First Armenian Imperial Dynasty in Byzantium

The first Armenian to become emperor of Byzantium was Mauvrikus (582-602), a native of Cappadocia. In 582, as commander of the army in the East, he destroyed the armies of Persian Tamkhosrov. Soon after, he married the daughter of Emperor Tiberius. Following the death of Tiberius, Mauvrikus became emperor. In addition to being a brilliant military leader, he was a poet who supported scientific research. He also wrote a book about military matters titled “Strategicon”. He was overthrown by an army captain by the name of Phocas. Eight years later Phocas was overthrown by the Exarch of Africa—Irakly– who was also Armenian. He was crowned emperor in 610. This marked the beginning of the first Armenian imperial dynasty in Byzantium.

The first Armenian to become emperor of Byzantium was Mauvrikus (582-602), a native of Cappadocia. In 582, as commander of the army in the East, he destroyed the armies of Persian Tamkhosrov. Soon after, he married the daughter of Emperor Tiberius. Following the death of Tiberius, Mauvrikus became emperor. In addition to being a brilliant military leader, he was a poet who supported scientific research. He also wrote a book about military matters titled “Strategicon”. He was overthrown by an army captain by the name of Phocas. Eight years later Phocas was overthrown by the Exarch of Africa—Irakly– who was also Armenian. He was crowned emperor in 610. This marked the beginning of the first Armenian imperial dynasty in Byzantium.