was everywhere. Another visible aspect of an emperor's reign was their support for the arts and patronage of scholars. Buildings were erected, old ones refurbished, new manuscripts produced, and lands donated to the church and monasteries. The common people's best chance of catching a glimpse of their emperor was when he rode to church, especially on important holidays like [Easter](https://www.worldhistory.org/Easter/), when traditionally the ruler would throw gold coins into the crowd. [ ![Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/7643.jpg?v=1773261315) Basil I Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7643/basil-i/ "Basil I")### Government The emperor was assisted by various ministers and advisors: - the *[quaestor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Quaestor/)* or chief legal officer - the *magister officiorum* who looked after the general administration of the palace, the army and its supplies, and foreign affairs - the *cursus publicus* who supervised the public post - the *comes sacrarum largitionum* who controlled the state mint and supervised customs houses and mines - the *comes rei privatae* who looked after the imperial estates - the Urban Prefect who was, essentially, the mayor of Constantinople - and the many imperial inspectors who were dispatched to the provinces to make sure laws and policies were being respected there. Perhaps the most senior figure in the empire besides the emperor and the Patriarch was the Praetorian Prefect of the East to whom all regional governors of the empire were accountable to. The regional governors supervised the individual city councils or curae,* but these could directly petition the emperor so that there was both a direct and indirect chain of authority through which imperial policy was transmitted to the ordinary people. The emperor's main tool of government besides the individual officials mentioned above was the Senate of Constantinople and particularly the small group of elite aristocrats who made up the Senate's *sacrum consistorium*. The emperor was, in theory anyway, supposed to consult the *consistorium* on matters of state importance. In the 7th century CE, as the empire was increasingly threatened by its neighbours, the Emperor [Heraclius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heraclius/) (r. 610-641 CE) permanently changed this system so that regional governors - now, in effect, provincial military commanders (*strategoi*) - were directly responsible to and reported to the emperor himself, and the Praetorian Prefect was abolished. [ ![Manuel I Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/8033.jpg?v=1746988384) Manuel I Komnenos Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8033/manuel-i-komnenos/ "Manuel I Komnenos")### Changes of Emperor The Byzantine emperor was considered to have been selected by God to rule the empire and was thus given the right to pass on the role to his male (or even female) children but there were many cases when ambitious military men took advantage of economic strife or a series of military defeats at the hands of foreign powers to seize the throne for themselves by violence. With the backing of the army or a large section of it, such men had the power to halt the dynastic line and start a new one of their own. As the historian C. Mango here summarises, the emperor, and particularly unsuccessful ones, always had to be on the lookout for usurpers: > Of the thirty-nine emperors who ruled between 780 and 1204, nineteen were forcibly deposed, six through outright murder, with another two dying as a result of blinding, the standard method of disqualification. Foul play was suspected in at least three other imperial deaths, and of the hundreds of failed conspiracies and revolts, at least eight posed major military challenges to the incumbent regime. (201) There was then, a clear ideological separation between the institution of the emperor and the person who actually held the office. Faces might change but what was most important was a continuity of government and, above all, economic and military success. Emperors often used the names which recalled illustrious predecessors, Constantine was adopted by eleven rulers, for example. Customs and traditions were also maintained such as [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) baths, [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/), monumental sculpture, [chariot](https://www.worldhistory.org/chariot/) racing, and the use of Latin and Attic Greek, which all helped create the illusion of continuity going back to the earliest Roman emperors of the west. Further, even those who usurped the throne by violent means were almost always high-ranking military men, close to the emperor and familiar with the inner workings of government. Upon acquiring the throne, usurpers very often sought to legitimize their position by marrying a member of their predecessors family and lavishly refurbishing the ancient monuments of their capital. Through this carefully orchestrated continuity, the position of Byzantine emperor was able to resist rebellions, invasions, and sieges so that the institution lasted an astonishing 12 centuries before the empire fell to the Ottomans in 1453 CE. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - Bagnall, R.S. *The Encyclopedia of Ancient History.* Wiley-Blackwell, 2012 - [Brownworth, L. *Lost to the West.* Broadway Books, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0307407969/) - [Gregory, T.E. *A History of Byzantium.* Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/140518471X/) - [Herrin, J. *Byzantium.* Princeton University Press, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0691143692/) - [Mango, C. *The Oxford History of Byzantium.* Oxford University Press, 2002.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0198140983/) - [Norwich, J.J. *A Short History of Byzantium.* Vintage, 1998.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0679772693/) - [Rosser, J. H. *Historical Dictionary of Byzantium.* Scarecrow Press, 2001.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0810839792/) - [Shepard, J. *The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire c.500-1492.* Cambridge University Press, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0521832314/) ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Timeline - **395 CE - 408 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Arkadios. - **408 CE - 450 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Thedosius II. - **450 CE - 457 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Marcian. - **457 CE**: [Leo I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_I/) is crowned by the Patriarch of [Constantinople](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantinople/), the first [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) to be crowned by a bishop. - **457 CE - 474 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Leo I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_I/). - **474 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Leo II. - **491 CE - 518 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Anastasios I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Anastasios_I/). - **518 CE - 527 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Justin I. - **527 CE - 565 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Justinian I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Justinian_I/). - **565 CE - 578 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Justin II. - **578 CE - 582 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Tiberius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiberius/) II. - **582 CE - 602 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Maurice. - **602 CE - 610 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Phocas. - **610 CE - 641 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Heraclius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heraclius/). - **641 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) III. - **641 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Heraklonas. - **668 CE - 685 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine IV](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_IV/). - **685 CE - 695 CE**: First reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Justinian II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Justinian_II/). - **695 CE - 698 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Leontios. - **698 CE - 705 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Tiberios II. - **705 CE - 711 CE**: Second reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Justinian II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Justinian_II/). - **711 CE - 713 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Philippikos. - **713 CE - 716 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Anastasius II - **716 CE - 717 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Theodosius III. - **717 CE - 741 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Leo