List of Byzantine usurpers: Difference between revisions
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* [[Michael I Komnenos Doukas|Michael Komnenos Doukas]] (1200–1204) – The governor of the [[Theme]] of [[Mylasa]] in Asia Minor, he established a breakaway regime that was overthrown by the armies of the [[Fourth Crusade]]. He eventually became the founder and first ruler of the [[Despotate of Epirus]] from 1205 until his death in 1215. |
* [[Michael I Komnenos Doukas|Michael Komnenos Doukas]] (1200–1204) – The governor of the [[Theme]] of [[Mylasa]] in Asia Minor, he established a breakaway regime that was overthrown by the armies of the [[Fourth Crusade]]. He eventually became the founder and first ruler of the [[Despotate of Epirus]] from 1205 until his death in 1215. |
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* [[Leo Sgouros]] (1201–1208) – governor of the area of [[Nauplia]] and the [[Argolid]], he rebelled against Alexios III and established himself as an independent ruler. He expanded his territory throughout central Greece until confronted by the armies of the Franks. After a siege of five years he apparently committed suicide. |
* [[Leo Sgouros]] (1201–1208) – governor of the area of [[Nauplia]] and the [[Argolid]], he rebelled against Alexios III and established himself as an independent ruler. He expanded his territory throughout central Greece until confronted by the armies of the Franks. After a siege of five years he apparently committed suicide. |
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* Manuel Komnenos (1201) – usurper in [[Lydia]]. |
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== Unsuccessful usurpers in the 13th century == |
== Unsuccessful usurpers in the 13th century == |
Revision as of 06:32, 5 January 2011
The following is a list of usurpers in the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire, from the start of the reign of Arcadius in 395 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Rebellions, conspiracies and usurpation attempts were so notoriously frequent (in the view of the Medieval West, where usurpation was rarer) that the term "Byzantine" became a byword for political intrigue and conspiracy.
Usurper emperors
The following is a listing of Byzantine emperors who rose to the throne due to their own initiative through a revolt or coup d'etat.
- Basiliscus (r. 475–476)
- Phocas (r. 602–610)
- Heraclius (r. 610–641)
- Leontios (r. 695–698)
- Tiberios III (r. 698–705)
- Philippikos Bardanes (r. 711–713)
- Anastasios II (r. 713–715)
- Theodosios III (r. 715–717)
- Leo III the Isaurian (r. 717–741)
- Nikephoros I (r. 802–811)
- Leo V the Armenian (r. 813–820)
- Michael II (r. 820–829)
- Basil I (r. 867–886)
- John I Tzimiskes (r. 969–976)
- Isaac I Komnenos (r. 1057–1059)
- Nikephoros III Botaneiates (r. 1078–1081)
- Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118)
- Andronikos I Komnenos (r. 1183–1185)
- Isaac II Angelos (r. 1185–1195 and 1203–1204)
- Alexios III Angelos (r. 1195–1203)
- Alexios IV Angelos(r. 1203–1204)
- Alexios V Doukas (r. 1204)
- Andronikos III Palaiologos (r. 1328–1341)
- John VI Kantakouzenos (r. 1341–1354)
- Andronikos IV Palaiologos (r. 1376–1379)
- John VII Palaiologos (r. 1390)
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 5th and 6th centuries
List of to be emperors eventually defeated by the ruling sovereign, listed by reign. The noted date is the attempted usurpation.
Zeno: 474–491
- Marcian (479) – Leo I's son–in–law, who resented the accession of Zeno. Captured the imperial palace but was in turn captured. Spent the rest of his life imprisoned in a fortress in Isauria.
- Leontius (484–488) – An Isaurian commander who was called on to put down the rebel Illus but declared himself emperor instead. He died after a four year siege of the fortress of Papurius.
Anastasius I: 491–518
- Longinus (491–492) – Brother of the Emperor Zeno, he launched a rebellion to enforce his claim to the throne but was defeated and fled to Egypt where he died.
- Areobindus (512) – Proclaimed emperor during a riot at Constantinople, but refused to accept the nomonation.
Justin I: 518–527
- Theocritus (518) – The comes domesticorum who attempted to buy support for the throne on the death of Anastasius I.
Justinian I: 527–565
- Hypatius (532) – A nephew of Anastasius I who was acclaimed emperor during the Nika riots.
- Stotzas (536–545) – A Byzantine soldier who was elected the leader of rebel troops in the recently conquered Vandal Kingdom of Africa. Aiming to establish a new kingdom, he was defeated on a number of occasions before finally being defeated and mortally wounded in 545.
