Anastasius II (emperor)

Anastasius II, originally named Artemius, was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 713 to 715. His reign was characterized by pivotal religious and political reforms aimed at stabilizing the Empire during a tumultuous period. One of his most significant actions was the reversal of the previous appointment of a Monothelete patriarch of Constantinople. Instead, he reinstated Orthodoxy by appointing Germanus I, a strategic move intended to win the favor of Pope Constantine.

Throughout his brief reign, Anastasius II dedicated himself to fortifying the Empire and fostering stability. However, his rule was abruptly ended when he was deposed by Theodosius III during the Byzantine campaign against the Umayyad Caliphate in 715. Despite this setback, Anastasius was undeterred and sought to reclaim his throne four years later, in 719, by launching a rebellion against Leo III the Isaurian.

Initially, Anastasius found support from Tervel of Bulgaria, who provided both soldiers and funds for his cause. However, the rebellion faced a critical turning point when Anastasius was unable to enter Constantinople. The Bulgarian forces, under pressure from Leo III, ultimately complied with a request to surrender Anastasius and his allies. This betrayal led to the execution of Anastasius and other members of the rebellion in 719, marking a tragic end to his aspirations for power.