King of Byzantium Was

The title ‘King of Byzantium’ can be misleading, as the rulers of the Byzantine Empire were never officially called Kings in the way modern readers might expect. Instead, they bore the title of ‘Emperor’ most notably, the Greek term ‘Basileus.’ The Byzantine Empire, which succeeded the Roman Empire in the East, retained many Roman traditions, yet it evolved into a distinctive and complex state with unique cultural, political, and religious institutions. Understanding who ruled Byzantium and how the title of the emperor was perceived helps illuminate the political structure of one of history’s most enduring empires.

The Origins of the Title

From Rome to Byzantium

The Byzantine Empire originated from the division of the Roman Empire in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. When Emperor Constantine the Great established Constantinople in 330 CE as the new imperial capital, he laid the foundation for what would later be known as Byzantium. Although the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, the Eastern Roman Empire persisted for nearly another thousand years.

The rulers of the Byzantine Empire considered themselves Roman emperors. They saw their state as a continuation of the Roman Empire, not as a new or separate entity. As such, they were never styled ‘King of Byzantium’ but rather ‘Emperor of the Romans’ (Latin: Imperator Romanorum, Greek: Βασιλεὺς τῶν ῬωμαΠων).

The Title Basileus

The Greek word Basileus, meaning king, came to replace the Latin term Imperator over time, especially as Greek became the dominant language in the empire. However, Basileus in the Byzantine context had a meaning far beyond that of an ordinary king. It signified supreme imperial authority and divine appointment.

• Basileus ton Romaion– Emperor of the Romans
• Autokrator– Absolute ruler
• Kaisar– A transliteration of Caesar, often used for junior co-emperors

So, while king may serve as a loose translation in modern parlance, it does not fully capture the religious, ceremonial, and imperial dimensions of the Byzantine emperorship.

Famous Byzantine Emperors

Constantine the Great (r. 306–337)

Although he ruled before the empire formally split into East and West, Constantine is considered the founder of Byzantium due to his establishment of Constantinople. He was the first Christian emperor and significantly shaped the empire’s religious character.

Justinian I (r. 527–565)

One of the most influential Byzantine emperors, Justinian sought to restore the Roman Empire’s greatness. His reign saw the codification of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis), the construction of the Hagia Sophia, and extensive military campaigns in the West. His use of the title ‘Basileus’ was consistent with his vision of absolute, divinely guided rule.

Heraclius (r. 610–641)

Heraclius is remembered for his military campaigns against Persia and the reforms that helped the empire survive major challenges. He also formally adopted Greek as the administrative language of the empire, a move that reflected the growing cultural shift away from Latin traditions.

Basil II (r. 976–1025)

Basil II, known as the Bulgar Slayer, brought the empire to its military and territorial zenith. His reign was marked by strong central authority, military success, and relative internal peace.

The Concept of Divine Kingship

The Emperor as God’s Representative

Unlike Western monarchies, the Byzantine emperor was seen as chosen by God. His coronation took place in the Hagia Sophia, emphasizing his divine right to rule. This religious connection gave the emperor immense authority not only in political matters but also in theological and ecclesiastical decisions.

The emperor was the head of state and also held significant sway over the church, although he was not a priest. This close fusion of church and state created a unique form of government often called Caesaropapism where the emperor wielded both secular and spiritual influence.

Elaborate Ceremonies and Court Protocols

The imperial court of Byzantium was renowned for its formality and splendor. Emperors wore silk robes and jeweled crowns and were often portrayed with halos in mosaics, reflecting their semi-divine status. These traditions reinforced the notion that the emperor was no ordinary king but a sacred figure.

Succession and Co-Emperors

Family Dynasties

Succession in Byzantium was not always smooth or hereditary. While emperors often attempted to establish dynasties, the system allowed for military coups, palace intrigue, and the elevation of capable generals. Still, many emperors appointed their sons or relatives as junior co-emperors to ensure continuity.

Examples of Co-Rule

• Constantine VII and Romanos I Lekapenos– Romanos married his daughter to Constantine VII and ruled as senior emperor for many years.
• Basil I and Leo VI– Leo succeeded his father Basil I and helped found the Macedonian dynasty.

These arrangements reflected the empire’s need for stability and adaptability in the face of external threats and internal power struggles.

The End of the Byzantine Empire

The Fall of Constantinople (1453)

The last emperor of Byzantium was Constantine XI Palaiologos. He ruled during the final days of the empire as the Ottomans laid siege to Constantinople. Despite a brave defense, the city fell on May 29, 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Constantine XI died fighting, and his exact fate remains unknown. His legendary final stand has turned him into a symbol of lost glory in Greek national memory. Although he was the last ’emperor,’ in many historical narratives, he could also be seen as the final ‘king’ of Byzantium, even if the title never formally existed.

Legacy of the Byzantine Emperors

The Byzantine emperors left a profound legacy. They preserved Roman law, fostered Orthodox Christianity, supported classical learning, and shaped medieval European and Islamic civilizations. Their reigns were not merely political but deeply cultural and spiritual in nature.

While there was never officially a King of Byzantium, the rulers of the Byzantine Empire held a title and office far more powerful and symbolic than that of a typical king. Known as emperors, or Basileus in Greek, they were spiritual leaders, political rulers, and military commanders all in one. From Constantine the Great to Constantine XI, these emperors guided the Byzantine Empire through centuries of change, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes in modern history. Understanding the role and identity of the Byzantine emperor helps clarify the complexity and uniqueness of the Byzantine political and religious system.