List of Byzantine emperors facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Emperor of the Romans
Imperial

Last to reign Constantine XI 6 January 1449 – 29 May 1453

Details
First monarch	Constantine I
Last monarch	Constantine XI
Formation	11 May 330
Abolition	29 May 1453
Residence	Great Palace, Blachernae Palace
Appointer	Unspecified, de facto hereditary
Pretender(s)	None

The Eastern Roman Empire began when the city of Constantinople was founded in 330 AD. This empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, lasted for over a thousand years. It finally fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453 AD. This list includes only emperors who were truly in charge. It does not include co-emperors who never ruled alone or people who tried to take the throne illegally.

This list starts with Constantine the Great. He was the first Christian emperor. He rebuilt the city of Byzantium and named it Constantinople. Later emperors looked up to him as a great ruler. Modern historians call this part of the Roman Empire "Byzantine." This is because its capital moved from Rome to Byzantium. Also, Christianity became very important, and Greek became the main language instead of Latin.

The Byzantine Empire was a direct continuation of the eastern half of the Roman Empire. This happened after the Roman Empire split in 395 AD. Emperors listed here up to Theodosius I ruled the entire Roman Empire. The Western Roman Empire continued until 476 AD. Byzantine emperors saw themselves as true Roman emperors, following in the footsteps of Augustus. The name "Byzantine" became common in history books much later, in the 1800s. People did not question their title of "Roman Emperor" until Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman emperor in 800 AD.

In the Byzantine system, the emperor had total power. People believed God gave him this power. He was the highest authority and made all the laws. He was also seen as the main helper and protector of his people.

Before Heraclius, emperors were officially called "Augustus". Other titles like Dominus were also used. Their names started with Imperator Caesar and ended with Augustus. After Heraclius, the common title became the Greek Basileus. This word used to mean "sovereign" or "king." After the Holy Roman Empire started in Western Europe, the title "Autokrator" (meaning "self-ruler") was used more often. Later, Western Christians sometimes called the Byzantine ruler the "Emperor of the Greeks." Near the end of the empire, the emperor's full title was often "[Emperor's name] in Christ, Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans."

Having a family rule for many generations (a dynasty) was common in the Middle Ages. However, there was no strict law that the emperor's child had to take over. It was more of a tradition or custom. This custom gave the new ruler some legitimacy, but it was not a strict rule.

Portrait	Name	Reign	Notes
Constantinian dynasty (306–363) See also: Constantinian dynasty
	Constantine I "the Great" Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ Μέγας Fl. Valerius Constantinus	25 July 306 – 22 May 337 (30 years, 9 months and 27 days)	Born around 272, Constantine became emperor of the western empire in 306. He reunited the entire empire in 324. He made important changes to the government and army. Constantine was very interested in Christianity. He helped it grow and called the first major Christian council. He also created a new gold coin and rebuilt the city of Byzantium, calling it "New Rome" (now Constantinople). He was seen as a perfect example for future emperors.
	Constantius II Κωνστάντιος Fl. Iulius Constantius	22 May 337 – 3 November 361 (24 years, 1 month and 25 days)	Born in 317, he was the second son of Constantine I. He became emperor of the eastern empire after his father's death. From 353, he ruled the entire Roman Empire. His reign involved many military actions. He also saw disagreements within Christianity. During his time, Constantinople became as important as Rome. The first Hagia Sophia church was built then.
	Julian "the Apostate" Ἰουλιανὸς ὁ Ἀποστάτης Fl. Claudius Iulianus	3 November 361 – 26 June 363 (1 year, 7 months and 23 days)	Born in 332, Julian was Constantine I's grandson. His army in Gaul declared him emperor. He became the official emperor after Constantius II died. Julian died during a military campaign against Sassanid Persia.
Non-dynastic (363–364)
	Jovian Ἰοβιανός Claudius Iovianus	27 June 363 – 17 February 364 (7 months and 21 days)	Born around 332, Jovian was a captain of the guards. The army chose him as emperor after Julian's death. He died on his way back to Constantinople.
Valentinianic dynasty (364–379) See also: Valentinianic dynasty
	Valentinian I Οὐαλεντινιανός Valentinianus	26 February – 28 March 364 (1 month and 2 days)	Born in 321, Valentinian was an officer. The army elected him emperor after Jovian died. He made his younger brother Valens emperor of the East. Valentinian himself ruled the West. He died in 375.
	Valens Οὐάλης	28 March 364 – 9 August 378 (14 years, 4 months and 12 days)	Born in 328, Valens was a soldier. His older brother Valentinian I made him Emperor of the East. He was killed at the Battle of Adrianople.
	Gratian Γρατιανός, Gratianus	9 August 378 – 19 January 379 (5 months and 10 days)	Born in 359, Gratian was the son of Valentinian I. As Emperor of the West, he took over the East after Valens died. He then appointed Theodosius I as Emperor of the East. Gratian was killed in 383 during a rebellion.
