Michael II

Michael II, known as the Stammerer, was a prominent military leader who ascended to the Byzantine throne on December twenty-five, eight hundred twenty. His reign marked the beginning of the Amorian dynasty, and he ruled until his death on October two, eight hundred twenty-nine.

Born in Amorium, Michael's early career was defined by his military prowess. He rose through the ranks alongside Leo V the Armenian, contributing to the overthrow of Emperor Michael I Rhangabe. However, a rift between the two led to Michael's near execution at Leo's hands, prompting him to orchestrate a conspiracy that resulted in Leo's assassination during the Christmas season of eight hundred twenty.

Upon taking the throne, Michael faced significant challenges, including the long and arduous revolt led by Thomas the Slav, which threatened his rule until it was finally subdued in the spring of eight hundred twenty-four. His later years were marred by two catastrophic military defeats: the onset of the Muslim conquest of Sicily and the loss of Crete to Andalusian Arab pirates.

Despite these setbacks, Michael II was a staunch supporter of the iconoclastic movement, reinforcing the policies initiated under Leo V. His reign, though tumultuous, was pivotal in shaping the Byzantine Empire during a critical period of its history.