# Anastasios II

> Byzantine Emperor

**Wikidata**: [Q41620](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41620)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastasius_II_(emperor))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anastasios-ii

## Summary
Anastasios II (c. 700 – 1 June 719), also known as Anastasius II Artemius, was the Byzantine Emperor from 713 to 719. His reign marked a period of significant turmoil and crisis following the end of the Twenty Years' Anarchy.

## Biography
-   **Born:** c. 700 (exact date and place not specified in source material)
-   **Nationality:** Byzantine Empire
-   **Education:** Not specified in source material
-   **Known for:** Byzantine Emperor during a critical period of internal rebellion and external Arab threat.
-   **Employer(s):** Byzantine Empire
-   **Field(s):** Ruler, State Governance

## Contributions
No specific contributions (e.g., publications, buildings, reforms) are documented in the provided source material beyond his role as Emperor. His reign is primarily noted for events like the deposition of Philippicus and the subsequent Arab siege of Constantinople.

## FAQs
**When was Anastasios II emperor?** Anastasios II reigned as Byzantine Emperor from 713 until his deposition in July 719.
**Who preceded Anastasios II?** He succeeded Philippicus, whose deposition in 713 ended a period known as the Twenty Years' Anarchy.
**Who followed Anastasios II?** Theodosius III succeeded Anastasios II after his deposition.
**What was Anastasios II's full name?** His primary name was Anastasios II, also known by the alias Anastasius II Artemius.
**What was significant about his reign?** His reign was characterized by attempts to restore order after a period of instability, but ended with rebellion and a major Arab siege of Constantinople.

## Why They Matter
Anastasios II's reign is significant as it occurred during one of the most turbulent phases of Byzantine history, following the destructive Twenty Years' Anarchy. His efforts to restore stability and religious orthodoxy (ending the monothelitism of his predecessor) were crucial, even though his reign ultimately ended in failure due to internal revolt and external pressure from the expanding Umayyad Caliphate. His deposition marked the brief return of the Heraclian dynasty under Theodosius III and highlighted the ongoing political and military fragility of the empire at that time.

## Notable For
-   Byzantine Emperor from 713 to 719.
-   Deposed Philippicus in 713, ending the Twenty Years' Anarchy.
-   Restained religious orthodoxy by ending the monothelite controversy (restaining the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea).
-   Faced the devastating Arab siege of Constantinople in 717-718, which ultimately failed.
-   Deposed by the revolt of Leo the Isaurian in July 719.
-   His reign ended the Isaurian interregnum and paved the way for the establishment of the Isaurian dynasty by his successor's eventual deposition.

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Anastasios II was born circa 700 AD. His full name was Anastasios II, and he is also known by the alias Anastasius II Artemius. Little detail about his early life or background is provided in the source material. He rose to prominence following the deposition of Emperor Philippicus in 713. Philippicus, who had been overthrown due to his defeat by the Bulgars and his support for the controversial monothelite doctrine (which denied the dual will in Christ), was imprisoned and blinded.

### Reign (713 - 719)
After deposing Philippicus, Anastasios II was crowned Emperor in 713. His reign began with urgent efforts to restore stability and defend the empire, which had been severely weakened by the preceding decades of internal strife and military setbacks.
*   **Restoring Order:** He took steps to address the chaos left by the Twenty Years' Anarchy (695-713), which had seen frequent emperors overthrown.
*   **Religious Policy:** A key act of his reign was the restoration of religious orthodoxy. He formally condemned the monothelite doctrine promoted by Philippicus and recalled the legitimate Patriarch Germanus I, who had been exiled by Philippicus. This move aimed to reconcile with Rome and bolster internal unity.
*   **Military Reforms:** Recognizing the persistent external threats, Anastasios II initiated military preparations. He reformed the thematic system and improved the defenses of Constantinople in anticipation of a major Arab attack. He also attempted to secure support from the Bulgars and the Khazars, although relations with the Bulgars remained complex.
*   **The Arab Siege (717-718):** His reign culminated in the most significant event of this period: the massive Arab Umayyad siege of Constantinople, led by Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik and Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik. This siege, beginning in the summer of 717, was one of the largest military operations of the early medieval period and threatened the very survival of the Byzantine Empire. Anastasios II led the defense of the city. The siege lasted over a year, ending in a decisive Byzantine victory in the autumn of 718, due to a combination of fierce resistance, Greek fire, disease, and the onset of winter. This victory was a pivotal moment, halting the Arab advance deep into Anatolia and ensuring the Byzantine Empire's survival for centuries more.

### Deposition and Death
Despite his success in defending the capital during the siege, Anastasios II's position remained precarious. His strict financial policies and the continued pressure on the empire fueled discontent. In July 719, the general Leo the Isaurian, who had led successful operations against the Arabs in Anatolia, rebelled against Anastasios II. Leo marched on Constantinople and forced Anastasios II, who had sought refuge on a ship, to surrender. Anastasios II was then tonsured and exiled to the monastery of Thessalonica, where he died on 1 June 719. Leo was then crowned as Emperor Leo III, founding the Isaurian dynasty. Anastasios II was buried in the monastery.

### Legacy and Historical Significance
Anastasios II's reign occupies a critical niche in Byzantine history. He inherited an empire shattered by decades of internal conflict and defeat. His restoration of religious orthodoxy was a necessary act to re-establish legitimacy and unity, especially with the Papacy. His successful defense of Constantinople during the devastating Arab siege was arguably the most significant military achievement of the 8th century for the Byzantines, preserving the empire from near-certain collapse. However, his inability to maintain long-term internal stability, coupled with his perceived harshness, led to his downfall. His deposition by Leo the Isaurian marked the end of a period of imperial chaos and the beginning of the long and relatively stable Isaurian dynasty, known for its military successes and iconoclasm. His legacy is thus defined by a crucial victory that saved Byzantium and a subsequent failure to consolidate power, highlighting the immense challenges of ruling the Eastern Roman Empire during the early 8th century.

## References

1. Dictionary of Women Worldwide
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013