The Most Famous Byzantine Emperor, Ranked

Choose the Byzantine Emperor you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 07:03
In the intricate tapestry of history, the Byzantine Empire stands out with its unique blend of Roman legal structures, Greek culture, and Christian faith. Understanding who the most influential emperors were helps us grasp how they shaped the medieval world, influencing everything from art to governance. A ranked list of these emperors isn't just an academic exercise—it's a way to connect with the past and see the origins of many modern concepts. Engaging with this list offers more than just a glimpse into ancient imperial politics. It allows us to see which leaders are still considered relevant today through their enduring legacies. By participating in voting, users contribute directly to a living historical document, helping to highlight the emperors who left the deepest marks on history and culture. This, in turn, enriches our understanding and appreciation of a pivotal period in world history.

Who Is the Most Famous Byzantine Emperor?

  1. 1
    97
    votes
    Justinian I
    Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0
    He is considered one of the greatest Byzantine Emperors due to his efforts in rebuilding Constantinople and his codification of Roman law in the Corpus Juris Civilis.
  2. 2
    28
    votes
    He founded the city of Constantinople and legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
    Constantine the Great in other rankings
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    He is known as the "Bulgar-Slayer" for his military campaigns against the Bulgarian Empire. He also expanded the Byzantine Empire's territory and strengthened its economy.
  4. 4
    9
    votes
    He successfully defended the Byzantine Empire against the First Crusade and implemented reforms to improve the administration and military.
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    He is known for his military campaigns against the Sassanid Empire and his role in the adoption of Greek as the official language of the Byzantine Empire.
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    He was the last emperor to rule over both the eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire and made Christianity the official religion of the empire.
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Manuel I Komnenos
    Tokle · Public domain
    He was a successful military leader and promoted cultural and artistic achievements during his reign.
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Constantine IX Monomachos
    Unknown 11th-century Byzantine mosaicist; Deuterium 1 · Public domain
    He brought stability to the Byzantine Empire after a period of civil unrest and implemented reforms to improve the economy and military.
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    He is known for his role in the Iconoclasm controversy, in which he banned the use of religious images in the Byzantine Empire.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Michael VIII Palaiologos
    unknown Byzantine illuminator. · Public domain
    He re-established the Byzantine Empire's control over Constantinople and expanded its territory. He also encouraged the revival of Greek culture and scholarship.

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Byzantine Emperor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Emperor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2128 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Emperor once every 24 hours. The rank of each Emperor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous byzantine emperor

The Byzantine Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world, spanning over a thousand years from its founding in 330 CE until its fall in 1453 CE. Throughout its history, the empire was ruled by a series of emperors, some of whom were more famous than others. The Byzantine Emperors were known for their political and military prowess, as well as their contributions to art, culture, and religion. One of the most famous Byzantine Emperors was Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565 CE. He is remembered for his military conquests, his legal reforms, and his building projects, including the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Another well-known Byzantine Emperor was Constantine the Great, who founded the city of Constantinople and played a key role in the spread of Christianity throughout the empire. Other notable Byzantine Emperors include Basil II, who expanded the empire's borders and strengthened its military, and Alexios I Komnenos, who successfully defended the empire against attacks by the Seljuk Turks. Ultimately, the most famous Byzantine Emperor is a matter of debate, with different scholars and historians having their own opinions. However, the legacy of the Byzantine Empire and its emperors continues to influence culture and politics around the world today.

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