Justinian II “the Slit-nosed” ruled as emperor of the Byzantine Empire in two spells: from 685 to 695 CE and then again from 705 to 711 CE. It was after his first reign and prior to his exile that his nose was cut off by the usurper Leontios and so Justinian acquired his nickname. Unpopular with his people, whom he incessantly overtaxed, and suffering from a justified reputation for cruelty and disproportionate vengeance on those whom he perceived had wronged him, Justinian also struggled on the battlefield. He might have been one of the very few emperors to regain his throne but the fact that he was kicked off it twice by rebellious usurpers with no imperial connections is significant. Seemingly attacking cities at random, butchering anyone remotely regarded as a threat, and even laughing when he lost his own fleet in a storm, Justinian had descended into madness, and his second reign is now remembered as one of the most brutal and terrifying in Byzantine history.
More about: Justinian II8 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$12659 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
668Birth of Byzantine emperor Justinian II.
-
685 - 695First reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian II.
-
691 - 692Byzantine emperor Justinian II convenes the Council in Trullo to decide on rules for Christians.
-
695The usurper Leontios exiles Byzantine emperor Justinian II.
-
698The Byzantine ruler Leontios is exiled by the usurper Apsimar (aka Tiberios III).
-
705 - 711Second reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian II.
-
705Justinian II besieges Constantinople and reinstates himself as Byzantine emperor, removing the usurper Tiberios III.
-
709Byzantine Tyana in Cappadocia is lost to the Arabs.
-
711Pope Constantine visits Constantinople at the invitation of Byzantine emperor Justinian II.
-
4 Nov 711The general and usurper Philippikos murders Byzantine emperor Justinian II.