Home Discussion Topics Dictionary Almanac

Signup Login

List of Byzantine Emperors

Discussion

Ask a question about 'List of Byzantine Emperors'

Start a new discussion about 'List of Byzantine Emperors'

Answer questions from other users

Full Discussion Forum

Encyclopedia

This is a list of the Emperor

Emperor

An emperor is a monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress is the female equivalent. As a title, "empress" may indicate the wife of an emperor or a woman who rules in her own right...

s of the Eastern Roman Empire, commonly known as the Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire or Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages, centered on the capital of Constantinople, and ruled by Emperors in direct and de jure succession to the ancient Roman Emperors...

by modern historians. This list does not include numerous co-emperors who never attained sole or senior status as rulers.

This list begins with Constantine I the Great, the first Christian emperor reigning from Constantinople

Constantinople

Constantinople was the imperial capital of the Roman Empire , the Byzantine/Eastern Roman Empire , the Latin Empire , and the Ottoman Empire...

. Diocletian

Diocletian

Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus , born Diocles and commonly known as Diocletian , was Roman Emperor from 20 November 284 to 1 May 305. Born to a Dalmatian family of low status, he rose through the ranks of the military to become cavalry commander to the emperor Carus...

before him had ruled from Nicomedia

Nicomedia

Nicomedia was founded by Nicomedes I of Bithynia at the head of the Gulf of Astacus which opens to the Propontis. The city was founded in 712/11 BC as a Megarian colony and, in early Antiquity, was called Astacus...

and replaced the republican trappings of the office with a straightforward autocracy

Autocracy

A autocracy is a form of government in which the political power is held by a self-appointed ruler. The term autocrat is derived from the word autokratōr...

. All Byzantine Emperors regarded themselves as Roman Emperors.

Although the Catholic West recognized the Eastern Empire's claim to the Roman legacy for several centuries, on 25 December 800, Pope Leo III

Pope Leo III

Pope Saint Leo III was Pope from 795 to his death in 816. Protected by Charlemagne from his enemies in Rome, he subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him as Roman Emperor....

crowned King of Franks Charlemagne

Charlemagne

Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 to his death. He expanded the Frankish kingdoms into a Frankish Empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe...

as the "Roman Emperor

Holy Roman Emperor

The Holy Roman Emperor is a term used by historians to denote a Middle Ages ruler, who as German King had in addition received the title of "Emperor of the Romans" from the Pope of the Holy Roman Church, and after the 16th century, the elected monarch governing the Holy Roman Empire, a Central...

(which eventually led to the formation of the Holy Roman Empire

Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire was a union of territories in Central Europe during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period under a Holy Roman Emperor. The first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire was Otto I, crowned in 962. The last was Francis II, who abdicated and dissolved the Empire in 1806 during...

) due to uneasy relations with the Orthodox East, an act which was considered as a disgrace by the Byzantines.

The title of all Emperors listed preceding Heraclius

Heraclius

Flavius Heraclius was a Byzantine Emperor of Armenian origin, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire for over thirty years, from October 5, 610 to February 11, 641...

was officially Augustus

Augustus

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.These are the contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian after 45 BC...

, although various other titles such as Dominus

Dominus

Dominus may also refer to:* Christus Dominus, the Second Vatican Council's "Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops".* Dominus Flevit Church, on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem...

were used as well. For official purposes, their names were preceded by Imperator

Imperator

The Latin word Imperator was a title originally roughly equivalent to commander during the period of the Roman Republic. It later went on to become a part of the titulature of the Roman Emperors as part of their cognomen...

Caesar

Caesar (title)

Caesar , Latin: Caesar , is a title of imperial character. It derives from the cognomen of Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator...

and followed by Augustus. Following Heraclius, the title commonly became the Greek Basileus

Basileus

Basileus , signifies "sovereign" or "king". It is perhaps best known in English as a title used by Byzantine emperors, but also has a longer history of use for persons of authority in ancient Greece, as well as for the kings of modern Greece.-Etymology:The etymology of basileus is unclear...

(Gr. Βασιλεύς), which had formerly meant generally "king", "sovereign

Monarch

A monarch is the person who heads a monarchy, a form of government in which the country or entity usually ruled or controlled by an individual who usually rules for life or until abdication...

" but now was used in place of Imperator. Following the establishment of a rival Empire in Western Europe (the Holy Roman Empire

Holy Roman Empire

), the title Autokrator

Autokrator

Autokratōr is a Greek epithet applied to an individual who exercises absolute power, unrestrained by superiors. In a historical context, it has been applied to military commanders-in-chief, and to Roman and Byzantine emperors as the translation of the Latin title imperator...

(Gr. Αυτοκράτωρ) was also increasingly used. Foreign kings were now titled by the neologism Regas (Gr. Ρήγας, from the Lat. "Rex") or by another generic term Archon (Gr. Άρχων, "ruler"). In the later centuries of the Empire, the emperor could be often referred to by Western Christians as the "Emperor of the Greeks," though they still considered themselves "Roman" Emperors. Towards the end of the Empire, they referred to themselves as "[Emperor's name] in Christ true Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans."

For previous Emperors, see List of Roman Emperors

Constantinian dynasty
Constantinian dynasty
The Constantinian dynasty is an informal name for the ruling family of the Roman Empire from Constantius Chlorus to the death of Julian in 363. It is named after its most famous member, Constantine the Great who became the sole ruler of the empire in 324...

