Irlandos at 08:20, September 10, 2005

2005-09-10T08:20:53Z

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'''Anastasius II''' (Greek Αναστάσιος Β') (died [[721]]), [[Byzantine emperor]], whose original name was '''Artemius''', was raised to the throne of [[Constantinople]] by the voice of the [[Byzantine senate|senate]] and people in [[713]], on the deposition of [[Philippicus]], whom he had served in the capacity of secretary.

The empire was threatened by the Saracens both by land and sea, and Anastasius sent an army under [[Leo III|Leo the Isaurian]], afterwards emperor, to defend Syria; adopted wise and resolute measures for the defence of his capital; attempted to reorganize the discipline of the army; and equipped and despatched to [[Rhodes]] a formidable naval force, with orders not only to resist the approach of the enemy, but to destroy their naval stores.

The troops of the Opsikian ''[[thema|theme]]'', resenting the emperor's strict measures, mutinied, slew the admiral, and proclaimed [[Theodosius III|Theodosius]], a person of low extraction, emperor. After a six months' siege, [[Constantinople]] was taken by Theodosius; Anastasius, who had fled to [[Nicaea]], was compelled to submit to the new emperor in [[716]] and retired to a monastery in [[Thessaloniki|Thessalonica]].

In [[721]], Anastasius headed a revolt against Leo, who had succeeded Theodosius, and receiving a considerable amount of support, laid siege to Constantinople. The enterprise failed, and Anastasius, falling into Leo's hands, was put to death by his orders.

[[Category:721 deaths]]
[[Category:Byzantine emperors]]
[[Category:Heraclian Dynasty]]

Anastasius II - Revision history

Irlandos at 08:20, September 10, 2005