Michael II, Byzantine Emperor


1960 - Canadian Edition

Michael II Balbus (the Stammerer), Byzantine Emperor: d. 829.

He came of an obscure Phrygian family, but was ennobled by Leo V. The latter, however, suspecting Michael of conspiracy against him, ordered the Phrygian to be put to death. Michael saved himself by the assassination of Leo and became emperor in 820.

During his reign, Sicily and Crete were lost to the Western empire.


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