Overview of all Byzantine Emperors

This page presents a complete chronological overview of every emperor who ruled the Byzantine Empire, from Constantine the Great to Constantine XI. Covering more than a thousand years of history, it lists each emperor alongside their reign period and a brief summary of their historical significance.

Title	Date	Excerpt
Constantine the Great: Architect of the Roman Empire’s Transformation	25 July 306 - 22 May 337	Constantine the Great reunified the Roman Empire, established Constantinople as a new capital, and elevated Christianity to a central role, shaping the political and religious landscape of late antiquity.
Licinius: Roman Emperor and Key Figure in Early 4th Century Imperial Transition	11 November 308 – 19 September 324	Licinius ruled as Roman emperor from 308 to 324, playing a crucial role in ending Christian persecutions and shaping the shift from a divided imperial system to Constantine's sole rule.
Maximinus Daza: The Last Roman Pharaoh and Eastern Emperor	310 – c. July 313	Maximinus Daza was a Roman ruler in the eastern provinces during the final phase of the Tetrarchy, known for his military struggles, shifting religious policies, and being the last emperor honored with traditional Egyptian pharaonic titles.
Julian the Apostate: Roman Emperor and Restorer of Classical Traditions	3 November 361 - 26 June 363	Julian the Apostate ruled the Roman Empire from 361 to 363, striving to revive classical paganism and reform imperial administration during a time of rising Christian influence. His military campaigns, cultural patronage, and religious policies left a lasting impact on late antiquity despite his brief reign.
Jovian: Roman Emperor and Restorer of Christian Privileges	27 June 363 - 17 February 364	Jovian ruled the Roman Empire briefly from 363 to 364, securing a crucial peace with Persia and reinstating Christian privileges after Julian's pagan reforms, shaping the empire's eastern frontier and religious landscape.
Valentinian I: Emperor of the Western Roman Empire and His Role in Frontier Defense and Administration	25/26 February 364 - 17 November 375	Valentinian I ruled the western Roman Empire from 364 to 375, focusing on strengthening military frontiers, improving administration for ordinary citizens, and managing religious policies during a turbulent period of external threats and internal challenges.
Flavius Valens: Roman Emperor of the Eastern Provinces and His Historical Impact	28 March 364 - 9 August 378	Flavius Valens governed the eastern Roman Empire from 364 to 378, implementing administrative reforms and urban improvements while facing military challenges that culminated in the pivotal Battle of Adrianople, which reshaped late fourth-century imperial dynamics.
Theodosius I: Roman Emperor and Architect of Late Antiquity	19 January 379 - 17 January 395	Theodosius I ruled the Roman Empire from 379 to 395, reuniting its eastern and western halves, establishing Nicene Christianity as the state religion, and implementing military and administrative reforms that shaped the late Roman world.
Arcadius and the Eastern Roman Empire: Governance and Legacy on Ancient History and Archaeology	17 January 395 - 1 May 408	Arcadius ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 383 to 408 during a critical period of transition, influencing the empire's administration, religious policies, and relations with barbarian groups, setting foundations for the Byzantine state.
Theodosius II: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Legacy	1 May 408 - 28 July 450	Theodosius II ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from childhood until 450, overseeing key legal reforms, the fortification of Constantinople, and pivotal religious disputes that shaped the church and imperial governance.
Marcian and the Eastern Roman Empire: Governance, Church, and Military in the 5th Century	25 August 450 - 27 January 457	Marcian ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 450 to 457, restoring imperial finances, shaping Christian doctrine through the Council of Chalcedon, and managing military and religious challenges that influenced the empire's mid-fifth century trajectory.
Leo I: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and Architect of Byzantine Authority	7 February 457 - 18 January 474	Leo I ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 457 to 474, strengthening imperial authority, shaping court politics, and introducing lasting reforms in language, ritual, and administration that influenced the Byzantine state.
Leo II: Child Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Role in Dynastic Succession	18 January - November 474	Leo II ruled briefly as a child emperor in 473–474, serving as a dynastic link between Leo I and Zeno. His elevation and early death influenced the political landscape of the eastern Roman Empire, highlighting the complexities of imperial succession and court power struggles during this turbulent period.