(306-363)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until
Constantine I Constantine I Caesar Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus Augustus , commonly known in English as Constantine I, Constantine the Great, or Saint Constantine , was Roman emperor from 306, and the sole holder of that office from 324 until his death in... "the Great" (Gaius Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus)	son of the Augustus Constantius Chlorus Constantius Chlorus Flavius Valerius Constantius , also Constantius I, was an emperor of the Western Roman Empire . He was commonly called Chlorus an epithet given to him by Byzantine historians...	27 February c.280	25 July 306 Proclaimed "Augustus" upon the death of Constantius Chlorus Constantius Chlorus Flavius Valerius Constantius , also Constantius I, was an emperor of the Western Roman Empire . He was commonly called Chlorus an epithet given to him by Byzantine historians...	22 May 337
Constantius II Constantius II Flavius Iulius Constantius, known in English as Constantius II was a Roman Emperor of the Constantinian dynasty.-Early life:... (Flavius Iulius Constantius)	second son of Constantine I	7 August 317	22 May 337 Inherited Eastern third of Roman Empire upon his father's death	5 October 361 died of illness on campaign
Julian Julian the Apostate Flavius Claudius Julianus, known also as Julian, Julian the Apostate or Julian the Philosopher , was Roman Emperor , last of the Constantinian dynasty... "the Apostate" (Flavius Claudius Iulianus)	grandson of Constantius Chlorus, cousin of Constantius II	May 332	5 October 361 Proclaimed by his army in Gaul, became legitimate Emperor upon the death of Constantius	28 June 363 Mortally wounded in battle

Non-dynastic (363-364)

Picture	Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
	Jovian ( Flavius Claudius Iovianus )	Guards' Captain amongst Julian's* Eastern forces*	c.332	28 June 363 Elected by the army upon Julian's* death*	17 February 364 Died on journey back to Constantinople

Valentinian-Theodosian dynasty (364-457)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Valentinian I Valentinian I Flavius Valentinianus, known in English as Valentinian I, was Roman Emperor from 364 until his death. Valentinian is often referred to as the "last great western emperor"... (Flavius Valentinianus)	Officer under Julian and Jovian	321	26 February 364 Elected by the army upon Jovian's death	17 November 375 Died of cerebral haemorrhage
Valens Valens Flavius Julius Valens was Roman Emperor , after he was given the Eastern part of the empire by his brother Valentinian I... ( Flavius Iulius Valens )	Minor soldier of the Roman army, brother of Valentinian I	328	28 March 364 Appointed by his brother	9 August 378 Killed at the Battle of Adrianople Battle of Adrianople The Battle of Adrianople , sometimes known as the Battle of Hadrianopolis, was fought between a Roman army led by the Roman Emperor Valens and Gothic rebels led by Fritigern...
Gratian Gratian Flavius Gratianus , known usually by the anglicised name Gratian, was a Western Roman Emperor from 375 to 383.... ( Flavius Gratianus )	Son of Valentinian I, nephew of Valens	18 April/23 May 359	9 August 378 Inherited rule of the East upon the death of Valens	19 January 379 Appointed Theodosius I as Emperor of the East	25 August 383 Assassinated during the rebellion of Magnus Maximus Magnus Maximus Magnus Maximus , also known as Maximianus and Macsen Wledig in Welsh, was a Hispano-Roman usurper of the Western Roman Empire from 383 until his death, in 388, by order of Emperor Theodosius I.-Life:...
Theodosius I Theodosius I Flavius Theodosius , also called Theodosius I and Theodosius the Great , was Roman Emperor from 379 to 395. Reuniting the eastern and western portions of the empire, Theodosius was the last emperor of both the Eastern and Western Roman Empire... "the Great" ( Flavius Theodosius )	Aristocrat and military leader, brother-in-law of Gratian	11 January 347	19 January 379 Appointed by Gratian	17 January 395 old age
Arcadius Arcadius Flavius Arcadius was Byzantine Emperor in the Eastern half of the Roman Empire from 395 until his death.-History:Arcadius was born in Hispania, the elder son of Theodosius I and Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Honorius, who would become a Western Roman Emperor... ( Flavius Arcadius )	Son of Theodosius I	377/378	17 January 395 Upon the death of Theodosius I	1 May 408
Theodosius II Theodosius II Flavius Theodosius , called the Calligrapher, known in English as Theodosius II, was a Eastern Roman Emperor . He is mostly known for promulgating the Theodosian law code as well for the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople... ( Flavius Theodosius )	Son of Arcadius	10 April 401	1 May 408 Upon the death of Arcadius	28 July 450 Riding accident
Pulcheria Pulcheria Aelia Pulcheria was the daughter of the Eastern Roman Emperor Arcadius, a great influence on her brother Theodosius II and wife to Emperor Marcian. She is honoured as a saint by the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches.... ( Aelia Pulcheria )	Daughter of Arcadius, sister of Theodosius II	19 January 399	28 July 450 Upon the death of Theodosius II	July 453
Marcian Marcian Flavius Marcianus, known in English as Marcian, was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 450 until his death. Marcian's rule marked a recovery of the Eastern Empire, which the emperor protected from external menaces and reformed economically and financially... ( Flavius Marcianus )	Soldier, politician, husband of Pulcheria	396	450 Upon his marriage to Pulcheria	January 457 Gangrene contracted on a journey

Leonid dynasty
House of Leo
The House of Leo ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 457 to 518 .The emperors of the House of Leo were:# Leo I the Thracian – soldier...

