Nikephoros (son of Artabasdos)

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Nikephoros
Emperor of the Romans
Solidus of Nikephoros, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding patriarchal cross
Byzantine co-emperor
(with Artabasdos)
ReignJune 741/2–2 November 743
PredecessorConstantine V
SuccessorConstantine V
FatherArtabasdos

Nikephoros (Greek: Νικηφόρος) was junior Byzantine Emperor from 741 to 743. He was crowned after his father, Artabasdos (r. 741–743) usurped Emperor Constantine V (r. 741–775). Constantine seized power again on 2 November 743, and Nikephoros, Artabasdos, and Niketas were blinded and confined in the Chora Church.

Life[edit]

Nikephoros was made strategos of Thrace by his father Artabasdos soon after he usurped the throne from Byzantine Emperor Constantine V, around June or July of 741.[1] He was elevated to junior co-emperor at some point in 741.[2][3]

After Constantine defeated Artabasdos on 2 November 743, he had Artabasdos, Nikephoros, and Niketas humiliated in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being blinded and confined in the Chora Church.[4][5]

References[edit]

Bibliography[edit]

  • Brubaker, Leslie; Haldon, John (2011). Byzantium in the Iconoclast Era, c. 680-850: A History. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-43093-7.
  • Garland, Lynda (2006). Byzantine Women: Varieties of Experience 800-1200. Ashgate. ISBN 978-0-7546-5737-8.
  • Oikonomides, Nicolas (1986). A Collection of Dated Byzantine Lead Seals. Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection. ISBN 978-0-88402-150-6.