Theodosian dynasty (379–457) See also: Theodosian dynasty
	Theodosius I "the Great" Θεοδόσιος ὁ Μέγας	19 January 379 – 17 January 395 (15 years, 11 months and 29 days)	Born in 347 in Spain, Theodosius was a military leader. Gratian appointed him emperor of the East. He reunited the entire Empire after a victory in 394. He was the last emperor to rule both halves of the Empire.
	Arcadius Ἀρκάδιος	17 January 395 – 1 May 408 (13 years, 3 months and 14 days)	Born in 377/378, Arcadius was the oldest son of Theodosius I. He became emperor in the East when his father died in 395. This permanently divided the Roman Empire into East and West. His younger brother, Honorius, became emperor in the West.
	Theodosius II Θεοδόσιος	1 May 408 – 28 July 450 (42 years, 2 months and 27 days)	Born in 401, Theodosius II was Arcadius's only son. He became emperor after his father's death. As a child, a high-ranking official ruled for him. He died in a riding accident.
	Marcian Μαρκιανός, Marcianus	25 August 450 – 27 January 457 (6 years, 5 months and 2 days)	Born in 396, Marcian was a soldier and politician. He became emperor after marrying Pulcheria, the sister of Theodosius II. He died from an infection.
Leonid dynasty (457–518) See also: Leonid dynasty
	Leo I "the Great" and "the Butcher" Λέων ὁ Μέγας / Μακέλλης	7 February 457 – 18 January 474 (16 years, 11 months and 11 days)	Born around 400, Leo was a low-ranking officer. A powerful general chose him as emperor. He was the first emperor crowned by the head of the Constantinople church. He also made Greek the official language for laws. His rule brought peace with Persia. He also helped the Western Roman Empire and tried to take back Carthage. Leo eventually removed the powerful general who had chosen him, with the help of the Isaurian people.
	Leo II "the Little" Λέων ὁ μικρός	18 January – November 474 (10 months)	Born in 468, Leo II was the grandson of Leo I. He became co-emperor in 473. He took the throne after his grandfather died in 474. He made his father co-emperor and died shortly after.
	Zeno Ζήνων (Ταρασικοδίσσας)	29 January 474 – 9 January 475 (11 months and 11 days) August 476 – 9 April 491 (14 years and 8 months)	Born around 425, Zeno was an Isaurian leader. He married Emperor Leo I's daughter and became co-emperor with his son. He became sole ruler after his son's death. He had to flee briefly but regained control. Zeno made peace with the Vandals and encouraged the Ostrogoths to move to Italy. His reign also saw the end of the Western Roman Empire.
	Basiliscus Βασιλίσκος	9 January 475 – August 476 (1 year and 7 months)	Basiliscus was a general and brother-in-law of Leo I. He took power from Zeno in 475. Zeno was restored to power soon after. Basiliscus died in 476 or 477.
	Anastasius I "Dicorus" Ἀναστάσιος ὁ Δίκορος	11 April 491 – 9 July 518 (27 years, 2 months and 28 days)	Born around 430, Anastasius was a palace official. He was chosen by the empress as her husband and emperor. He was called "Dicorus" because his eyes were different colors. Anastasius reformed the tax system and coinage. He was a careful ruler and left a lot of money in the treasury. His reign saw some conflicts and a war with Persia. He died without children.
Justinian dynasty (518–602) See also: Byzantine Empire under the Justinian dynasty
	Justin I Ἰουστῖνος, Iustinus	9 July 518 – 1 August 527 (9 years and 23 days)	Born around 450, Justin was an officer. The army and people chose him as emperor after Anastasius I died.
	Justinian I "the Great" Ἰουστινιανὸς ὁ Μέγας Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus	1 August 527 – 14 November 565 (38 years, 7 months and 13 days)	Born in 482/483, Justinian was Justin I's nephew. He became co-emperor in 527 and then sole emperor. He tried to take back the western parts of the Empire. He successfully reconquered Italy, North Africa, and parts of Spain. He was also responsible for creating a major collection of Roman laws. This collection became the basis for laws in many European countries.
	Justin II Ἰουστῖνος, Iustinus	14 November 565 – 5 October 578 (12 years, 10 months and 21 days)	Born around 520, Justin II was Justinian I's nephew. He took the throne after Justinian I died, with army and Senate support. He later became unwell. His wife and then another general ruled for him.
	Tiberius II Constantine Τιβέριος Κωνσταντῖνος Tiberius Constantinus	5 October 578 – 14 August 582 (3 years, 10 months and 19 days)	Born around 535, Tiberius was a commander and friend of Justin II. He was made co-emperor and regent in 574. He became sole emperor after Justin II died.