Zeno: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Historical Role	29 January 474 - 9 January 475 / August 476 - 9 April 491	Zeno ruled the eastern Roman Empire during a critical period of transition, preserving its stability amid the collapse of the western half and shaping relations with emerging barbarian kingdoms through diplomacy and religious policy.
Basiliscus: Eastern Roman Emperor and His Impact on Late Antiquity	9 January 475 - August 476	Basiliscus ruled the Eastern Roman Empire briefly from 475 to 476, during a period marked by military defeat and religious conflict that influenced the empire's political and ecclesiastical landscape.
Anastasius I Dicorus: Eastern Roman Emperor and Reformer	11 April 491 - 9 July 518	Anastasius I Dicorus ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 491 to 518, known for reforming imperial finances, strengthening frontiers, and leaving a substantial fiscal surplus that supported future emperors. His reign combined administrative innovation with religious conflict due to his Monophysite sympathies.
Justin I and the Byzantine Empire: Leadership and Legacy on Byzantium History	9/10 July 518 - 1 August 527	Justin I ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 518 to 527, restoring unity with Rome and shaping the religious and political landscape that paved the way for his successor Justinian’s influential reign.
Justinian I: Architect of the Eastern Roman Empire’s Legal and Territorial Legacy	1 April 527 - 14 November 565	Justinian I ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 527 to 565, known for his comprehensive legal reforms, ambitious military campaigns to reclaim former Roman lands, and extensive architectural projects that reshaped Constantinople and influenced later civilizations.
Justin II and the Byzantine Empire: Governance and Challenges in the Sixth Century	14 November 565 - 5 October 578	Justin II ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 565 to 578, overseeing fiscal reforms, diplomatic initiatives, and religious policies that shaped the Byzantine world during a period of transition marked by frontier conflicts and internal shifts in power.
Tiberius II Constantine: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Reign	26 September 578 - 14 August 582	Tiberius II Constantine ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 578 to 582, navigating military conflicts, plague, and political challenges while implementing reforms that influenced the empire's future under Maurice.
Maurice: Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire and His Impact on Byzantine History	13 August 582 - 27 November 602	Maurice ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 582 to 602, achieving military successes against Persia and reorganizing imperial governance through the creation of exarchates. His reign combined territorial recovery and administrative innovation but ended amid political unrest and fiscal challenges that reshaped the empire's future.
Phocas and the Eastern Roman Empire	23 November 602 - 5 October 610	Phocas ruled the eastern Roman Empire from 602 to 610 during a period marked by military upheaval, political violence, and external threats, notably from the Sassanian Persians. His reign exposed the empire’s vulnerabilities and influenced the transformations of the early seventh century.
Heraclius and the Eastern Roman Empire: Leadership and Legacy on Byzantium History	5 October 610 - 11 February 641	Heraclius ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 610 to 641, reversing Persian advances and implementing fiscal and military reforms that shaped Byzantine governance, despite losing key eastern provinces to emerging Arab powers.
Heraclius Constantine: The Brief Byzantine Emperor and Dynastic Influence	11 February - 25 May 641	Heraclius Constantine, known as Constantine III, ruled briefly as Byzantine emperor in 641. His reign, though short, played a crucial role in shaping the imperial succession and the future of the Heraclian dynasty through his marriage alliances and efforts to secure his heirs.
Heraclonas: The Brief Byzantine Emperor and His Role in 7th Century Imperial Crisis	25 May - 5 November 641	Heraclonas, a teenage Byzantine emperor in 641, ruled during a period marked by internal disputes and external threats, including the loss of Egypt to Arab forces. His reign highlights challenges in succession, religious policy, and military power that influenced the empire's trajectory.
Constans II: Byzantine Emperor and Architect of Medieval Adaptation	September 641 - 15 July 668	Constans II ruled the Byzantine Empire during a period of territorial loss and religious conflict, initiating military and administrative reforms that shaped the medieval Byzantine state and responding actively to external threats and internal challenges.
Constantine IV and Byzantium: Leadership and Legacy in the Eastern Roman Empire	September 668 - 10 July 685	Constantine IV ruled the Byzantine Empire from 668 to 685, defending Constantinople from Arab sieges, resolving key religious disputes, and implementing reforms that stabilized the empire during a turbulent era.
