Deposition of Byzantine Emperor Philippicus and Ascension of Anastasius II

On June 3, 713, a significant political upheaval occurred in the Byzantine Empire when Emperor Philippicus was deposed by conspirators, leading to the proclamation of Anastasius II as the new emperor. This event is a notable example of the turbulent nature of Byzantine imperial politics during this period.

Background

Philippicus, originally named Bardanes, ascended to the throne in 711 after overthrowing Emperor Justinian II. His reign was marked by instability and controversy, particularly due to his religious policies. Philippicus was a supporter of Monothelitism, a doctrine considered heretical by the Orthodox Church, which led to tensions with the church and the populace.

The Deposition

Philippicus’ rule was characterized by internal dissent and external threats, including ongoing conflicts with the Umayyad Caliphate. His inability to effectively manage these challenges weakened his position. On June 3, 713, a group of conspirators, likely motivated by dissatisfaction with his leadership and religious stance, successfully deposed him. The conspirators were led by military officers who sought to restore stability and orthodoxy to the empire.

Ascension of Anastasius II

Following Philippicus’ deposition, the conspirators proclaimed Anastasius II as the new emperor. Anastasius II, originally named Artemius, was a bureaucrat and a member of the imperial administration. His rise to power was seen as a move towards restoring orthodoxy and addressing the empire’s pressing military and administrative issues.

Aftermath and Significance

Anastasius II’s reign, although relatively short, was marked by efforts to strengthen the empire’s defenses and improve its administrative efficiency. He reversed many of Philippicus’ policies, particularly those related to religious doctrine, aligning the empire more closely with the Orthodox Church.

The deposition of Philippicus and the ascension of Anastasius II highlight the volatile nature of Byzantine politics, where emperors could be swiftly overthrown by dissatisfied factions within the military or bureaucracy. This event underscores the challenges faced by Byzantine rulers in maintaining both internal stability and external security during a period of significant geopolitical pressures.

In summary, the events of June 3, 713, reflect the complex interplay of religious, political, and military factors that shaped the Byzantine Empire’s history, illustrating the precariousness of imperial authority in this era.