Byzantine Emperor. He became co-emperor with his father, Leo IV, in AD 776. In AD 780, while only nine years old, he succeeded his father as sole Emperor but, due to his age, real power was held by his mother, the regent Empress Irene. Irene retained her authority over her son even after he turned sixteen in AD 789 and was responsible for breaking off his engagement to the daughter of King Charlemagne in the following year. In AD 790, Irene tried to have her rule legitimized, but Constantine prevented this with the support of the army. His weakness even after taking full control soon cost him the army's favour and, after being defeated by Kardam of Bulgaria in AD 792, a rebellion grew in support of his uncle, Nikephoros. Nikephoros was punished by having his eyes put out and his four brothers' tongues were cut out. A further revolt in Armenia was also ruthlessly repressed. He finally lost his last supporters when he divorced his wife and married his mistress, Theodote, and in AD 797 he was captured and blinded by his mother's followers. He died from his wounds a few days later.
Byzantine Emperor. He became co-emperor with his father, Leo IV, in AD 776. In AD 780, while only nine years old, he succeeded his father as sole Emperor but, due to his age, real power was held by his mother, the regent Empress Irene. Irene retained her authority over her son even after he turned sixteen in AD 789 and was responsible for breaking off his engagement to the daughter of King Charlemagne in the following year. In AD 790, Irene tried to have her rule legitimized, but Constantine prevented this with the support of the army. His weakness even after taking full control soon cost him the army's favour and, after being defeated by Kardam of Bulgaria in AD 792, a rebellion grew in support of his uncle, Nikephoros. Nikephoros was punished by having his eyes put out and his four brothers' tongues were cut out. A further revolt in Armenia was also ruthlessly repressed. He finally lost his last supporters when he divorced his wife and married his mistress, Theodote, and in AD 797 he was captured and blinded by his mother's followers. He died from his wounds a few days later.
Bio by: js
Advertisement
See more Constantine VI memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