Justinian II: Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Authority	July 685 - 695 / 21 August 705 - 4 November 711	Justinian II ruled the Byzantine Empire during two turbulent periods, implementing military, administrative, and religious reforms that shaped the empire's structure and identity despite facing fierce opposition and eventual violent death.
Leontius: Byzantine Emperor and Military Leader in Late 7th Century	695 - 698	Leontius ruled the Byzantine Empire from 695 to 698, a period marked by military challenges and political upheaval. His reign interrupted Justinian II's rule and coincided with the loss of Byzantine control in North Africa, illustrating the fragile nature of imperial authority during this era.
Tiberius III: Byzantine Emperor and Naval Commander During the Twenty Years’ Anarchy	698 - 21 August 705	Tiberius III ruled the Byzantine Empire from 698 to 705, focusing on military reorganization and maritime defense amid external threats and internal instability. His reign reflects the challenges faced by the late 7th-century Byzantine state in adapting to political upheaval and territorial losses.
Philippicus: Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on Early 8th Century Empire	4 November 711 - 3 June 713	Philippicus ruled the Byzantine Empire briefly from 711 to 713, influencing religious policies and facing military challenges that exposed vulnerabilities in imperial governance and church relations.
Anastasius II: Byzantine Emperor and His Role in Early 8th Century History	4 June 713 - fall 715	Anastasius II ruled the Byzantine Empire from 713 to 715 during a turbulent period marked by internal strife and external threats. His efforts to restore religious unity, strengthen Constantinople's defenses, and stabilize administration influenced the empire's resilience against subsequent challenges.
Theodosius III: Byzantine Emperor During the Early Eighth Century on Byzantium History	Fall 715 - 25 March 717	Theodosius III ruled the Byzantine Empire from 715 to 717 during a period of political instability and external threats. His reign highlights the influence of provincial armies on imperial succession and includes a key treaty with the Bulgarians that helped secure the empire's northern borders.
Leo III the Isaurian: Byzantine Emperor and Reformer	25 March 717 - 18 June 741	Leo III the Isaurian ruled the Byzantine Empire from 717 to 741, defending Constantinople from Arab siege and implementing reforms in law, military, and administration that shaped the empire's future.
Constantine V: Byzantine Emperor and Reformer	18 June 741 - 14 September 775	Constantine V ruled the Byzantine Empire from 741 to 775, implementing military and administrative reforms that strengthened imperial authority and resilience during a turbulent period, while his religious policies deeply influenced Byzantine history.
Artabasdos: Byzantine Usurper and Military Leader in the 8th Century	June 741 - 2 November 743	Artabasdos was a Byzantine general of Armenian origin who briefly seized the imperial throne from 741 to 743, challenging the established dynasty and revealing the complexities of military and political power in the Byzantine Empire during a turbulent period.
Leo IV the Khazar: Byzantine Emperor and Transitional Ruler	14 September 775 - 8 September 780	Leo IV ruled the Byzantine Empire from 775 to 780, navigating military pressures, religious tensions, and dynastic challenges. His reign maintained imperial stability and set the stage for his wife Irene's influential regency.
Constantine VI: Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Authority	8 September 780 - 19 August 797	Constantine VI ruled the Byzantine Empire from 780 to 797, overseeing the restoration of icon veneration and navigating intense political and religious conflicts that shaped the empire's future. His reign ended with his removal and blinding, leading to Irene's unprecedented sole rule and influencing the division of imperial legitimacy between East and West.
Irene of Athens: The First Empress Regnant of the Byzantine Empire	19 August 797 - 31 October 802	Irene of Athens was the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire in her own right, known for ending the first iconoclast period and reshaping religious and political dynamics in the late eighth century.
Nikephoros I: Byzantine Emperor and Reformer	31 October 802 - 26 July 811	Nikephoros I ruled the Byzantine Empire from 802 to 811, restoring fiscal order and strengthening frontier defenses while facing military challenges from the Abbasids and Bulgars. His reign combined administrative reforms with a fatal military defeat that shaped the empire's early ninth-century trajectory.
