Nikephoros (son of Artabasdos)
Emperor of the Romans
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Nikephoros (Greek: Νικηφόρος, romanized: Nikēphóros) was junior Byzantine Emperor from 741 to 743. He was crowned after his father, Artabasdos (r. 741–743) usurped Emperor Constantine V (r. 741–775). Constantine seized power again on 2 November 743, and Nikephoros, Artabasdos, and Niketas were blinded and confined in the Chora Church.
| Nikephoros | |
|---|---|
| Emperor of the Romans | |
Solidus of Nikephoros, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding patriarchal cross | |
| Byzantine co-emperor | |
| Reign | July 741 – 2 November 743 |
| Predecessor | Constantine V |
| Successor | Constantine V |
| Father | Artabasdos |
Life
Nikephoros was made strategos of Thrace by his father Artabasdos soon after he usurped the throne from Byzantine Emperor Constantine V, around June or July of 741.[1] He was elevated to junior co-emperor at some point in 741.[2][3]
After Constantine defeated Artabasdos on 2 November 743, he had Artabasdos, Nikephoros, and Niketas humiliated in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being blinded and confined in the Chora Church.[4][5]