Amantius (praepositus) facts for kids
Amantius (Greek: Ἀμάντιος, romanized: Amantios) was a very important official in the Byzantine Empire. He was the chief of the emperor's personal staff, serving Emperor Anastasius I. After Emperor Anastasius died, Amantius tried to choose the next emperor. However, he was outsmarted by Justin I, who became the new emperor. Amantius was later executed.
Amantius became the chief of the emperor's personal staff sometime after the year 513. He was a very trusted and powerful person in Emperor Anastasius's court. Amantius followed a specific Christian belief called Monophysitism. Towards the end of Anastasius's life, both the emperor and Amantius had similar dreams about who would become the next ruler. A dream interpreter named Proclus Oneirocrites helped them understand these dreams. Amantius also built a church in Constantinople dedicated to Saint Thomas. An area in the city was even named ta Amantou after him.
The Struggle for the Throne
When Emperor Anastasius died on July 9, 518, Amantius wanted to choose the next emperor. He supported a person named Theocritus to take the throne. To help Theocritus, Amantius gave money to Justin I, who was a military commander. Amantius hoped Justin would use the money to gain support for Theocritus.
However, Justin used the money to gain support for himself instead! The very next day, on July 10, Justin was declared the new emperor.
Amantius's Downfall
After Justin became emperor, Amantius caused some trouble among the people. He also secretly planned with another official, Andreas, to replace Emperor Justin with Theocritus. Amantius was not liked by people who followed a different Christian belief called Chalcedonian Christianity. On July 16, he was publicly criticized in the Hagia Sophia church.
Their secret plan was discovered. Amantius and Andreas were arrested and executed on July 20. Later, some followers of Monophysitism considered Amantius and Andreas to be like heroes who died for their beliefs.
Sources
- "[Amantius (praepositus) at Google Books The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire: Volume II, AD 395–527]".. (1980). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