- John Cottistis (537) – Usurper in Mesopotamia, he was an infantry soldier who was acclaimed emperor by his troops, but was killed after four days by imperial forces at Dara.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 7th century
Heraclius: 610–641
- Comentiolus (610–611) – the brother of Phocas, he refused to acknowledge Heraclius' accession and planned to enforce his claim to the throne. He was eventually assassinated.
- John of Conza (617) – described as a tyrannus (a term meaning usurper), he captured Naples but was defeated and killed by Eleutherius, the Exarch of Ravenna.
- Eleutherius (619) – the Exarch of Ravenna, he was a eunuch who set up his capital at Rome, but was murdered by his own troops.
- John Athalarichos (635) – The illegitimate son of Heraclius, he plotted to overthrow his father, but the scheme was uncovered prior to execution. He was mutilated and exiled.
Constans II: 641–668
- Maurikios Chartoularios (642) – the Dux of Rome, he attempted to establish an independent state in Italy. Executed by the Exarch of Ravenna.
- Valentinus (644) – the father–in–law of Constans II, he appeared at Constantinople with a contingent of troops, and demanded to be crowned emperor. He was overwhelmed by a hostile crowd and murdered.
- Gregory (646–647) – the Exarch of Carthage, his support of Chalcedonian orthodoxy pushed him into conflict with Constans. Killed in battle against the Arabs.
- Olympius (650–652) – the Exarch of Ravenna, he supported the Pope against Constans' religious policies. Marching into Sicily, he died of plague.
- Theodoros Pasagnathes (651–652) – a Patrikios who rebelled in Armenia.
- Eleutherios (665–666) – rebelled against Constans in Carthage.
- Saborios (667–668) – the strategos of the theme of the Armeniacs, he raised a revolt in Anatolia, but died when his out of control horse smashed his head against a city gate.
Constantine IV: 668–685
- Mezezius (668–669) – Commander of the Opsikion theme, he was chosen by the court at Sicily to replace the murdered Constans II. He was eventually executed by forces loyal to Constantine IV.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 8th century
Justinian II: 685–695 and 705–711
- Giorgius (710–711) – after the murder of the Exarch John III Rizocopo, Giorgius usurped imperial authority in Ravenna. He was killed by John's successor, Entichius.
Leo III: 717–741
- Basil Onomagoulos (718) – elevated as emperor in Sicily after hearing news of the fall of Constantinople to the Arabs. Was surrendered to imperial officers when they arrived and then beheaded.
- Cosmas (727) – a commander of the army stationed in the theme of Hellas, he was elevated in opposition to Leo's iconoclast policies. Defeated while approaching Constantinople, Cosmas was captured and executed.
- Tiberius Petasius (729–730) – claimed imperial power in Italy in response to the iconoclasm controversy. Defeated and killed by Eutychius, the Exarch of Ravenna.
- Biseros (737) – usurper in Asia Minor, who took the name Tiberius.
Constantine V: 741–775
- Artabasdos and Nikephoros (742–743) – komēs of the Opsikion theme and the brother–in–law of Constantine V, Artabasdos usurped the throne while Constantine was in Asia Minor. Nikephoros was made co–emperor with him at the same time. He reversed Constantine's iconoclast policies, but his armies were defeated. He was blinded and banished to a monastery.
Leo IV the Khazar: 775–780
- Nikephoros (776) – Leo IV's half–brother, he attempted to usurp the throne, but was stripped of his rank when it was uncovered.
Constantine VI: 780–797
- Nikephoros (780) and (792) – Nikephoros continued to be the focus of plots; in 780 he attempted to mount the throne after the death of Leo IV, but was prevented by Irene, and he was ordained a priest. Then in 792, some of the imperial tagmata proclaimed Nikephoros as emperor. He was captured by Constantine VI and blinded before being imprisoned in a monastery.
- Theophylaktos Rhangabe (781) – the Droungarios of the Aegean fleet, he was involved in an attempt to overthrow Constantine and Irene.
- Elpidios (782) – appointed strategos in Sicily, he was accused of disloyalty, and refused to return to the capital, holding out against imperial forces sent to bring him back.
Irene: 797–802
- Nikephoros (797) and (799) – Although blinded, Nikephoros was still involved in imperial conspiracies. In 797, he materialized in Hagia Sophia, hoping to inspire the populace to support his bid for the throne. It failed and he was banished to Athens. Then in 799, local troops planned to proclaim him emperor, but again it failed.
- Staurakios (799–800) – a eunuch who served Irene, he planned to usurp the throne after falling from favor, launching a revolt in Cappadocia. He died before the revolt was suppressed.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 9th century
Nikephoros I: 802–811
- Bardanes Tourkos (803) – the monostrategos in Anatolia, he used the army's discontent over Nikephoros' financial policies to declare himself emperor. Deserted by his commanders, and unable to obtain support in Constantinople he surrendered and was blinded.