	Maurice Μαυρίκιος Τιβέριος Mauricius Tiberius	14 August 582 – 27 November 602 (20 years, 3 months and 14 days)	Born in 539, Maurice became a general. He married Tiberius II's daughter and was declared emperor. He made his son co-emperor. Maurice was overthrown by a rebellion and executed in 602.
Non-dynastic (602–610)
	Phocas Φωκᾶς, Focas	23 November 602 – 5 October 610 (7 years, 10 months and 12 days)	Phocas was a low-ranking soldier. He led a rebellion that removed Maurice from power. He became very unpopular and was overthrown and executed by Heraclius.
Heraclian dynasty (610–695) See also: Byzantine Empire under the Heraclian dynasty
	Heraclius Ἡράκλειος	5 October 610 – 11 February 641 (30 years, 4 months and 6 days)	Born around 575, Heraclius was the son of a high-ranking official in Africa. He led a revolt against Phocas and became emperor. He won a major war against Persia. However, he could not stop the Muslim conquest of Syria. Heraclius made Greek the official language of the government.
	Heraclius Constantine Ἡράκλειος νέος Κωνσταντῖνος Heraclius novus Constantinus	11 February – 25 May 641 (3 months and 14 days)	Born in 612, he was Heraclius's oldest son. He became co-emperor in 613. He ruled with his younger brother after Heraclius died. He died from an illness, possibly poisoned.
	Heraclonas Ἡρακλεωνᾶς, Heraclius	11 February – c. 5 November 641 (8 months and 25 days)	Born in 626, Heraklonas was Heraclius's son. He became co-emperor in 638. He ruled with Constantine III after Heraclius died. After Constantine III's death, he ruled alone for a short time. The army forced him to name Constans II as co-emperor. He was then removed from power by the Senate.
	Constans II "the Bearded" Ἡράκλειος Κωνσταντῖνος (Κώνστας) Heraclius Constantinus (Constans)	c. 5 November 641 – 15 July 668 (26 years and 10 months)	Born in 630, Constans II was the son of Constantine III. The army made him co-emperor. He became sole emperor after his uncle Heraklonas was removed. He moved his capital to Syracuse. He was killed there.
	Constantine IV "the Younger" Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ νέος Constantinus	September 668 – c. 10 July 685 (16 years and 10 months)	Born in 652, Constantine IV was co-emperor since 654. He became sole emperor after his father was killed. He successfully defended Constantinople from the first Arab siege. He died from an illness.
	Justinian II Justinian II Ἰουστινιανὸς ὁ Ῥινότμητος Iustinianus (first reign)	c. 10 July 685 – 695 (10 years)	Born in 669, Justinian II was the son of Constantine IV. He became co-emperor in 681 and then sole emperor. He was removed from power by a military revolt in 695. He was sent away but later regained his throne in 705.
Twenty Years' Anarchy (695–717) Main article: Twenty Years' Anarchy
	Leontius Λεόντιος	695 – 698 (3 years)	Leontius was a general. He removed Justinian II from power. He was then overthrown in another revolt in 698. He was executed in 706.
	Tiberius III (Apsimarus) Τιβέριος (Ἀψίμαρος)	698 – 705 (7 years)	Tiberius III was an admiral. He rebelled against Leontius and became emperor. He ruled until Justinian II returned in 705. He was executed in 706.
	Justinian II (second reign)	c. 21 August 705 – 4 November 711 (6 years, 2 months and 14 days)	Justinian II returned to the throne with help from the Bulgars. He made his son co-emperor. He was removed from power and killed by a military revolt.
	Philippicus (Bardanes) Φιλιππικός (Βαρδάνης) Filepicus	4 November 711 – 3 June 713 (1 year, 6 months and 30 days)	Philippicus was a general. He removed Justinian II from power. He was then overthrown by a revolt of his own troops.
	Anastasius II Ἀρτέμιος Ἀναστάσιος Artemius Anastasius	4 June 713 – late 715 (less than 2 years)	Anastasius II was a government secretary. Soldiers who overthrew Philippicus made him emperor. He was removed by another military revolt. He tried to regain the throne later but was killed.
	Theodosius III Θεοδόσιος	late 715 – 25 March 717 (less than 2 years)	Theodosius III was a tax official. Rebellious troops declared him emperor. He entered Constantinople in 715. He gave up the throne after a revolt by Leo the Isaurian and became a monk.
Isaurian dynasty (717–802) See also: Byzantine Empire under the Isaurian dynasty
	Leo III "the Isaurian" Λέων ὁ Ἴσαυρος	25 March 717 – 18 June 741 (24 years, 2 months and 24 days)	Born around 685, Leo III became a general. He led a rebellion and took the throne in 717. He successfully defended Constantinople from a major Arab siege. He also started the movement against using religious images, known as Byzantine Iconoclasm.
