Difference between revisions of "Michael II"
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He had favoured the enthronement of his old companion in arms [[Leo V|Leo the Armenian]] ([[813]]), but, detected in a conspiracy against that emperor, had been sentenced to death in December 820; his partisans, however, succeeded in assassinating Leo and called Michael from the prison to the throne as the first representative of the Amorian dynasty. | He had favoured the enthronement of his old companion in arms [[Leo V|Leo the Armenian]] ([[813]]), but, detected in a conspiracy against that emperor, had been sentenced to death in December 820; his partisans, however, succeeded in assassinating Leo and called Michael from the prison to the throne as the first representative of the Amorian dynasty. | ||
| − | Several features marked his reign: a struggle against his brother general, Thomas, who aimed at the throne ([[822]]-[[824]]); the conquest of [[Crete]] by the Saracens in [[823]]; and the beginning of their attacks upon | + | Several features marked his reign: a struggle against his brother general, Thomas, who aimed at the throne ([[822]]-[[824]]); the conquest of [[Crete]] by the Saracens in [[823]]; and the beginning of their attacks upon Sicily ([[827]]). |
In spite of his [[iconoclasm|iconoclastic]] sympathies, he endeavoured to conciliate the image-worshippers, but incurred the wrath of the monks by entering into a second marriage with [[Euphrosyne]], daughter of [[Constantine VI]], who had previously taken the veil. | In spite of his [[iconoclasm|iconoclastic]] sympathies, he endeavoured to conciliate the image-worshippers, but incurred the wrath of the monks by entering into a second marriage with [[Euphrosyne]], daughter of [[Constantine VI]], who had previously taken the veil. | ||
Latest revision as of 10:57, December 4, 2006
Michael II, called Psellus, "the stammerer," or "the Amorian" (770-829) reigned as Byzantine emperor 820 - 829. Born in Amorium in Phrygia, he began his career as a private soldier, but rose by his talents to the rank of general.
He had favoured the enthronement of his old companion in arms Leo the Armenian (813), but, detected in a conspiracy against that emperor, had been sentenced to death in December 820; his partisans, however, succeeded in assassinating Leo and called Michael from the prison to the throne as the first representative of the Amorian dynasty.
Several features marked his reign: a struggle against his brother general, Thomas, who aimed at the throne (822-824); the conquest of Crete by the Saracens in 823; and the beginning of their attacks upon Sicily (827).
In spite of his iconoclastic sympathies, he endeavoured to conciliate the image-worshippers, but incurred the wrath of the monks by entering into a second marriage with Euphrosyne, daughter of Constantine VI, who had previously taken the veil.