(457-518)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Leo I Leo I (emperor) Flavius Valerius Leo , known in English as Leo the Thracian or Leo I, was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 457 to 474... "the Thracian" (Flavius Valerius Leo )	Soldier	401	7 February 457 Chosen by Aspar Aspar Flavius Ardabur Aspar was an Alan patrician and magister militum of the Eastern Roman Empire.Son of the magister Ardaburius, Aspar played a crucial role in his father's expedition in 424 to defeat the western usurper, Joannes of Ravenna, and to install Galla Placidia and her son, Valentinian III,... , commander-in-chief of the army	18 January 474 Died of dysentery
Leo II Leo II (emperor) Flavius Leo Iunior or Leo II served as Byzantine Emperor from January 18 to November 17, 474. He was the son of Zeno and Ariadne . As Leo's closest male relative, he was named successor upon his grandfather's death... ( Flavius Leo )	Grandson of Leo I	467	18 January 474 Succeeded his grandfather Leo I	17 November 474 Died of an unknown disease, possibly poisoned
Zeno Zeno (emperor) Flavius Zeno, original name Tarasicodissa or Trascalissaeus, Byzantine Emperor was one of the more prominent of the early Byzantine Emperors. Domestic revolts and religious dissension plagued his reign, which nevertheless succeeded to some extent in foreign issues... ( Flavius Zeno ) (Born Tarasicodissa)	Roman general of Isaurian origins; son-in-law of Leo I, father of Leo II	c.425	Co-emperor: 9 February 474 Appointed by his son Leo II Sole Emperor: 17 November 474 Succeeded upon the death of Leo II	9 January 475 Deposed by Basiliscus, brother-in-law of Leo I	9 April 491
Basiliscus Basiliscus Flavius Basiliscus was an Eastern Roman Emperor of the House of Leo, who ruled briefly , when Emperor Zeno had been forced out of Constantinople by a revolt.... ( Flavius Basiliscus )	Army General; brother-in-law of Leo I		9 January 475 Seized power from Zeno	August 476 Deposed by Zeno	476/477
Zeno Zeno (emperor) Flavius Zeno, original name Tarasicodissa or Trascalissaeus, Byzantine Emperor was one of the more prominent of the early Byzantine Emperors. Domestic revolts and religious dissension plagued his reign, which nevertheless succeeded to some extent in foreign issues... , restored ( Flavius Zeno ) (Born Tarasicodissa)	Roman general of Isaurian origins; son-in-law of Leo I, father of Leo II	c.425	restored August 476 Having deposed Basiliscus	9 April 491
Anastasius I Anastasius I (emperor) Flavius Anastasius or Anastasius I was Byzantine Emperor from 11 April 491 until his death. He was born at Dyrrhachium no later than 430/431, the son of Pompeius, a nobleman of Dyrrachium, and his anonymous wife... ( Flavius Anastasius )	Palace official ("Silentiarius"); son-in-law of Leo I	c.430	11 April 491 Chosen by Ariadne, widow of Zeno	9 July 518

Justinian dynasty
Justinian Dynasty
The Justinian Dynasty is a family who ruled over the Byzantine Empire from 518 to 602. It originated with Justin I and ended with Maurice.* Justin I - # No siblings from the marriage with Euphemia Vigilantia, sister of Justin...

(518-602)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Justin I Justin I Flavius Iustinus , known in English as Justin I, was a Byzantine Emperor , who rose through the ranks of the Byzantine army and ultimately became its emperor, in spite of the fact he was illiterate and almost seventy-years-old at the time of accession... (Flavius Iustinus )	General, commander of the City Guards under Anastasius I	c.450	July 518 Elected by army and people upon the death of Anastasius I	1 August 527
Justinian I Justinian I Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus ; AD 483 – 13 or 14 November 565, known in English as Justinian I or Justinian the Great, was the second member of the Justinian Dynasty and Eastern Roman Emperor from 527 until his death... (Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus)	Nephew and heir of Justin I	482/483	1 August 527 Inherited the throne on the death of Justin I	13/14 November 565
Justin II Justin II Flavius Iustinus Augustus was Eastern Roman Emperor from 565 to 578. He was the nephew of Justinian I, and husband of Sophia, the niece of the late empress Theodora, and therefore member of the Justinian Dynasty... (Flavius Iustinus Iunior)	Nephew and heir of Justinian I	c.520	14 November 565 Inherited the throne on the death of Justinian I	5 October 578
Tiberius II Constantine Tiberius II Constantine Flavius Tiberius Constantinus Augustus or Tiberius II Constantine, known in Greek as Tiberios Konstantinos was a Byzantine emperor of the Justinian Dynasty.... (Flavius Tiberius Constantinus)	"Comes" of the Excubitors, friend and adoptive son of Justin II	c.520	5 October 578 Became full Emperor on the death of Justin II	14 August 582 possibly poisoned by Maurice
Maurice Maurice (emperor) Flavius Mauricius Tiberius Augustus , known in English as Maurice and in Greek as Maurikios, was a soldier and Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 582-602... (Flavius Mauricius Tiberius)	Commander-in-chief of Cappadocian origins; son-in-law of Tiberius II	539	14 August 582 Succeeded upon the death of his father-in-law Tiberius II	November 602 Forced to abdicate by Phocas	27 November 602 Executed by Phocas

Non-dynastic (602-610)

Picture	Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
	Phocas Phocas Flavius Phocas Augustus, was Byzantine Emperor from 602 to 610. He usurped the throne from the Emperor Maurice, and was himself overthrown by Heraclius after losing a civil war.-Origins:... (Flavius Phocas )	sub-altern in the Balkan army, leader of rebellion; deposed Maurice	?	November 602 Seized power in a rebellion against Maurice	610 Executed by Heraclius

