Byzantine Rulers

Question 1

Phocas the Tyrant

Answer 1

Ruled from 602 - 610 CE, overthrew the last House of Justin emperor, unpopular emperor because he ruled tyrannically, overthrown by Heraclius

Question 2

Heraclius

Answer 2

Ruled from 610 - 641 CE, born in North Africa, brought an end to the Persian War, created the theme system

Question 3

Theodora

Answer 3

Wife to Justinian the Great, born a courtesan but eventually became a highly influential and powerful empress

Question 4

Basil II

Answer 4

Ruled from 960 - 976 CE, also known as ‘Bulgar-Slayer’, popular for his military prowess and strong leadership

Question 5

Emperor Justin

Answer 5

Ruled from 518 - 527 CE, first emperor of the House of Justin, born a peasant but gained status through the military until reaching the ranks of general

Question 6

Alexios I

Answer 6

Byzantine Emperor who sent a plea to Pope Urban II for help in repelling the Arabs from Constantinople, beginning the Crusades

Question 7

Basil I

Answer 7

Ruled from 867 - 886 CE, born a peasant and worked his way up through the Byzantine bureaucracy, reclaimed a lot of lost territory and promoted the arts

Question 8

Justinian the Great

Answer 8

Ruled from 527 - 565 CE, beautified Constantinople, builder of the Hagia Sophia, left the empire in financial ruin upon his death, married to Theodora