	Constantine V "the Dung-named" Κωνσταντῖνος Κοπρώνυμος	18 June 741 – 14 September 775 (34 years, 2 months and 27 days)	Born in 718, Constantine V was Leo III's only son. He became co-emperor in 720 and then sole emperor. He continued his father's policies against religious images. He won several battles against the Arabs and Bulgars. Later historians who disliked him gave him the nickname "the Dung-named."
	Artabasdos Ἀρτάβασδος	June 741 – 2 November 743 (2 years and 5 months)	Artabasdos was a general and Leo III's son-in-law. He led a revolt and took control of Constantinople. However, Constantine V defeated him. Artabasdos was then blinded and forced to become a monk.
	Leo IV "the Khazar" Λέων ὁ Χάζαρος	14 September 775 – 8 September 780 (4 years, 11 months and 25 days)	Born in 750, Leo IV was Constantine V's oldest son. He became co-emperor in 751 and then sole emperor after his father's death.
	Constantine VI Κωνσταντῖνος	8 September 780 – 19 August 797 (16 years, 11 months and 11 days)	Born in 771, Constantine VI was Leo IV's only child. He became co-emperor in 776. He ruled alone after Leo's death, but his mother, Irene, was regent until 790. His mother later overthrew him. He was blinded and imprisoned, likely dying from his injuries.
	Irene Εἰρήνη	19 August 797 – 31 October 802 (5 years, 2 months and 12 days)	Born around 752 in Athens, Irene married Leo IV in 768. She was regent for her son Constantine VI from 780 to 790. In 797, she overthrew him and became empress. She called a council that allowed the use of religious images again. She was removed from power in 802 and died in exile.
Nikephorian dynasty (802–813) Main article: Byzantine Empire under the Nikephorian dynasty
	Nikephoros I "Genikos" or "the Logothete" Νικηφόρος ὁ Γενικός/ὁ Λογοθέτης	31 October 802 – 26 July 811 (8 years, 8 months and 26 days)	Nikephoros was a finance minister under Irene. He led successful campaigns against the Bulgars but was killed in battle.
	Staurakios Σταυράκιος	26 July 811 – 2 October 811 (2 months and 4 days)	Staurakios was Nikephoros I's only son. He became co-emperor in 803. He became emperor after his father's death. However, he was badly wounded in battle and paralyzed. He was forced to give up the throne and died soon after.
	Michael I Rangabe Μιχαὴλ Ῥαγγαβέ	2 October 811 – 11 July 813 (1 year, 9 months and 9 days)	Michael I was Nikephoros I's son-in-law. He became emperor after Staurakios gave up the throne. He resigned after a revolt and became a monk. He ruled with his oldest son as co-emperor.
Non-dynastic (813–820)
	Leo V "the Armenian" Λέων ὁ Ἀρμένιος	11 July 813 – 25 December 820 (7 years, 5 months and 14 days)	Born around 755, Leo V was a general. He rebelled against Michael I and became emperor. He made his son co-emperor. He brought back the policy against religious images. He was killed by a group of conspirators.
Amorian dynasty (820–867) See also: Byzantine Empire under the Amorian dynasty
	Michael II "the Amorian" Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἐξ Ἀμορίου	25 December 820 – 2 October 829 (8 years, 9 months and 7 days)	Born in 770, Michael II was an army officer. He led the group that killed Leo V. He faced rebellions and lost the island of Crete to the Arabs. He also saw the start of the Muslim conquest of Sicily. He continued the policy against religious images.
	Theophilos Θεόφιλος	2 October 829 – 20 January 842 (12 years, 3 months and 18 days)	Born in 813, Theophilos was Michael II's only son. He became co-emperor in 821 and then sole emperor after his father's death.
	Michael III "the Drunkard" Μιχαὴλ ὁ Μέθυσος	20 January 842 – 24 September 867 (25 years, 8 months and 4 days)	Born around 840, Michael III was Theophilos's son. He became emperor after his father's death. His mother ruled for him until 856. He ended the policy against religious images. He was killed by Basil the Macedonian. Later historians who favored Basil gave him the nickname "the Drunkard."
Macedonian dynasty (867–1056) See also: Macedonian dynasty and Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty
	Basil I "the Macedonian" Βασίλειος ὁ Μακεδών	24 September 867 – 29 August 886 (18 years, 11 months and 5 days)	Born around 811, Basil I rose through palace service. He became a favorite of Michael III, who made him co-emperor in 866. He then overthrew Michael and started the Macedonian dynasty. He won wars against the Arabs and took back southern Italy for the Empire.
	Leo VI "the Wise" Λέων ὁ Σοφός	29 August 886 – 11 May 912 (25 years, 8 months and 12 days)	Born in 866, Leo VI was either Basil I's son or Michael III's son. He became co-emperor in 870. Leo was known for his knowledge and writings. His reign saw many naval attacks by Muslims. He also fought unsuccessful wars against the Bulgarians.
