Justinian II

Justinian II, known as 'the Slit-Nosed', was born in six hundred sixty-eight or six hundred sixty-nine and became the last Byzantine emperor of the Heraclian dynasty. His reign spanned from six hundred eighty-five to six hundred ninety-five and again from seven hundred five to seven hundred eleven. Ambitious and passionate, he sought to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory, much like his predecessor, Justinian I.

However, Justinian II's approach to governance was marked by brutality towards any opposition, a stark contrast to the more diplomatic style of his father, Constantine IV. This heavy-handedness led to widespread discontent, culminating in a popular uprising that resulted in his deposition in six hundred ninety-five.

After a decade away from the throne, Justinian II returned in seven hundred five, aided by a Bulgarian army. His second reign proved to be even more despotic than the first, as he continued to suppress dissent with an iron fist. Ultimately, his reign came to a violent end when he was killed by mutinous soldiers in seven hundred eleven.