III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_III/). - **720 CE**: [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Leo III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_III/) makes his son [Constantine V](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_V/) co-emperor. - **741 CE - 775 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine V](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_V/) - **775 CE - 780 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Leo IV. - **780 CE - 790 CE**: [Empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/) rules as regent for [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_VI/). - **780 CE - 797 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_VI/) (with [Empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/) as regent 780-790 CE). - **790 CE**: [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_VI/) exiles his mother and regent [Empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/). - **797 CE - 802 CE**: [Empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/) rules the [Byzantine empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/). - **802 CE**: [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) [empress Irene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Irene/) is exiled to [Lesbos](https://www.worldhistory.org/lesbos/). - **802 CE - 811 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Nikephoros I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nikephoros_I/). - **811 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Stavrakios. - **811 CE - 813 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael I. - **813 CE - 820 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Leo V the Armenian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_V_the_Armenian/). - **820 CE - 829 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Michael II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_II/). - **829 CE - 842 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Theophilos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Theophilos/). - **842 CE - 867 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Michael III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_III/). - **866 CE**: [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Michael III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_III/) makes Basil the Macedonian co-emperor. - **867 CE**: Basil the Macedonian murders [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Michael III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Michael_III/) and declares himself Emperor [Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_I/). - **867 CE - 886 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_I/). - **869 CE**: [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_I/) crowns his son [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) co-emperor. - **870 CE**: [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Basil I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Basil_I/) crowns his son Leo co-emperor (future [Leo VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Leo_VI/)). - **912 CE - 913 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/). - **920 CE - 944 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Romanos I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Romanos_I/) Lekapenos. - **945 CE - 959 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_VII/) (ruled with a regent from 912 CE). - **959 CE - 963 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Romanos II. - **963 CE - 969 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Nikephoros II Phokas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nikephoros_II_Phokas/). - **969 CE - 976 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [John I Tzimiskes](https://www.worldhistory.org/John_I_Tzimiskes/). - **1025 CE - 1028 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) VIII. - **1028 CE - 1034 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Romanos III Argyros. - **1028 CE - 1050 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) [Empress Zoe](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Zoe/) (including spells alongside three husbands, a nephew and sister). - **1034 CE - 1041 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael IV the Paphalgonian. - **1041 CE - 1042 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael V. - **1042 CE - 1055 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) IX. - **Apr 1042 CE - Jun 1042 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) empresses Zoe and Theodora. - **1055 CE - 1056 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) [Empress Theodora](https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Theodora/) (alone). - **1056 CE - 1057 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael VI. - **1057 CE - 1059 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Isaac I Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Isaac_I_Komnenos/). - **1059 CE - 1067 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) X. - **1067 CE - 1071 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Romanus IV Diogenes. - **1 Jan 1068 CE**: [Romanos IV Diogenes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Romanos_IV_Diogenes/) marries the widowed Empress Eudokia and becomes [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/). - **1071 CE - 1078 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael VII. - **1078 CE - 1081 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Nikephoros III. - **Apr 1081 CE - Aug 1118 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Alexios I Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexios_I_Komnenos/). - **1118 CE - 1143 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [John II Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/John_II_Komnenos/). - **1143 CE - 1180 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Manuel I Komnenos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Manuel_I_Komnenos/). - **1180 CE - 1183 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Alexios II. - **1183 CE - 1185 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Andronikos I. - **1185 CE - 1195 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Isaac II. - **1195 CE - 1203 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Alexios III. - **1203 CE - 1204 CE**: Joint reign of [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) emperors Isaac II and Alexios IV. - **1204 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Alexios IV. - **1204 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) Alexios V. - **1259 CE - 1282 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael VIII. - **1282 CE - 1328 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Andronikos I. - **1293 CE - 1320 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Michael IX. - **1328 CE - 1341 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Andronikos III. - **1341 CE - 1354 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) John VI. - **1341 CE - 1376 CE**: First reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) John V. - **1376 CE - 1379 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Andronikos IV. - **1379 CE - 1391 CE**: Second reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) John V. - **1390 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) John VII. - **1391 CE - 1425 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) Manuel II. - **1425 CE - 1448 CE**: Reign of [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) John VIII. - **1449 CE**: [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) XI Palaiologos is crowned as the last [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) in [Mystras](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mystras/). - **1449 CE - 1453 CE**: Reign of the last [Byzantine emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) [Constantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Constantine/) XI. ## External Links - [List of Rulers of the Roman Empire | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/roru/hd_roru.htm) ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2018, April 11). Byzantine Emperor. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine\_Emperor/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/) ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Byzantine Emperor." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 11, 2018. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine\_Emperor/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/). ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Byzantine Emperor." *World History Encyclopedia*, 11 Apr 2018, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine\_Emperor/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Emperor/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 11 April 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). 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