	Alexander Ἀλέξανδρος	11 May 912 – 6 June 913 (1 year and 26 days)	Born in 870, Alexander was Basil I's son. He became co-emperor in 879. He died after a game of polo.
	Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος	6 June 913 – 9 November 959 (46 years, 5 months and 3 days)	Born in 905, Constantine VII was Leo VI's son. He became co-emperor in 908. His early rule was controlled by others, including his mother and then his father-in-law, Romanos Lekapenos. Constantine regained full control in 945. His reign included conflicts in the East and a failed campaign against Crete. He was known for encouraging learning and writing. He wrote important books about government and ceremonies for his son.
	Romanos I Lekapenos Ῥωμανὸς Λεκαπηνός	17 December 920 – 20 December 944 (24 years and 3 days)	Romanos was an admiral from a humble background. He became powerful by protecting the young Constantine VII. He married his daughter to Constantine and then crowned himself senior emperor. His reign saw the end of war with Bulgaria and major conquests in the East. Romanos tried to make his own sons emperors over Constantine VII. However, his sons overthrew him and sent him to an island as a monk. He died there in 948.
	Romanos II "the Purple-born" Ῥωμανὸς ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος	9 November 959 – 15 March 963 (3 years, 4 months and 6 days)	Born in 938, Romanos II was Constantine VII's only surviving son. He became emperor after his father's death. His government was mostly run by a powerful official. His reign was marked by successful wars in the East and the recovery of Crete.
	Nikephoros II Phokas Νικηφόρος Φωκᾶς	16 August 963 – 11 December 969 (6 years, 3 months and 25 days)	Born around 912, Nikephoros II was a very successful general. After Romanos II died, he became emperor with the army's support. He married the empress and ruled as guardian for the young emperors. He led many campaigns in the East, conquering much of Syria. His nephew killed him.
	John I Tzimiskes Ἰωάννης ὁ Τσιμισκὴς	11 December 969 – 10 January 976 (6 years and 30 days)	Born around 925, John I was Nikephoros Phokas's nephew. He was a successful general. He had a disagreement with his uncle and led a group that killed him. John became emperor and regent for Romanos II's young sons. He defeated the Rus' people in Bulgaria and ended the Bulgarian kingdom. He then campaigned in the East, where he died.
	Basil II "the Bulgar-Slayer" Βασίλειος ὁ Βουλγαροκτόνος	10 January 976 – 15 December 1025 (49 years, 11 months and 5 days)	Born in 958, Basil II was Romanos II's oldest son. The first ten years of his reign had rivalries and rebellions. Basil strengthened his power through an alliance with Vladimir I of Kiev. After stopping the revolts, he began his conquest of Bulgaria. Bulgaria was finally defeated in 1018 after over 20 years of war. Basil also expanded Byzantine control into Armenia. His reign is considered a high point for the Byzantine Empire.
	Constantine VIII Κωνσταντῖνος ὁ Πορφυρογέννητος	15 December 1025– 12 November 1028 (2 years, 10 months and 28 days)	Born in 960, Constantine VIII was Romanos II's second son. He became co-emperor in 962. During Basil II's rule, he enjoyed a relaxed life. During his short reign, he was not a strong ruler. He was easily influenced and suspicious of plots against him. Many military leaders were blinded and sent away.
	Romanos III Argyros Ῥωμανὸς Ἀργυρός	15 November 1028 – 11 April 1034 (5 years, 4 months and 30 days)	Born in 968, Romanos was an older aristocrat. Constantine VIII chose him as his daughter Zoe's husband on his deathbed. Romanos became emperor after Constantine's death.
	Michael IV "the Paphlagonian" Μιχαὴλ ὁ Παφλαγών	11 April 1034 – 10 December 1041 (7 years, 7 months and 28 days)	Born in 1010, Michael became a close companion of Empress Zoe. He became emperor after Romanos III died, as Zoe's husband. With help from his brother, his reign was somewhat successful against internal rebellions. However, his attempt to take back Sicily failed. He died after a long illness.
	Michael V "the Caulker" Μιχαὴλ ὁ Καλαφάτης	10 December 1041 – 20 April 1042 (4 months and 8 days)	Born in 1015, Michael V was Michael IV's nephew and adopted son. He tried to remove Empress Zoe from power. However, a popular revolt forced him to restore her as empress, along with her sister Theodora. He was removed from power the next day and died later.
	Zoe "the Purple-born" Ζωὴ ἡ Πορφυρογέννητος	21 April – 12 June 1042 (1 month and 22 days)	Zoe was Constantine VIII's daughter. She became empress after her father's death, as the last surviving member of her dynasty. She ruled with her sister Theodora. Her three husbands ruled alongside her during different periods.