Heraclian dynasty (610-711)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Herakleios Heraclius Flavius Heraclius was a Byzantine Emperor of Armenian origin, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire for over thirty years, from October 5, 610 to February 11, 641... (Ηράκλειος, Hērakleios) Heraclius (Flavius Heraclius)	son of Exarch Heraclius the Elder Heraclius the Elder Heraclius the Elder was an Armenian Exarch of Africa and the father of Byzantine Emperor Heraclius. In 608, Heraclius the Elder renounced his loyalty to the Emperor Phocas, who had overthrown the Emperor Maurice six years earlier. The rebels issued coins showing both Heraclii dressed as consuls,... ; deposed Phocas	c.575	5 October 610 Seized power in a rebellion against Phocas	11 February 641
Constantine III Constantine III (emperor) Heraclius Novus Constantinus , known in English as Constantine III, was the eldest son of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius and his first wife Eudocia, and ruled as Emperor for four months in 641.Constantine III's birth name was Heraclius Novus Constantinus ,... (Ηράκλειος (νέος) Κωνσταντίνος, Herakleios Novos Kōnstantinos) Constantine III ( Heraclius Novus Constantinus )	eldest son of Herakleios	3 May 612	11 February 641 Succeeded to throne with Heraklonas following death of Herakleios	24/26 May 641 Tuberculosis, allegedly poisoned by Martina
Heraklonas Heraklonas Constantinus Heraclius , known in English as Heraklonas, Heraclonas , or Heracleonas, , was the son of Heraclius and his niece Martina, and was Byzantine Emperor briefly between February and September 641.He was baptised and officially reigned as Constantinus Heraclius, but the diminutive nickname... (Κωνσταντίνος Ηράκλειος, Kōnstantinos Herakleios) Heraclianus (Constantinus Heraclius)	younger son of Herakleios	626	11 February 641 Succeeded to throne with Constantine III following death of Herakleios	September 641 Deposed by Senate	c.641 Presumed to have died in exile
Constans II Constans II Constans II , also called "Constantine the Bearded" , was Byzantine emperor from 641 to 668. He also was the last emperor to become consul in 642, becoming the last Roman consul in history.Constans is a diminutive nickname given to the emperor, who had been baptized Herakleios and reigned... (Κώνστας Β', Kōnstas II); born Herakleios Constantine (Ηράκλειος Κωνσταντίνος, Herakleios Kōnstantinos ); called "Constantine the Bearded" (Κωνσταντίνος Πωγωνάτος, Kōnstantinos Pogonatos) Constans II (Constantus II); born Heraclius Constantine ( Heraclius Constantinus ); called "Constantine the Bearded"	son of Constantine III	7 November 630	641 Made co-Emperor by Hereklonas, sole emperor in that same year	15 September 668 Assassinated, possibly on the orders of Mezezius
Mezezius Mezezius Mezezius , was an Armenian noble who served as a general of Byzantium, later usurping the Byzantine throne in Sicily from 668 to 669.According to a letter from Pope Gregory II to emperor Leo III, he was Count of the Opsikion, the imperial retinue , and a later Syriac chronicle describes him as a...	Usurper Emperor	Unknown	668	669
Constantine IV Constantine IV Constantine IV , ; sometimes incorrectly called Pogonatos, "the Bearded", by confusion with his father; was Byzantine emperor from 668 to 685. He had been named a co-emperor with his father Constans II in 654, and became senior emperor when Constans was assassinated in 668... (Κωνσταντίνος, Kōnstantinos) Constantine (Constantinos)	son of Constans II	652	15 September 668 succeeded following murder of Constans II	September 685 Died of dysentery
Justinian II Justinian II Justinian II , known as Rinotmetos or Rhinotmetus , was the last Byzantine emperor of the Heraclian Dynasty, reigning from 685 to 695 and again from 705 to 711...	son of Constantine IV	669	Co-emperor in 681, sole emperor in 685.	695 Deposed by military revolt	December 711
Leontios Leontios Leontios or Leontius , , was Byzantine emperor from 695 to 698. His actual and official name was Leo , but he is known by the name used for him in Byzantine chronicles.- Early life :Leontios was born in Isauria...	Usurper Emperor	Unknown	695	698 Deposed by military revolt	705
Tiberios III Tiberios III Tiberios III or Tiberius III , , was Byzantine emperor from 698 to 705.Tiberius was a Germanic navy officer originally named Apsimarus , who rose to the position of droungarios of the Cibyrrhaeotic Theme. He participated in the failed campaign to regain Carthage in 698...	Usurper Emperor	Unknown	698	705 Deposed by a Bulgarian-supported revolt	705
Justinian II Justinian II Justinian II , known as Rinotmetos or Rhinotmetus , was the last Byzantine emperor of the Heraclian Dynasty, reigning from 685 to 695 and again from 705 to 711...	son of Constantine IV	669	705	711 Deposed by military revolt	December 711

Non-dynastic (711-717)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Philippikos Philippikos Philippikos or Philippicus , was Byzantine emperor of Armenian origin from 711 to 713.Philippicus was originally named Bardanes , and was the son of the patrician Nikephorus, who was of Armenian extraction from an Armenian colony in Pergamum.Relying on the support of the Monothelite party, he made...	A general of Armenian Armenians The Armenians are a nation and ethnic group which originated in the Caucasus and the Armenian Highland. It is estimated that there are 8 million Armenians around the world. There is a large concentration of Armenians in the Caucasus, especially in Armenia, and there is a significant presence in... origins; deposed Justinian II	Unknown	December, 711	3 June 713 Deposed by a military revolt	Later in the 8th century
Anastasios II Anastasios II (emperor) Artemius Anastasius , known in English as Anastasios II or Anastasius II, , was Byzantine emperor from 713 to 715....	a bureaucraut, imperial secretary for Philippikos	Unknown	June 713	November 715 Deposed by a military revolt	718
Theodosios III Theodosios III Theodosios III or Theodosius III , was Byzantine Emperor from 715 to March 25, 717.Theodosius was a financial officer and tax collector in the southern portion of the theme of Opsikion. According to one theory he was the son of the former Emperor Tiberius III. When the thematic troops rebelled...	a financial officer, tax collector in the Opsikian Theme	Unknown	May 715	25 March 717 Deposed by a military revolt	Later in the 8th century

