Irlandos at 08:24, September 10, 2005

2005-09-10T08:24:04Z

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'''Theodosius III''', (Greek Θεοδόσιος Γ') emperor of the [[Byzantine Empire]] ([[715]]-[[717]]), was a financial officer and tax collector in [[Adramyttium]] before being acclaimed in May of 715 as an imperial candidate for the troops of the Opsikian [[theme (province)|theme]] rebelling against [[Anastasius II]].

According to the chronicler [[Theophanes]], Theodosius was unwilling to accept the honor, but found himself unable to reject it. The future emperor and his troops immediately laid siege to [[Constantinople]]. Six months later, in November, they captured the city and deposed Anastasius.

Little is known of Theodosius' short reign. He immediately faced rebellions in [[Asia Minor|Anatolia]] and invasion by an Arab fleet. In 716 he concluded a treaty with the Khan Tervel favorable to the Bulgarians in effort to repel the Arab invasion.

In 717, Leo the Isaurian (the future [[Leo III]]) rebelled against Theodosius' rule. Theodosius' son was captured by Leo in [[Nicomedia]], and Theodosius chose to resign the throne on [[March 25]], 717. He and his son subsequently entered the clergy.

By [[729]] Theodosius is believed to have become bishop of [[Ephesus]]. Modern historians however suspect the bishop was actually Theodosius' namesake son. Either way, this bishop was last recorded alive on [[July 24]], [[754]], taking part in the [[iconoclastic]] [[Council of Hieria]].

[[Category:750s deaths]]
[[Category:Byzantine emperors]]

Theodosius III - Revision history

Irlandos at 08:24, September 10, 2005