Staurakios: The Brief Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on Imperial Authority	28 July - 2 October 811	Staurakios ruled as Byzantine emperor for a few weeks in 811 during a critical period marked by military defeat and political turmoil. His short reign highlights the challenges of succession, the influence of court factions, and the fragility of imperial power in the early ninth century.
Michael I Rangabe: Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on Empire and Church	2 October 811 - 11 July 813	Michael I Rangabe ruled the Byzantine Empire from 811 to 813, navigating a period marked by religious restoration, diplomatic negotiations with the Carolingian west, and military challenges against the Bulgars. His reign highlights the complex interplay of ecclesiastical influence, military power, and imperial authority in early ninth-century Byzantium.
Leo V the Armenian: Byzantine Emperor and Iconoclast Leader	11 July 813 - 25 December 820	Leo V the Armenian ruled the Byzantine Empire from 813 to 820, restoring military stability and negotiating peace with Bulgaria while reintroducing iconoclastic policies that deeply affected religious and political life.
Michael II: Byzantine Emperor and Founder of the Amorian Dynasty	25 December 820 - 2 October 829	Michael II ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 820 to 829, restoring stability after civil war and establishing a dynasty that influenced Byzantine politics and military affairs for decades. His reign saw both military setbacks and pragmatic governance that shaped the empire's future.
Theophilos: Byzantine Emperor and Iconoclast Leader	2 October 829 - 20 January 842	Theophilos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 829 to 842, overseeing military campaigns, architectural renewal, and diplomatic efforts that shaped the empire's resilience and cultural vitality during a turbulent period.
Michael III and Byzantine History: Insights from Byzantine Legacy	20 January 842 - 24 September 867	Michael III ruled the Byzantine Empire from 842 to 867, overseeing the end of iconoclasm, cultural revival, missionary expansion among the Slavs and Bulgars, and military resurgence that shaped Eastern Europe’s religious and political landscape.
Basil I: Byzantine Emperor and Founder of the Macedonian Dynasty	24 September 867 - 29 August 886	Basil I rose from humble origins to become Byzantine emperor from 867 to 886, establishing a dynasty and initiating reforms that strengthened imperial law, military, and administration, shaping the empire's recovery in the ninth century.
Leo VI and the Byzantine Empire: Governance, Law, and Legacy	29 August 886 - 11 May 912	Leo VI ruled the Byzantine Empire from 886 to 912, overseeing major legal reforms, cultural patronage, and administrative consolidation amid military challenges and ecclesiastical conflicts.
Alexander: Byzantine Emperor and Macedonian Dynasty Ruler	11 May 912 - 6 June 913	Alexander ruled as Byzantine emperor from 912 to 913, overseeing a brief but impactful reign marked by court upheavals, renewed conflict with Bulgaria, and contested historical portrayals. His leadership interrupted the regency for Constantine VII and influenced the empire's political and military landscape during a critical period.
Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus: Byzantine Emperor and Patron of Knowledge	6 June 913 - 9 November 959	Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus ruled Byzantium from 913 to 959, focusing on cultural, administrative, and intellectual advancements that shaped the empire's governance and historical record.
Romanos I Lekapenos: Byzantine Emperor and Architect of Mid-Tenth Century Stability	17 December 920 - 20 December 944	Romanos I Lekapenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 920 to 944, rising from modest origins to become senior emperor. His reign combined military leadership, diplomatic settlements, legal reforms, and family alliances that influenced imperial succession and helped stabilize the empire during a fragile period.
Romanos II: Byzantine Emperor and Military Strategist on ByzantineHistory.com	9 November 959 - 15 March 963	Romanos II ruled the Byzantine Empire from 959 to 963, overseeing military campaigns that reclaimed Crete and strengthened eastern frontiers, setting the stage for his son Basil II's influential reign.
Nikephoros II Phokas: Byzantine Emperor and Military Leader	16 August 963 - 11 December 969	Nikephoros II Phokas was a Byzantine emperor whose military campaigns reclaimed key territories and reshaped the empire's eastern frontier, while his fiscal and ecclesiastical policies influenced the empire's internal structure and religious landscape.
John I Tzimiskes: Byzantine Emperor and Military Leader	11 December 969 - 10 January 976	John I Tzimiskes ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from 969 to 976, consolidating territorial gains in the Balkans and Levant, strengthening imperial frontiers, and balancing complex political and military challenges during his brief reign.
