# Justinian II

> Byzantine Emperor from 685 to 695 and from 705 to 711

**Wikidata**: [Q42021](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42021)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justinian_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/justinian-ii

## Summary
Justinian II was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 685 to 695 and again from 705 to 711. Known for his ambitious policies and tumultuous reign, he is notable for being the last emperor of the Heraclian dynasty and for his efforts to restore imperial authority, though his rule was marked by controversy and eventual overthrow.

## Biography
- **Born**: 669 (exact place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Byzantine Empire
- **Occupation**: Politician, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
- **Known for**: Reigning as Byzantine Emperor during two separate periods (685–695 and 705–711)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, governance

## Contributions
Justinian II's reign was marked by significant political and military actions, including:
- **First Reign (685–695)**: Attempted to centralize power, leading to conflicts with the aristocracy and military. His policies included tax reforms and military campaigns, though these often provoked resistance.
- **Exile and Return (695–705)**: After being deposed in 695, he was exiled but later returned to power in 705 with the help of Bulgarian and Slavic allies.
- **Second Reign (705–711)**: His second rule was characterized by harsh reprisals against his enemies, further destabilizing the empire. He was ultimately overthrown and executed in 711.

## FAQs
**What were Justinian II's major achievements?**
Justinian II is primarily known for his attempts to restore imperial authority and his two separate reigns as Byzantine Emperor. His policies, though controversial, aimed to strengthen the empire's central governance.

**Why was Justinian II overthrown?**
His first reign ended due to opposition from the aristocracy and military, while his second reign collapsed because of his brutal reprisals against political enemies, leading to widespread unrest.

**What is Justinian II's legacy?**
He is remembered as a polarizing figure whose ambitious reforms and authoritarian rule contributed to the instability of the Byzantine Empire during his time.

## Why They Matter
Justinian II's reign highlights the challenges of maintaining imperial authority in a fractured political landscape. His policies and conflicts with the aristocracy foreshadowed the broader struggles of the Byzantine Empire in the following centuries. His two separate terms as emperor also underscore the volatility of Byzantine politics during this period.

## Notable For
- Last emperor of the Heraclian dynasty.
- Only Byzantine emperor to be deposed, exiled, and later restored to power.
- Known by the epithet "Rhinotmetos" (the slit-nosed) after his nose was cut off during his first deposition.
- His reigns were marked by significant military campaigns and internal conflicts.

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension
Justinian II was born in 669, the son of Emperor Constantine IV. He ascended to the throne in 685 at the age of 16, inheriting a empire facing both external threats and internal divisions.

### First Reign (685–695)
During his first reign, Justinian II pursued policies aimed at centralizing power and reducing the influence of the aristocracy. He implemented tax reforms and launched military campaigns to secure the empire's borders. However, his authoritarian approach provoked significant opposition, leading to his deposition in 695. His nose was cut off as a symbolic act of deposition, earning him the epithet "Rhinotmetos."

### Exile and Return (695–705)
After his deposition, Justinian II was exiled to Chersonesus in Crimea. During his exile, he plotted his return to power, eventually securing the support of Bulgarian and Slavic allies. In 705, he successfully reclaimed the throne, marking a rare instance of a deposed emperor being restored to power.

### Second Reign (705–711)
Justinian II's second reign was characterized by a campaign of vengeance against his enemies. He executed many of those who had opposed him during his first reign, further destabilizing the empire. His rule ended in 711 when he was overthrown and executed, bringing an end to the Heraclian dynasty.

### Legacy
Justinian II's reigns were marked by both ambition and controversy. His attempts to restore imperial authority and his subsequent downfall highlight the challenges faced by Byzantine emperors during this period. His legacy is one of a complex and polarizing figure whose actions had lasting implications for the empire.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. IdRef
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
10. HMML Authority File