Isaurian dynasty (717-802)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Leo III the Isaurian Leo III the Isaurian Leo III the Isaurian or the Syrian , was Byzantine emperor from 717 until his death in 741...	a general from Germanikeia Kahramanmaras Kahramanmaraş is the capital city of Kahramanmaraş Province in southeastern Turkey. The city lies on a plain at the foot of the Taurus Mountains and has a population of 326,198 as of 2000... , Commagene	c. 685	25 March 717	18 June 741	18 June 741
Constantine V Constantine V Constantine V was Byzantine emperor from 741 to 775; ); .-Early life:...	Son of Leo III	July, 718	Co-ruler in 720, senior ruler in 741	14 September 775	14 September 775
Artabasdos Artabasdos Artavasdos, latinized as Artabasdos or Artabasdus , was Byzantine Emperor of Armenian descent from June 741 or 742 until November 743...	Son-in-law of Leo III, brother-in-law of Constantine V	Unknown	Rival emperor from June 741/2	2 November 743	Later in the 8th century
Leo IV the Khazar Leo IV the Khazar Leo IV the Khazar , , was Byzantine Emperor from 775 to 780.Leo was the son of Emperor Constantine V by his first wife, Irene of Khazaria . His maternal grandfather was Bihar, a Khazar ruler.Leo was crowned co-emperor by his father in 751, and was married to the Athenian Irene in 769...	Son of Constantine V	25 January 750	Co-ruler in 751, senior ruler in 775	8 September 780	8 September 780
Constantine VI Constantine VI Constantine VI was Byzantine Emperor from 780 to 797.Constantine VI was the only child of Emperor Leo IV and Irene. Constantine was crowned co-emperor by his father in 776, and succeeded as sole emperor at the age of nine under the regency of Irene in 780.In 782 he was betrothed to Rotrude, a...	Son of Leo IV and Irene	771	Co-ruler in 776, sole emperor in 780	August 797	c. 797, though sources are contradictory on the subject
Irene of Athens	Wife of Leo IV, mother of Constantine VI	c. 752	August 797	31 October 802	9 August 803

Nikephoros' dynasty (802-813)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Nikephoros I Nikephoros I Nikephoros I or Nicephorus I, Logothetes or Genikos , was Byzantine emperor from 802 to 811, when he was killed in the disastrous Battle of Pliska....	logothetēs tou genikou Byzantine aristocracy and bureaucracy The Byzantine Empire had a complex system of aristocracy and bureaucracy, which was inherited from the Roman Empire. At the apex of the pyramid stood the Emperor, sole ruler and divinely ordained, but beneath him a multitude of officials and court functionaries operated the administrative machinery... (finance minister)	Unknown	31 October 802	26 July 811	26 July 811
Staurakios Staurakios Staurakios or Stauracius , was Byzantine emperor from July 26 to October 2, 811.The son of Emperor Nikephoros I, Staurakios had been crowned as co-emperor by his father in 803. The chronicler Theophanes the Confessor claims that Staurakios was guilty of rape, a claim perhaps colored by his...	Son of Nikephoros I	Unknown	Co-ruler in 803, senior ruler in 811	2 October 811	11 January 812
Michael I Rangabe Michael I Rangabe Michael I Rangabe was Byzantine Emperor from 811 to 813.Michael was the son of the patrician Theophylaktos Rangabe, the admiral of the Aegean fleet...	Son-in-law of Nikephoros I, brother-in-law of Staurakios	Unknown	2 October 811	11 July 813	11 January 844

Non-dynastic (813-820)

Picture	Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
	Leo V the Armenian Leo V the Armenian Leo V the Armenian , , was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 813 to 820.-Life:...	Strategos of the Anatolic theme	c. 775	11 July 813	25 December 820	25 December 820

Phrygian dynasty (820-867)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Michael II Michael II Michael II the Amorian , also called Traulos or Psellos , meaning "the Stammerer", reigned as Byzantine emperor from 820 to his death.... the Stammerer or the Amorian (Μιχαήλ Β' ο Τραυλός ή Ψελλός)	Strategos, son-in-law of Constantine VI	770	25 December 820	2 October 829
Theophilus Theophilos (emperor) Theophilos or Theophilus or Theophilou was Byzantine emperor of Armenian origin from 829 to 842. He was the second emperor of the Phrygian dynasty.-Life:... (Θεόφιλος)	son of Michael II	813	2 October 829	20 January 842
Theodora Theodora (9th century) Theodora was the wife of the Byzantine emperor Theophilus.-Family:Originally from Paphlagonia, Theodora was of Armenian aristocratic descent.... (Θεοδώρα)	wife of Theophilus	c. 815	842	855	867
Michael III Michael III Michael III the Drunkard , , Byzantine Emperor from 842 to 867. Michael III was the third and traditionally last member of the Phrygian Dynasty.-Life:... the Drunkard (Μιχαήλ Γ' ο Μέθυσος)	son of Theophilos	19 January 840	842	23 September 867

