Theophylact (son of Michael I) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Theophylact |
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| Emperor of the Romans | |
A young prince, most likely Theophylact, being crowned junior emperor by his father, miniature from the 12th century Madrid Skylitzes.
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| Byzantine emperor | |
| Co-reign | 25 December 811 – 11 July 813 |
| Predecessor | Michael I Rangabe |
| Successor | Leo V the Armenian |
| Senior emperor | Michael I Rangabe |
| Born | c. 793 |
| Died | 15 January 849 Plate Island |
| Dynasty | Nikephorian dynasty |
| Father | Michael I Rangabe |
| Mother | Prokopia |
Theophylact (pronounced Thee-oh-FY-lakt) was a young prince in the Byzantine Empire. He was born around the year 793. His father was Michael I Rangabe, who became the Byzantine emperor. Theophylact's mother was Prokopia. She was the daughter of Emperor Nikephoros I.
For a short time, Theophylact was a co-emperor alongside his father. This meant they ruled the empire together. After his father lost the throne, Theophylact became a monk. He was sent to live on an island called Plate Island. There, he took the new name Eustratius.
The Life of Theophylact
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Theophylact was born around 793 to Michael Rhangabe and Prokopia. He was their oldest son. One of his younger brothers later became a very important church leader, Patriarch Ignatius I of Constantinople. Theophylact was named after his grandfather, who was also called Theophylact. This grandfather had been involved in a plan to take the throne from Empress Irene in 780. However, Theophylact's other grandfather, Emperor Nikephoros I, became a powerful finance minister before he became emperor himself.
Becoming Emperor
In 811, Emperor Nikephoros I died in a big battle. His son, Staurakios, was badly hurt in the same battle. Because Staurakios could not rule, the leaders of the Byzantine Empire chose Michael Rhangabe to be the new emperor. Michael was Nikephoros's son-in-law. Staurakios then had to give up his power.
Michael became emperor and quickly worked to make his rule strong. He gave out many gifts. On October 12, he crowned his wife, Prokopia, as empress. Then, on Christmas Day, December 25, 811, Michael crowned his son Theophylact as co-emperor. Theophylact was about 18 years old at this time. The crowning ceremony happened in the famous Hagia Sophia church.
Around the same time, Emperor Michael sent a special messenger to the Frankish kingdom. This messenger talked about the idea of Theophylact marrying one of Charlemagne's daughters. Charlemagne was the powerful ruler of the Franks. Even though the Franks welcomed the messenger and agreed to a peace treaty, Charlemagne did not agree to the marriage. He might have been careful because similar marriage plans had failed before.
Life as a Monk
We do not know much more about Theophylact's life until July 11, 813. On that day, Emperor Michael I faced a military uprising led by a general named Leo the Armenian. Because of this revolt, Michael decided to give up his throne.
Michael and his family, including Theophylact, went to a church for safety. There, they all became monks and nuns. This meant they shaved their heads and promised to live a religious life. Michael and his sons were then sent away to Plate Island. This island is one of the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara. The new emperor, Leo V, gave them money each year to live on.
Theophylact took the new name Eustratius when he became a monk. He died on January 15, 849. This was five years after his father passed away. Theophylact was buried next to his father in a church on Plate Island. Later, his brother, Patriarch Ignatios, moved their bodies to another monastery.