Basil II Porphyrogenitus: Byzantine Emperor and Military Leader	10 January 976 - 15 December 1025	Basil II Porphyrogenitus ruled the Byzantine Empire from 976 to 1025, expanding its territories, strengthening central authority, and leaving a lasting impact on its military and fiscal structures.
Constantine VIII: Byzantine Emperor and Ceremonial Monarch	15 December 1025 - 12 November 1028	Constantine VIII was a Byzantine emperor who held the imperial title from childhood and ruled alone late in life, overseeing a pivotal period of political change that influenced the empire's institutions and aristocratic power.
Romanos III Argyros: Byzantine Emperor and His Reign	12 November 1028 - 11 April 1034	Romanos III Argyros ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1028 to 1034, overseeing notable ecclesiastical patronage, fiscal reforms, military campaigns, and palace intrigues that shaped the empire's mid-eleventh-century trajectory.
Michael IV the Paphlagonian: Byzantine Emperor and His Reign	12 April 1034 - 10 December 1041	Michael IV, known as the Paphlagonian, ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1034 to 1041, overseeing military campaigns, fiscal reforms, and complex court politics that influenced the empire's power dynamics.
Michael V Kalaphates: Byzantine Emperor and Political Crisis on Byzantium History	13 December 1041 - 21 April 1042	Michael V Kalaphates ruled briefly as Byzantine emperor from 1041 to 1042, attempting to reassert imperial authority amid court intrigues and fiscal challenges. His reign ended with a popular uprising that restored Zoe and Theodora to power, highlighting the complex dynamics of legitimacy and power in eleventh-century Byzantium.
Zoe Porphyrogenita: Influential Byzantine Empress of the Macedonian Dynasty	21 April - 11 June 1042	Zoe Porphyrogenita played a pivotal role in mid-eleventh-century Byzantium, shaping imperial succession through her marriages and political influence during a period of dynastic transition and growing external pressures.
Theodora Porphyrogenita: Last Macedonian Empress of Byzantium	21 April - 11 June 1042 / 11 January 1055 - 31 August 1056	Theodora Porphyrogenita was the final ruler of the Macedonian dynasty in Byzantium, known for her decisive leadership during dynastic crises and her role as a rare female sovereign in Constantinople. Her reign restored administrative order and upheld imperial authority during a turbulent period.
Constantine IX Monomachos: Byzantine Emperor and Cultural Patron	11 June 1042 - 11 January 1055	Constantine IX Monomachos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1042 to 1055, overseeing a period of cultural revival, ecclesiastical projects, and diplomatic achievements amid emerging military challenges and internal political complexities.
Michael VI Bringas: Byzantine Emperor and Transitional Figure in Imperial Politics	22 August 1056 - 30 August 1057	Michael VI Bringas ruled the Byzantine Empire briefly from 1056 to 1057, revealing critical tensions between the civil bureaucracy and military aristocracy that shaped the empire's political evolution.
Isaac I Komnenos: Byzantine Emperor and Reformer	1 September 1057 - 22 November 1059	Isaac I Komnenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1057 to 1059, initiating fiscal and military reforms that addressed the empire's financial strains and military challenges. His reign marked the rise of the Komnenos family and a shift in imperial authority during the mid-11th century.
Constantine X Doukas: Byzantine Emperor and His Impact on the Empire	23 November 1059 - 23 May 1067	Constantine X Doukas ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1059 to 1067, focusing on strengthening the court and church while facing military and fiscal challenges that affected the empire's borders and stability.
Eudokia Makrembolitissa: Influential Byzantine Empress and Regent	23 May - 31 December 1067	Eudokia Makrembolitissa played a pivotal role in mid-eleventh century Byzantium, exercising rare authority as empress and regent during a period of military and political challenges, including the empire's response to the Seljuk Turks and internal factional struggles.
Romanos IV Diogenes: Byzantine Emperor and Military Reformer	1 January 1068 - 26 August 1071	Romanos IV Diogenes ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1068 to 1071, striving to strengthen its military and administrative structures amid external threats and internal conflicts. His reign culminated in the pivotal Battle of Manzikert, which altered the empire's control in Anatolia and influenced its subsequent political trajectory.