Macedonian dynasty (867-1056)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Basil I the Macedonian Basil I Basil I, called the Macedonian was Byzantine emperor of Armenian origin from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in Thrace, he rose in the imperial court, and usurped the imperial throne from Michael III... (Βασίλειος Α' ο Μακεδών)	married Michael III's widow	c. 811	867	2 August 886
Leo VI the Wise Leo VI the Wise Leo VI, surnamed the Wise or the Philosopher , was Byzantine emperor with Armenian descent from 886 to 912. The second ruler of the Macedonian dynasty , he was very well-read, leading to his surname... (Λέων ΣΤ' ο Σοφός)	likely either son of Basil I or Michael III	19 September 866	886	11 May 912
Alexander (Αλέξανδρος Γ')	son of Basil I; regent for nephew	870	912	913
Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos Constantine VII Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos or Porphyrogenitus, "the Purple-born" , was the son of the Byzantine emperor Leo VI and his fourth wife Zoe Karbonopsina. He was also the nephew of the Emperor Alexander... (Κωνσταντίνος Ζ' ο Πορφυρογέννητος)	son of Leo VI	9 September 905	15 May 908	9 November 959
Romanos I Lekapenos (Ρωμανός Α' ο Λεκαπηνός)	father-in-law of Constantine VII	c. 870	17 December 920	16 December 944	15 June 948
Romanos II Porphyrogennetos (Ρωμανός Β' ο Πορφυρογέννητος)	son of Constantine VII	15 March 938	November 959	15 March 963
Nikephoros II Phokas (Νικηφόρος Β' ο Φωκάς)	married Theophano, Romanos II's widow, regent for Basil II	c. 912	16 August 963	969
John I Tzimiskes (Ιωάννης Α' Κουρκούας ο Τσιμισκής)	brother-in-law of Romanus II	c. 925	11 December 969	10 January 976
Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer Basil II Basil II, later surnamed the Bulgar-slayer , known in his time as Basil the Porphyrogenitus and Basil the Young to distinguish him from his ancestor Basil I the Macedonian, was a Byzantine emperor from the Macedonian dynasty who reigned from 10 January 976 to 15 December 1025.The first part of his... (Βασίλειος Β' ο Βουλγαροκτόνος)	son of Romanos II	958	10 January 976	15 December 1025
Constantine VIII Constantine VIII Constantine VIII , was reigning Byzantine emperor from 15 December 1025 until his death. He was the son of the Emperor Romanos II and Theophano, and the younger brother of the eminent Basil II, who died childless and thus left the rule of the Byzantine Empire in his hands.-Family:As a youth,... (Κωνσταντίνος Η' ο Πορφυρογέννητος)	son of Romanos II	960	15 December 1025	15 November 1028
Zoe Zoe (empress) Zoe , was Empress of the Byzantine Empire with co-rulers November 15, 1028–1050, and senior reigning Empress from April 19 to June 11, 1042.-Early life:... (Ζωή η Προφυρογέννητη)	daughter of Constantine VIII	c. 978	15 November 1028	June 1050
Romanos III Argyros (Ρωμανός Γ' ο Αργυρός)	Zoe's first husband	968	15 November 1028	11 April 1034
Michael IV the Paphlagonian Michael IV the Paphlagonian Michael IV the Paphlagonian , , was Byzantine emperor from April 11, 1034 to December 10, 1041... (Μιχαήλ Δ' ο Παφλαγών)	Zoe's second husband	1010	11 April 1034	10 December 1041
Michael V Michael V Michael V "the Caulker" or Kalaphates , , was Byzantine emperor for 4 months in 1041–1042, as the nephew and successor of Michael IV and the adoptive son of his wife, the Empress Zoe.Michael V was the son of Stephen by Maria, a sister of Emperor Michael IV... the Caulker (Μιχαήλ Ε' ο Καλαφάτης)	Michael IV's nephew	1015	10 December 1041	20 April 1042	24 August 1042
Theodora Theodora (11th century) Theodora was a Byzantine Empress with Armenian descent. She was co-empress from 1042 and from January 11, 1055 to after August 31, 1056 actively ruled the Eastern Roman Empire or, the Roman Empire of the Middle Ages that often is described as the Byzantine Empire... (Θεοδώρα)	daughter of Constantine VIII	984	20 April 1042	1042	after 31 August 1056
Constantine IX Monomachos (Κωνσταντίνος Θ' ο Μονομάχος)	Zoe's third husband	c. 1000	11 June 1042	11 January 1055
Theodora Theodora (11th century) Theodora was a Byzantine Empress with Armenian descent. She was co-empress from 1042 and from January 11, 1055 to after August 31, 1056 actively ruled the Eastern Roman Empire or, the Roman Empire of the Middle Ages that often is described as the Byzantine Empire... (Θεοδώρα)	daughter of Constantine VIII	984	11 January 1055	after 31 August 1056

Non-dynastic (1056-1057)

Picture	Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
	Michael VI Michael VI Michael VI Bringas , called Stratiotikos or Stratioticus or Gerontas , was Byzantine emperor from 1056 to 1057....	Court bureaucraut, defence minister	Unknown	September, 1056	31 August 1057	c. 1059

Komnenid dynasty (1057-1059)

Picture	Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
	Isaac I Komnenos Isaac I Komnenos Isaac I Komnenos or Comnenus , was Byzantine Emperor supposedly of Armenian origin from 1057 to 1059, and the first reigning member of the Komnenos dynasty.-Life:...	commander of the field army in Anatolia	c. 1005	5 June 1057 as rival emperor, sole emperor since 31 August 1057	22 November 1059	c. 1061

Doukid dynasty (1059-1081)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Constantine X Constantine X Constantine X Doukas or Ducas , was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 1059 to 1067.-Reign:Constantine Doukas was the son of Andronikos Doukas, a Paphlagonian nobleman who may have served as governor of the theme of Moesia... Doukas (Κωνσταντίνος Ι' ο Δούκας)		1006	24 November 1059	22 May 1067
Michael VII Michael VII Michael VII Doukas or Ducas , nicknamed Parapinakēs, was Byzantine emperor from 1071 to 1078.... Doukas Quarter-short (Μιχαήλ Ζ' Δούκας Παραπινάκης)	son of Constantine X	1050	22 May 1067	24 March 1078	1090
Romanos IV Romanos IV Romanos IV Diogenes or Romanus IV Diogenes was Byzantine emperor from 1068 to 1071.- Accession to the throne :... Diogenes (Ρωμανός Δ' Διογένης)	married Eudokia Makrembolitissa Eudokia Makrembolitissa Eudokia Makrembolitissa or Eudocia Macrembolitissa , , was the second wife of the Byzantine emperor Constantine X Doukas. After his death she became the wife of Romanos IV Diogenes. She was also the niece of Michael Keroularios, Patriarch of Constantinople, whose sister had married John... , Constantine X's widow	1032	1067	1071	1072
Nikephoros III Nikephoros III Nikephoros III Botaneiates or Nicephorus III Botaniates , Byzantine emperor from 1078 to 1081, belonged to a family which claimed descent from the Roman Fabii and the Byzantine Phokas family.Nikephoros Botaneiates had served as general under Constantine IX and Romanos IV... Botaneiates (Νικηφόρος Γ' Βοτανειάτης)	Strategos claiming descent from the Fabii	1001	31 March 1078	10 December 1081

Komnenid dynasty
Komnenos
The Komnenos or Comnenus was a Byzantine Greek noble family and an important ruling Dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, as they are widely considered to have reversed the decline of the Byzantine Empire for over a century, from c.1081 to c.1185....

