v09_0746 - ANASTASIO II Solidus

ANASTASIUS II

(3/06/713 - 08/715)

Philippicus was overthrown in June 713 by a military revolt fomented by the troops of the Theme Opsikion. Artemius, a civil servant, was chosen to replace him on June 3, 713. In memory of Anastasius, the founder of the Byzantine Empire, a civilian, Artemius took the name of his illustrious predecessor and joined him as had done four centuries rather Decius with Trajan. The new emperor proved himself up to the task but immediately had to face a surprise attack by the Muslims outside the walls of Constantinople. A new revolt by the military faction that had elected him forced him to abdicate in the summer of 715, but allowed him to retire to a monastery in Thessalonica. Accused of having conspired against Leo III the Isaurian, he was beheaded.