History of the Byzantine Empire: Episode 300

The Top 10 Byzantine Emperors

Introduction

• Special presentation for the 300th episode.
• Inspiration taken from Anthony Celis.
• Thanks to followers and sponsors.

Emperors

10. Nikephoros II Phokas (963-969)

• Best general on the podcast: meticulous, tough, disciplined.
• Conquests: Cyzicus, Cyprus, Antioch, advanced into Armenia.
• Problems: Decreasing popularity, assassinated by his nephew John I Tzimiskes.

9. John I Tzimiskes (969-976)

• Skillful politician, appeased resentments after assassinating Phokas.
• Successful campaigns: Defeated the Danubian Rus.
• Reabsorbed Bulgaria into the Empire.

8. Romanos I Lekapenos (919-944)

• Ruled on behalf of the Macedonian Dynasty.
• Peace with Bulgaria, successful campaigns on the eastern front.
• Stability and legislation to help the poor.

7. Maurice (582-602)

• Inherited a troubled Empire, wars on multiple fronts.
• Peace with Persia, effective defense in the Balkans.
• Assassinated after a military mutiny.

6. Constantine V (743-775)

• Post-Arab Caliphate stability, military reforms.
• Defenses and conquests in the Balkans and beyond.
• Peacefully passed power to his son.

5. Heraclius (610-641)

• Restored eastern provinces after an initial collapse.
• His actions paved the way for the rise of the Islamic Caliphate.

4. Leo III (717-741)

• Successful defense of Constantinople against the Arabs.
• Reconstruction of the Empire, legal and administrative reforms.

3. Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118)

• Saved the Empire after the Norman invasion and other threats.
• Reformed currency and the judicial system.
• Not blamed for problems occurring after his death.

2. Basil II (976-1025)

• Stability and expansion of the empire with little opposition.
• Punished traitors, solid internal reforms.
• His lack of an adequate successor reduces his rating.

1. Anastasius I (491-518)

• Emperor of humble origin, chosen for his competence and wisdom.
• Monetary reforms, tax reduction, large surplus.
• Internal stability and control of rebellions and external threats.

Final Reflection

• Subjectivity in the definition of greatness.
• Evaluation based on state administration and stability.
• Criticisms of emperors like Justinian for reckless expansion.
• Debate on the importance of succession planning.
• Distinction between historical periods and their corresponding challenges.