(1081-1185)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until
Alexios I Komnenos Alexios I Komnenos Alexios I Komnenos, Latinized as Alexius I Comnenus , was Byzantine emperor from 1081 to 1118, and the founder of the Komnenian dynasty... (Αλέξιος Α' Κομνηνός)	Nephew of Isaac I, military commander	1048	4 April 1081	15 August 1118
John II Komnenos John II Komnenos John II Komnenos or Comnenus was Byzantine emperor from 1118 to 1143. Also known as Kaloïōannēs , he was the eldest son of emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Irene Doukaina... (Ιωάννης Β' Κομνηνός o Καλός)	son of Alexios I	13 September 1087	1118	8 April 1143
Manuel I Komnenos Manuel I Komnenos Manuel I Komnenos, or Comnenus was a Byzantine Emperor of the 12th century who reigned over a crucial turning point in the history of Byzantium and the Mediterranean... (Μανουήλ Α' Κομνηνός ο Μέγας)	son of John II	28 November 1118	1143	24 September 1180
Alexios II Komnenos Alexios II Komnenos Alexios II Komnenos or Alexius II Comnenus , Byzantine emperor , was the son of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos and Maria, daughter of Raymond, prince of Antioch... (Αλέξιος B' Κομνηνός)	son of Manuel I	14 September 1169	1180	October 1183
Andronikos I Komnenos Andronikos I Komnenos Andronikos I Komnenos or Andronicus I Comnenus was a Byzantine emperor , son of prince Isaac Komnenos. His paternal grandparents were Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Eirene Doukaina.-Early years:... (Ανδρόνικος Α' Κομνηνός)	nephew of John II	c. 1118	1183	2 September 1185

Angelid dynasty (1185-1204)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Isaac II Angelos Isaac II Angelos Isaac II Angelos or Angelus was Byzantine emperor from 1185 to 1195, and again from 1203 to 1204.... (Ισαάκιος Β' Άγγελος)	great-grandson of Alexios I	September 1156	1185	1195	January 1205
Alexios III Angelos Alexios III Angelos Alexios III Angelos was Byzantine emperor from 1195 to 1203.- Early life:Alexios III Angelos was the second son of Andronicos Angelos and Euphrosyne Castamonitissa. Andronicus was himself a son of Theodora Comnene, the youngest daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Irene Ducaena. Thus... (Αλέξιος Γ' Άγγελος)	brother of Isaac II	1153	1195	1203	1211
Isaac II Angelos Isaac II Angelos Isaac II Angelos or Angelus was Byzantine emperor from 1185 to 1195, and again from 1203 to 1204.... (Ισαάκιος Β' Άγγελος)	great-grandson of Alexios I	September 1156	1203	1204	January 1205
Alexios IV Angelos Alexios IV Angelos Alexios IV Angelos or Alexius IV Angelus was Byzantine Emperor from August 1203 to January 1204. He was the son of emperor Isaac II Angelus and his first wife Irene. His paternal uncle was Emperor Alexius III Angelus.-Prince in exile:The young Alexios was imprisoned in 1195 when Alexios III... (Αλέξιος Δ' Άγγελος)	son of Isaac II	1182	1203	1204
Nikolaos Kanabos (Νικόλαος Καναβός)			25 January 1204	5 February 1205
Alexios V Doukas Alexios V Alexios V Doukas, surnamed Mourtzouphlos was Byzantine emperor during the second and final siege of Constantinople by the participants of the Fourth Crusade. He was related to the imperial Doukas family.His nickname "Mourtzouphlos" referred to either his bushy, overhanging eyebrows or his sullen... (Αλέξιος Ε' Δούκας)	son-in-law of Alexios III	1140	5 February 1204	12 April 1204	December 1205

Laskarid dynasty (Empire of Nicaea, 1204-1261)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Constantine Laskaris Constantine Laskaris Constantine Laskaris was Byzantine emperor for a few months from 1204 to early 1205.- Early Years :Constantine Laskaris was born of a noble but not particularly renowned Byzantine family. Virtually nothing is known of him prior to the events of the Fourth Crusade...	Defender of Constantinople	Unknown	Claimant emperor in 1204	c. 1205	c. 1205
Theodore I Laskaris Theodore I Laskaris Theodoros I Komnenos Laskaris was emperor of Nicaea .-Family:...	Brother of Constantine Laskaris, son-in-law of Alexios III	c. 1174	proclaimed 1205, crowned 1208	1221	1221
John III Doukas Vatatzes John III Doukas Vatatzes John III Doukas Vatatzes, latinized as Ducas Vatatzes was emperor of Nicaea 1221-1254.-Life:...	son-in-law of Theodore I	c. 1192	December, 1221	3 November 1254	3 November 1254
Theodore II Laskaris Theodore II Laskaris Theodore II Doukas Laskaris or Ducas Lascaris was emperor of Nicaea, 1254–1258.-Life:...	son of John III, grandson of Theodore I	1221/1222	proclaimed 4 November 1254 crowned 1255	18 August 1258	18 August 1258
John IV Laskaris John IV Laskaris John IV Doukas Laskaris or Ducas Lascaris , December 25 1250 – c. 1305) was emperor of Nicaea from August 18, 1258 to December 25, 1261...	son of Theodore II	25 December 1250	18 August 1258	25 December 1261	c. 1305