	Theodora "the Purple-born" Θεοδώρα ἡ Πορφυρογέννητος	21 April – 12 June 1042 (1 month and 22 days) 11 January 1055 – 31 August 1056 (1 year, 7 months, 20 days)	Born in 984, Theodora was Zoe's younger sister. She became co-ruler in 1042. After Zoe married her third husband, Theodora was again less involved in ruling. After Zoe and her husband died, Theodora took full control of the Empire until her death. She chose Michael VI as her successor.
	Constantine IX Monomachos Κωνσταντῖνος Μονομάχος	12 June 1042 – 11 January 1055 (12 years, 6 months and 30 days)	Born around 1000, Constantine was from a noble family. He was chosen as Zoe's third husband and became emperor. Constantine supported merchants and scholars. This made him unpopular with the military leaders. He lived an extravagant life and built many monasteries. His reign saw invasions in the Balkans and the East. It also saw a major split between the churches of Rome and Constantinople.
Non-dynastic (1056–1057)
	Michael VI Bringas "Stratiotikos" / "the Old" Μιχαὴλ Βρίγγας ὁ Στρατιωτικός/ὁ Γέρων	31 August 1056 – 30/31 August 1057 (1 year and 8 days)	Michael VI was a government official. Theodora crowned him emperor in 1056. A military revolt led by Isaac Komnenos removed him from power. He retired to a monastery and died in 1059.
Komnenid dynasty (1057–1059) See also: Komnenos and Byzantine Empire under the Komnenos dynasty
	Isaac I Komnenos Ἰσαάκιος Κομνηνός	1 September 1057 – 22 November 1059 (2 years, 2 months and 21 days)	Born around 1005, Isaac was a successful general. He led a revolt and was declared emperor in 1057. He was recognized after Michael VI gave up the throne. He resigned in 1059 and died around 1061.
Doukid dynasty (1059–1081) See also: Doukas and Byzantine Empire under the Doukas dynasty
	Constantine X Doukas Κωνσταντῖνος Δούκας	23 November 1059 – 23 May 1067 (7 years and 6 months)	Born in 1006, Constantine X was a general and ally of Isaac Komnenos. He became emperor after Isaac gave up the throne. He made his sons co-emperor. After his death, his wife ruled until Romanus IV became emperor.
	Romanos IV Diogenes Ῥωμανὸς Διογένης	1 January 1068 – 1 October 1071 (3 years and 9 months)	Born in 1032, Romanos was a successful general. He married the empress who was ruling for her sons. He became senior emperor and guardian of her sons. He was removed from power after the Battle of Manzikert. He was blinded and exiled, dying soon after.
	Michael VII Doukas "Parapinakes" Μιχαὴλ Δούκας "Παραπινάκης"	1 October 1071 – 24 March 1078 (6 years, 5 months and 23 days)	Born in 1050, Michael VII was Constantine X's oldest son. He became co-emperor in 1059. He was under his mother's rule and then under Romanos IV. He became senior emperor in 1071. He made his son co-emperor. He gave up the throne due to a revolt and became a monk. His reign saw the value of Byzantine money drop.
	Nikephoros III Botaneiates Νικηφόρος Βοτανειάτης	27 March 1078 – 1 April 1081 (2 years, 11 months and 29 days)	Born in 1001, Nikephoros was a military commander. He was declared emperor in 1078. He faced several revolts. The Komnenos family overthrew him. He retired to a monastery and died that same year.
Komnenid dynasty (1081–1185) See also: Komnenos and Byzantine Empire under the Komnenos dynasty
	Alexios I Komnenos Ἀλέξιος Κομνηνός	1 April 1081 – 15 August 1118 (37 years, 4 months and 14 days)	Born in 1056, Alexios was Isaac I Komnenos's nephew. He was a skilled general. He overthrew Nikephoros III. His reign was dominated by wars against the Normans and the Seljuk Turks. The First Crusade also arrived during his rule. He kept Constantine Doukas as co-emperor for a while. He made his oldest son John co-emperor in 1092.
	John II Komnenos Ἰωάννης Κομνηνός	15 August 1118 – 8 April 1143 (24 years, 7 months and 24 days)	Born in 1087, John II was Alexios I's oldest son. He became co-emperor in 1092 and then sole emperor. His reign focused on wars with the Turks. He was a popular, religious, and careful ruler, known as "John the Good." He made his oldest son co-emperor, but his son died before him.
	Manuel I Komnenos Μανουὴλ Κομνηνός	8 April 1143 – 24 September 1180 (37 years, 5 months and 16 days)	Born in 1118, Manuel I was John II's youngest son. His father chose him as emperor over his older brother. He was an active ruler. He launched campaigns against the Turks and gained power over the Crusader states. He tried to take back Italy and Egypt but failed. His spending and constant wars used up the Empire's money.
