Tiberius III

Tiberius III, originally named Apsimar, emerged as a significant figure in the Eastern Roman Empire during the late seventh century. His early life remains largely obscure, but he held the position of droungarios, a mid-level commander, within the Cibyrrhaeot Theme. His military career took a pivotal turn in six hundred ninety-six when he participated in an expedition ordered by Byzantine Emperor Leontius to reclaim Carthage from the Arab Umayyads.

Despite the initial success of the campaign, Tiberius and his fellow soldiers faced overwhelming Umayyad reinforcements, forcing them to retreat to Crete. In a dramatic turn of events, fearing the repercussions from Leontius, some officers assassinated their commander, John the Patrician, and proclaimed Tiberius as emperor. Seizing the moment, Tiberius quickly assembled a fleet and sailed to Constantinople, where he successfully deposed Leontius.

Although Tiberius did not pursue the reconquest of Byzantine Africa, he directed his military efforts against the Umayyads along the eastern front, achieving some notable victories. However, his reign was cut short in seven hundred five when Justinian II, the former emperor, returned with an army of Slavs and Bulgars, secretly entering Constantinople and deposing Tiberius.

After his deposition, Tiberius fled to Bithynia but was captured a few months later. His fate was sealed when Justinian ordered his execution, leading to Tiberius's beheading between August seven hundred five and February seven hundred six. Initially discarded into the sea, his remains were later recovered and interred in a church on the island of Prote, marking the end of his tumultuous reign.