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| Anastasius
II
Byzantine Emperor (–719) Other names: Artemios Biographical Byzantine Emperor 713–15 abd Chief secretary to Emperor Philippicus Bardanes Protoasecretis Artemios, a native of Armenia, assumed imperial power under the name Anastasius II following the deposition of Philippikos by the officers of the Opsikion theme. He promptly annulled Philippikos’ endorsement of Monotheletism, deposing Patriarch John VI and installing Germanos I, while reaffirming the doctrinal rulings of the Third Council of Constantinople. In 714, after Maslama’s incursion into Galatia, Anastasius initiated peace overtures to Caliph Walid. Upon receiving intelligence of extensive military preparations in Syria, he undertook defensive measures for a possible siege of Constantinople. He designated competent commanders, among them Leo III, and instructed the populace either to provision themselves for a three-year duration or evacuate the city. Concurrently, he reinforced the city’s fortifications, supervising the reconstruction of the fleet, the restoration of the terrestrial and maritime walls, and the preparation of siege engines and grain reserves. In 715, Anastasius dispatched a naval force to disrupt the Arab timber operations in Phoenicia; however, the expedition collapsed at Rhodes, leading to a revolt by the Opsikion troops in support of Theodosius III. After a six-month struggle, Anastasius relinquished the throne and entered monastic life, subsequently being exiled to Thessalonica. In 719, encouraged by the magistros Niketas Xylinites, he attempted a campaign against Constantinople with the assistance of the Bulgarian ruler Tervel. Nevertheless, the Bulgars surrendered him to Leo, who ordered his execution. Place of death: Constantinople Place of burial: Church of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople He was married to Irene. |
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