	Alexios II Komnenos Ἀλέξιος Κομνηνός	24 September 1180 – c. September 1183 (3 years)	Born in 1169, Alexios II was Manuel I's only son. His mother ruled for him from 1180 to 1182. She was overthrown by Andronikos I Komnenos. Andronikos became co-emperor and then had Alexios II removed and killed.
	Andronikos I Komnenos Ἀνδρόνικος Κομνηνός	c. September 1183 – 12 September 1185 (2 years)	Born around 1118, Andronikos was John II's nephew. He was imprisoned for plotting against John II. He escaped and spent 15 years in exile. He took control from Alexios II's mother in 1182. He then took the throne from his nephew Alexios II. He was an unpopular ruler and was overthrown in a public uprising.
Angelid dynasty (1185–1204) See also: Angelos and Byzantine Empire under the Angelos dynasty
	Isaac II Angelos Ἰσαάκιος Ἄγγελος	12 September 1185 – 8 April 1195 (9 years, 6 months and 27 days) 1 August 1203 – 27 January 1204 (6 months and 8 days)	Born in 1156, Isaac came to the throne after a popular revolt against Andronikos I. His reign was marked by revolts and wars, especially against a rising Bulgaria. His older brother, Alexios III, removed him from power, blinded him, and imprisoned him. He was later restored to the throne by the Crusaders and Alexios IV. He was removed again by Alexios V Doukas and died in 1204.
	Alexios III Angelos Ἀλέξιος Ἄγγελος	8 April 1195 – 18 July 1203 (8 years, 3 months and 10 days)	Born in 1153, Alexios was Isaac II's older brother. His reign was marked by poor government and local leaders gaining more power. The Fourth Crusade removed him from power. He fled Constantinople and tried to regain his throne. He died in captivity in 1211.
	Alexios IV Angelos Ἀλέξιος Ἄγγελος	19 July 1203 – 27 January 1204 (6 months and 8 days)	Born in 1182, Alexios IV was Isaac II's son. He asked the Fourth Crusade for help to return his father to the throne. He ruled alongside his restored father. They failed to meet the Crusaders' demands. Alexios V Doukas removed him from power in 1204, and he was killed.
	Alexios V Doukas "Mourtzouphlos" Ἀλέξιος Δούκας ὁ "Μούρτζουφλος"	27 January 1204 – 12 April 1204 (2 months and 16 days)	Born in 1140, Alexios V was Alexios III's son-in-law. He was a prominent aristocrat. He removed Isaac II and Alexios IV from power. He tried to fight off the Crusaders. However, they captured Constantinople, forcing him to flee. He was later blinded and captured by the Crusaders. He was executed in 1205.
Laskarid dynasty (Empire of Nicaea, 1204–1261) See also: Laskaris and Empire of Nicaea
	Theodore I Laskaris Θεόδωρος Λάσκαρις	May 1205 – November 1221 (16 years and 6 months)	Born around 1174, Theodore became important as Alexios III's son-in-law. After Constantinople fell to the Crusaders, Theodore organized Greek resistance in Nicaea. He was declared emperor and crowned in 1208. He stopped the Latin advance and repelled Seljuk attacks. He established the Empire of Nicaea as the strongest Greek state.
	John III Vatatzes Ἰωάννης Βατάτζης	December 1221 – 3 November 1254 (32 years and 11 months)	Born around 1192, John III was Theodore I's son-in-law and successor. He was a capable ruler and soldier. He expanded his state by taking land from the Latin Empire, Bulgaria, and the rival Greek state of Epirus.
	Theodore II Laskaris Θεόδωρος Λάσκαρις	3 November 1254 – 16 August 1258 (3 years, 9 months and 13 days)	Born in 1221/1222, Theodore II was John III's only son. He became emperor after his father's death. His reign was marked by his dislike of powerful noble families. He also won a victory against Bulgaria and expanded into Albania.
	John IV Laskaris Ἰωάννης Λάσκαρις	16 August 1258 – 25 December 1261 (3 years, 4 months and 9 days)	Born in 1250, John IV was Theodore II's only son. He became emperor after his father's death. Because he was a child, Michael Palaiologos ruled for him. Michael was crowned senior emperor within months. After Constantinople was retaken in 1261, Michael removed John IV from power. He was blinded and imprisoned. John IV died around 1305.
Palaiologan dynasty (restored to Constantinople, 1261–1453) See also: Palaiologos and Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty
	Michael VIII Palaiologos Μιχαὴλ Παλαιολόγος	1 January 1259 – 11 December 1282 (23 years, 11 months and 10 days)	Born in 1223, Michael VIII was a distant relative of earlier emperors. He became senior emperor alongside John IV in 1259. His forces retook Constantinople in 1261, bringing the Empire back. He entered the city and was crowned. He became sole emperor after removing John IV from power.