Michael VII Doukas: Byzantine Emperor and His Reign	1 October 1071 - 24/31 March 1078	Michael VII Doukas ruled Byzantium from 1071 to 1078 during a period of military pressure and internal challenges. His reign featured intellectual patronage, administrative reforms, and fiscal difficulties that contributed to territorial losses and political instability.
Nikephoros III Botaneiates: Byzantine Emperor and Military Leader	3 April 1078 - 1 April 1081	Nikephoros III Botaneiates ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1078 to 1081 during a period of military and political challenges, attempting to stabilize the empire amid external threats and internal strife. His reign set the stage for the Komnenian dynasty's rise and influenced the empire's subsequent history.
Alexios I Komnenos: Byzantine Emperor and Architect of the Komnenian Restoration	1 April 1081 - 15 August 1118	Alexios I Komnenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1081 to 1118, reversing decline through military leadership, administrative reforms, and diplomatic engagement, notably influencing the onset of the First Crusade.
John II Komnenos: Byzantine Emperor and Restorer of Imperial Power	15 August 1118 - 8 April 1143	John II Komnenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1118 to 1143, strengthening its frontiers through military campaigns and diplomacy, and promoting administrative and religious reforms that enhanced stability and governance.
Manuel I Komnenos: Byzantine Emperor and Mediterranean Strategist	8 April 1143 - 24 September 1180	Manuel I Komnenos led the Byzantine Empire from 1143 to 1180, advancing its influence through military campaigns, diplomacy with Western and Crusader states, and cultural patronage, while facing challenges that revealed the empire's limits.
Alexios II Komnenos: The Byzantine Emperor and His Reign on Byzantium History	24 September 1180 - c. September 1183	Alexios II Komnenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1180 to 1183 during a turbulent period marked by regency struggles, factional conflict, and external threats that ultimately led to his violent removal and a shift in imperial power.
Andronikos I Komnenos: Byzantine Emperor and Reformer	c. September 1183 - 12 September 1185	Andronikos I Komnenos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1183 to 1185, implementing reforms to reduce corruption and aristocratic power while facing intense opposition that led to his violent downfall.
Isaac II Angelos: Byzantine Emperor and His Reign on Byzantium History	12 September 1185 - 8 April 1195; 1 August 1203 - 27 January 1204	Isaac II Angelos ruled Byzantium during a turbulent period marked by military challenges, territorial losses, and complex diplomacy with Western powers, shaping the empire's fate before the 1204 sack of Constantinople.
Alexios III Angelos: Byzantine Emperor and the Fourth Crusade	8 April 1195 - 17/18 July 1203	Alexios III Angelos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1195 to 1203, a period marked by internal challenges and external threats that culminated in the diversion of the Fourth Crusade to Constantinople, leading to the empire's fragmentation.
Alexios IV Angelos: Byzantine Emperor and the Fourth Crusade	19 July 1203 - 27 January 1204	Alexios IV Angelos briefly ruled as Byzantine emperor from 1203 to 1204, restoring his father Isaac II and involving Western Crusaders in Byzantine affairs. His reign triggered the diversion of the Fourth Crusade to Constantinople, leading to the city's sack and a lasting impact on Byzantine history.
Alexios V Doukas: The Last Byzantine Emperor of Constantinople Before the Latin Occupation	27/28 January - 12 April 1204	Alexios V Doukas ruled Constantinople briefly in 1204 during the critical final phase of Byzantine control, defending the city against the Fourth Crusade before its fall and the establishment of the Latin Empire.
Theodore I Komnenos Laskaris: Founder of the Empire of Nicaea and Byzantine Successor State	c. May 1205 - November 1221	Theodore I Komnenos Laskaris established the Empire of Nicaea after the fall of Constantinople in 1204, preserving Byzantine governance and Orthodox Christianity while laying the groundwork for the eventual restoration of the Byzantine Empire.
John III Doukas Vatatzes and the Nicaean Empire: Leadership and Legacy	c. December 1221 - 3 November 1254	John III Doukas Vatatzes ruled the Empire of Nicaea from the 1220s to 1254, strengthening its political, military, and economic foundations while fostering cultural and diplomatic ties that paved the way for the Byzantine restoration.