Palaiologan Dynasty (restored to Constantinople, 1261-1453)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Michael VIII Palaiologos Michael VIII Palaiologos Michael VIII Palaiologos or Palaeologus reigned as Byzantine emperor 1259–1282. Michael VIII was the founder of the Palaeologan dynasty that would rule the Byzantine Empire until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453...	Great-grandson of Alexios III, grandnephew of John III by marriage	1223	1 January 1259 as co-emperor, senior emperor since 25 December 1261	11 December 1282	11 December 1282
Andronikos II Palaiologos Andronikos II Palaiologos Andronikos II Palaiologos — also Andronicus II Palaeologus — reigned as Byzantine emperor from 1282 to 1328...	Son of Michael VIII	25 March 1259	nominal co-emperor in September, 1261, crowned in 1272. Senior emperor on 11 December 1282	24 May 1328	13 February 1332
Michael IX Palaiologos Michael IX Palaiologos Michael IX Palaiologos or Palaeologus , , reigned as Byzantine co-emperor with full imperial style 1294/1295–1320...	Son of Andronikos II	17 April 1277	co-emperor in 1281, crowned in 1294/1295.	12 October 1320	12 October 1320
Andronikos III Palaiologos Andronikos III Palaiologos Andronikos III Palaiologos, Latinized as Andronicus III Palaeologus reigned as Byzantine emperor 1328–1341, after being rival emperor since 1321. Andronikos III was the son of Michael IX Palaiologos and Princess Rita of Armenia...	Son of Michael IX	25 March 1297	co-emperor in 1316, rival emperor since July, 1321. Senior emperor on 24 May 1328.	15 June 1341	15 June 1341
John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos or Palaeologus , was the son of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos and Anna of Savoy. His maternal grandparents were Count Amadeus V of Savoy and his second wife Maria of Brabant...	Son of Andronikos III	18 June 1332	Emperor in 15 June 1341	8 February 1347	16 February 1391
John VI Kantakouzenos John VI Kantakouzenos John VI Kantakouzenos or Cantacuzene , Byzantine emperor from 1347 to 1354, was born at Constantinople.-Life:...	A maternal relative of the Palaiologoi Palaiologos Palaiologos , alternatively Palaeologus, was a Greek noble family, which produced the last ruling dynasty of the Byzantine Empire. After the Fourth Crusade, members of the family escaped to the Empire of Nicaea, where Michael VIII Palaiologos became co-emperor in 1259, recaptured Constantinople and...	c. 1292	rival emperor on 26 October 1341, senior emperor on 8 February 1347.	4 December 1354	15 June 1383
Matthew Kantakouzenos Matthew Kantakouzenos Matthew Kantakouzenos or Cantacuzenus was Byzantine Emperor from 1353 to 1357.-Life:...	Son of John VI, brother-in-law of John V	c. 1325	co-emperor on 15 April 1353, rival emperor since 4 December 1354.	December, 1357	between 1383 and 1391
John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos or Palaeologus , was the son of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos and Anna of Savoy. His maternal grandparents were Count Amadeus V of Savoy and his second wife Maria of Brabant...	Son of Andronikos III, son-in-law of John VI	18 June 1332	co-emperor in 1347, rival emperor in 1352. Senior Emperor on 4 December 1354	12 August 1376	16 February 1391
Andronikos IV Palaiologos Andronikos IV Palaiologos Andronikos IV Palaiologos or Andronicus IV Palaeologus , was Byzantine emperor from 1376 to 1379.-Life:...	Son of John V, grandson of John VI	2 April 1348	co-emperor c. 1352, Senior Emperor on 12 August 1376	1 July 1379	28 June 1385
John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos or Palaeologus , was the son of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos and Anna of Savoy. His maternal grandparents were Count Amadeus V of Savoy and his second wife Maria of Brabant...	Son of Andronikos III, son-in-law of John VI	18 June 1332	Senior Emperor on 1 July 1379	14 April 1390	16 February 1391
John VII Palaiologos John VII Palaiologos John VII Palaiologos or Palaeologus was Byzantine Emperor for five months in 1390.-Life:...	Son of Andronikos IV	1370	Co-emperor from 1376 to 1379, senior emperor on 14 April 1390.	17 September 1390	22 September 1408
John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos John V Palaiologos or Palaeologus , was the son of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos and Anna of Savoy. His maternal grandparents were Count Amadeus V of Savoy and his second wife Maria of Brabant...	Son of Andronikos III, son-in-law of John VI	18 June 1332	Senior Emperor on 17 September 1390	16 February 1391	16 February 1391
Manuel II Palaiologos Manuel II Palaiologos Manuel II Palaiologos or Palaeologus was Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425.-Life:...	Son of John V, grandson of John VI, brother of Andronikos IV	27 June 1350	Co-emperor in 1373, Senior Emperor on 16 February 1391	21 July 1425	21 July 1425
Andronikos V Palaiologos Andronikos V Palaiologos Andronikos V Palaiologos or Andronicus V Palaeologus was co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire with his father John VII Palaiologos.-Life:...	Son of John VII	c. 1400	co-emperor c. 1403	c. 1407	c. 1407
John VIII Palaiologos John VIII Palaiologos John VIII Palaiologos or Palaeologus , was Byzantine Emperor from 1425 to 1448.-Life:...	Son of Manuel II	18 December 1392	Co-emperor c. 1416, sole emperor on 21 July 1425	31 October 1448	31 October 1448
Constantine XI Constantine XI Constantine XI Palaiologos or Palaeologus was the last reigning Roman Emperor...	Son of Manuel II, brother of John VIII	8 February 1405	6 January 1449	29 May 1453	29 May 1453

Palaiologan Dynasty (claimants in exile)

Name	Status	Birth	Emperor from	Emperor until	Death
Demetrios Palaiologos Demetrios Palaiologos Demetrios Palaiologos or Demetrius Palaeologus , Despot in the Morea de facto 1436–1438 and 1451–1460 and de jure 1438–1451, previously governor of Lemnos 1422–1440, and of Mesembria 1440–1451...	Son of Manuel II, brother of John VIII and Constantine XI	c. 1407	1453	1460	1470
Thomas Palaiologos Thomas Palaiologos Thomas Palaiologos or Palaeologus was Despot in Morea from 1428 until the Ottoman conquest in 1460. After the desertion of his older brother to the Turks in 1460, Thomas Palaiologos became the legitimate claimant to the Byzantine throne.-Life:Thomas Palaiologos was the youngest surviving son of...	Son of Manuel II, brother of John VIII and Constantine XI	c. 1409	1453	12 May 1465	12 May 1465
Andreas Palaiologos Andreas Palaiologos Andreas Palaiologos de jure Byzantine emperor and Despot of Morea from 1465 until death in 1502.He was the nephew of Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine Emperor of Constantinople...	Son of Thomas	c. 1453	12 May 1465	1502	1502