Michael Ii (Byzantine Emperor)
Michael II the Amorian (died on 8 October 829 ) was Emperor Byzantine from 820 to 829. He is the founder of the dynasty Amorian.
He was born in modest circumstances in Amorium (Amorion) in Phrygia in 770. He joined the army as a private but rises rapidly merit the rank of general.
He married Thekla, the daughter of Bardanios, strategist Anatolia and Dominika. From this first marriage born Theophilus. Bardanios is probably Bardas brother, who is the father of the late Leo V. His second marriage to Euphrosyne , daughter of Constantine VI , who had taken the veil, however, generate a conflict with the Church.
He maintains his companion and cousin Leo V the Armenian when he seizes the throne by overthrowing Rhangab Michael I ( 813 ). But relations between the two men fester and Michael is imprisoned when his involvement in a conspiracy is proven. Sentenced to death in December 820 , he is saved by the reaction of his supporters who murder Leo V in the church St. Sophia , the night of Christmas ( December 25 820 ).
Became emperor, Michael II continues the iconoclastic persecution, reopened its predecessor, while showing some moderation, which earned him some popularity. Upon accession to the throne, he associated his son Theophilus to ensure the transmission of power and legitimacy of his successor.
Michael has to face the revolt of a soldier, Thomas the Slavonian , too general, between 822 and 824. For this he enlists the help of Bulgarians , especially that of Omourtag , the son of Krum ; Thomas, meanwhile, is supported by the Caliph Abbasid. Under siege, the troops of Thomas go after eating their own horses in decomposition. As for Thomas, he is impaled after having had their feet and hands cut off.
Remove the Arabs Crete during his reign ( 823 ) and begin their attacks Sicily ( 829 ).
He died on 8 October 829 , at the age of 59 years, and his son Theophilus succeeds him.
Bibliography
- Jean Skylitzes Emperors of Constantinople "Synopsis Historin" translated and annotated by Bernard Flusin pat Jean-Claude P. Cheynet editions Lethilleux Paris 2003 ( ISBN 2283604591 ) "Michel Le Begue, p.25-46.
| Preceded by | Michael II the Amorian | Followed by | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leo V the Armenian |
| Theophilus |
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