Theodore II Doukas Laskaris: Emperor of Nicaea and Byzantine Successor State Leader	3 November 1254 - 16 August 1258	Theodore II Doukas Laskaris ruled the Empire of Nicaea from 1254 to 1258, striving to restore Byzantine authority through administrative reforms, military restructuring, and cultural patronage during a turbulent period following the Latin capture of Constantinople.
John IV Doukas Laskaris: The Child-Emperor of the Nicaean Byzantine Empire	16 August 1258 - 25 December 1261	John IV Doukas Laskaris ruled the Byzantine Empire in exile during a critical period before the restoration of Constantinople, symbolizing the continuity of the imperial lineage and the complex political struggles that shaped the empire's recovery.
Michael VIII Palaiologos: Restorer of the Byzantine Empire	1 January 1259 - 11 December 1282	Michael VIII Palaiologos reclaimed Constantinople from Latin control, reestablishing Byzantine rule and revitalizing the empire's political, military, and cultural institutions during a turbulent period in the 13th century.
Andronikos II Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor and Cultural Patron	11 December 1282 - 24 May 1328	Andronikos II Palaiologos ruled Byzantium from 1282 to 1328, fostering a cultural revival while facing military and fiscal challenges that weakened the empire and led to civil war.
Michael IX Palaiologos: Byzantine Co-Emperor and Military Leader	21 May 1294 - 12 October 1320	Michael IX Palaiologos was a Byzantine co-emperor known for his personal bravery and military leadership during a period of territorial contraction and external pressures. His reign illustrates the challenges faced by the Palaiologan empire in maintaining authority amid financial constraints and rising threats.
Andronikos III Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor and His Reign	24 May 1328 - 15 June 1341	Andronikos III Palaiologos ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1328 to 1341, leading a brief revival of imperial activity through military campaigns, diplomacy, and reforms, while facing challenges from rising regional powers and internal instability.
John V Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor During the Empire’s Decline	15 June 1341 - 16 February 1391 (with interruptions)	John V Palaiologos ruled Byzantium through decades of civil war, financial crisis, and Ottoman expansion, illustrating the empire's transformation from regional power to dependent state.
John VI Kantakouzenos: Byzantine Emperor and Chronicler of Decline	8 February 1347 - 10 December 1354	John VI Kantakouzenos was a Byzantine emperor whose reign encompassed civil war, plague, and the emergence of the Ottoman presence in Europe, leaving a complex legacy as both an administrator and chronicler.
Andronikos IV Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor and Dynastic Figure	12 August 1376 - 1 July 1379; May 1381 - June 1385	Andronikos IV Palaiologos briefly ruled the Byzantine Empire during a turbulent era marked by internal strife and external threats. His reign involved complex alliances, territorial concessions, and efforts to stabilize the empire's finances amid decline.
John VII Palaiologos: Byzantine Prince and Ruler of Thessalonica	14 April - 17 September 1390; 1385 - 1403 (Selymbria/Thessalonica)	John VII Palaiologos was a Byzantine prince who briefly ruled Constantinople and later governed Thessalonica, playing a key role in the empire's late political and military struggles amid dynastic rivalry and Ottoman expansion.
Manuel II Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor and Diplomatic Leader	16 February 1391 - 21 July 1425	Manuel II Palaiologos ruled the Byzantine Empire during its final decades, navigating political challenges through diplomacy, territorial recovery, and cultural contributions that extended the empire's existence amid Ottoman expansion.
John VIII Palaiologos: Byzantine Emperor and Diplomatic Leader of the Late Empire	21 July 1425 - 31 October 1448	John VIII Palaiologos ruled the Byzantine Empire during its final decades, striving to preserve Constantinople through diplomacy, cultural exchange, and efforts to unite Eastern and Western Christianity amid growing Ottoman pressure.
Constantine XI Palaiologos: The Last Byzantine Emperor and His Legacy	6 January 1449 - 29 May 1453	Constantine XI Palaiologos was the final ruler of the Byzantine Empire, whose reign ended with the fall of Constantinople in 1453, marking the conclusion of Roman imperial rule and shaping the region's history.