	Andronikos II Palaiologos Ἀνδρόνικος Παλαιολόγος	11 December 1282 – 24 May 1328 (45 years, 5 months and 13 days)	Born in 1259, Andronikos II was Michael VIII's son. He became co-emperor in 1261 and then sole emperor. He favored monks and scholars but neglected the army. His reign saw the Byzantine position in Asia Minor collapse. He made his son co-emperor. After a long civil war, his grandson removed him from power. He died in 1332.
	Michael IX Palaiologos Μιχαὴλ Παλαιολόγος	21 May 1294 – 12 October 1320 (26 years, 4 months and 21 days)	Michael IX was the son and co-ruler of Andronikos II. He was made co-emperor in 1281 and crowned in 1294. He reportedly died from sadness after his second son was accidentally killed.
	Andronikos III Palaiologos Ἀνδρόνικος Παλαιολόγος	24 May 1328 – 15 June 1341 (13 years and 22 days)	Born in 1297, Andronikos III was Michael IX's son. He became co-emperor in 1316. He became rival emperor in 1321 and removed his grandfather Andronikos II in 1328. He ruled alone until his death. With help from John Kantakouzenos, his reign saw defeats against the Ottomans but successes in Europe.
	John V Palaiologos Ἰωάννης Παλαιολόγος	15 July 1341 – 12 August 1376 (35 years, 1 month and 28 days)	John V was Andronikos III's only son. He was not crowned or named heir when his father died. This led to a destructive civil war between his regents and his father's aide, John VI Kantakouzenos. Kantakouzenos was crowned co-emperor. The conflict ended in 1347 with Kantakouzenos as senior emperor. However, John V removed him in 1354 during another civil war. John V asked Western Europe for help against the Ottomans. In 1371, he had to accept Ottoman rule.
	John VI Kantakouzenos Ἰωάννης Καντακουζηνός	8 February 1347– 10 December 1354 (7 years, 10 months and 2 days)	John VI was a relative of the Palaiologos family. He was declared co-emperor in 1341. He was recognized as senior emperor after the civil war ended in 1347. John V removed him from power in 1354. He became a monk and died in 1383.
	Andronikos IV Palaiologos Ἀνδρόνικος Παλαιολόγος	12 August 1376 – 1 July 1379 (2 years, 10 months and 19 days)	Born in 1348, Andronikos IV was John V's son and John VI's grandson. He became co-emperor around 1352. He removed his father from power in 1376. He was then overthrown in 1379. He was again recognized as co-emperor in 1381. He died in 1385.
	John V Palaiologos (second reign)	1 July 1379 – 14 April 1390 (10 years, 9 months and 13 days)	John V was restored as senior emperor. He made peace with Andronikos IV in 1381, making him co-emperor again. His grandson, John VII, overthrew him again in 1390.
	John VII Palaiologos Ἰωάννης Παλαιολόγος	14 April 1390 – 17 September 1390 (5 months and 3 days)	Born in 1370, John VII was Andronikos IV's son. He was co-emperor under his father. He took the throne from his grandfather John V for five months in 1390. With help from the Ottomans, he made peace with John V and his uncle, Manuel II. As regent, he defended Constantinople against the Ottomans from 1399 to 1402. He then governed Thessalonica until his death in 1408.
	John V Palaiologos (third reign)	17 September 1390 – 16 February 1391 (4 months and 30 days)	John V was restored as senior emperor for a third time. He ruled until his death in 1391.
	Manuel II Palaiologos Μανουὴλ Παλαιολόγος	16 February 1391 – 21 July 1425 (34 years, 4 months and 5 days)	Born in 1350, Manuel II was John V's second son. He became co-emperor in 1373 and then senior emperor. He traveled to Western European courts to ask for help against the Turks. He was able to regain some lands and end his vassalage to the Ottomans after their defeat in the Battle of Ankara.
	John VIII Palaiologos Ἰωάννης Παλαιολόγος	21 July 1425 – 31 October 1448 (23 years, 4 months and 10 days)	Born in 1392, John VIII was Manuel II's oldest surviving son. He became co-emperor around 1416 and full emperor in 1421. He became sole emperor after his father's death. He sought help against the rising Ottomans. He agreed to the Union of the Churches in 1439 to get Western support.
	Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos Κωνσταντῖνος Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος	6 January 1449 – 29 May 1453 (4 years, 4 months and 23 days)	Born in 1405, Constantine XI was Manuel II's fourth son. As ruler of the Morea since 1428, he won campaigns and expanded Byzantine control. However, he could not stop Turkish attacks. As the oldest surviving brother, he became emperor after John VIII died. He faced the new sultan, Mehmed II, who wanted Constantinople. Constantine accepted the Union of the Churches and asked the West for help, but it was in vain. He refused to surrender the city and was killed during the final Ottoman attack in 1453.