- Arsaber (808) – a group of secular and ecclesiastic officials, who were dissatisfied with Nikephoros formed a conspiracy and acclaimed Arsaber, a nobleman holding the rank of patrikios, as emperor. The plot was discovered and Arsaber was tonsured and exiled to a monastery in Bithynia.
Michael I Rangabe: 811–813
- Nikephoros (812) – for the sixth time, Nikephoros was involved in a plot for the imperial throne, this time with a group of disgruntled soldiers who tried to proclaim him emperor. The soldiers were disbanded and Nikephoros was moved to the island of Aphousia.
Michael II: 820–829
- Thomas the Slav (821–823) – a bitter rival of Michael II, Thomas assumed the identity of Constantine VI and gathered an army. He besieged Constantinople, but was forced to retreat to Arcadiopolis where he surrendered. He was later executed.
- Euphemius (826–827) – a Byzantine admiral who killed the governor in Sicily and proclaimed himself emperor, forming an alliance with the Arabs. He died after a skirmish with imperial troops.
Theophilos: 829–842
- Theophobos (838–839) – a Persian commander in the Byzantine army, his men acclaimed him emperor after the Battle of Anzen. Although he agreed to surrender, he was later executed.
Michael III: 842–867
- Karbeas (843–863) – a Byzantine army officer, he established an independent Paulician state centered around Tephrike.
Basil I: 867–886
- Chrysocheir (863–872) – the nephew of Karbeas, he succeeded his uncle but was defeated at the Battle of Bathys Ryax and executed.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 10th century
Leo VI the Wise: 886–912
- Andronikos Doukas (906–907) – the Domestic of the Schools, he disobeyed Leo's orders to join a military expedition and seized the fortress of Kaballa, near Iconium. Besieged, he fled to Baghdad with Arab help where he was later killed.
Constantine VII: 913–959
- Constantine Doukas (913) – the son of Andronikos Doukas, he was approached by the Patriarch of Constantinople to take the throne to prevent the regency of Zoe Karbonopsina. He died during the attempt, thrown from his horse and killed by the imperial guards.
- Leo Phokas the Elder (919) – a former Domestic of the Schools, he attempted to prevent the accession of Romanos I Lekapenos, but was outmaneuvered and his revolt ended in failure. He was captured and blinded.
- Bardas Boilas (923) – the strategos of Chaldia, he rose in revolt against Romanos I Lekapenos.
- Basil the Copper Hand (932) – claiming to be Constantine Doukas, he launched a revolt in Bithynia but was captured and had his right hand amputated. He replaced his hand with a copper one and launched a second revolt, but it too failed. He was burnt alive in the Forum Amastrianum.
Nikephoros II: 963–969
- Kalokyros (968–971) – a patrician who was dispatched to the court of Sviatoslav I of Kiev in order to persuade him to launch an invasion of the First Bulgarian Empire, with which Byzantium was at war. Sviatoslav agreed to support Kalokyros in his ambition of gaining the imperial throne, but Kalokyros was captured and executed.
John I Tzimiskes: 969–976
- Leo Phokas the Younger (970) – The brother of Nikephoros II, he attempted to exert his claim to the throne in 970, but was exiled to Lesbos.
Basil II: 976–1025
- Bardas Phokas the Younger (971 and 987–989) – Son of Leo Phokas the Younger, he launched a rebellion in 971 but was captured by Bardas Skleros. He was released from captivity to deal with Skleros, who had also rebelled, whom he defeated in 979. Returned to imperial favor, he was made doux of Antioch, but rebelled against Basil II after the emperor's defeat at the Battle of the Gates of Trajan. He died while charging at Basil in battle.
- Bardas Skleros (976–979 and 987–990) – the Domestic of the Schools in the East, he rebelled after the death of John I Tzimiskes, but was defeated in 979 by Bardas Phokas the Younger. He fled to Baghdad and returned after Basil's humiliation at Trajan's Gate. Seeking an accommodation with Bardas Phokas, he was captured but then released after Phokas' death. He surrendered himself to Basil II.
- Nikephoros Phokas Barytrachelos (1021–1022) – the son of Bardas Phokas the Younger, he was proclaimed emperor with the support of Nikephoros Xiphias. Xiphias, taking up Basil II's offer of a pardon for the one who would kill the other, murdered Nikephoros Phokas.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 11th century
Constantine VIII: 1025–1028
- Constantine Burtzes (1025) – was accused by the emperor of a conspriacy against his life and blinded.
- Nikephoros Komnenos (1025) – the governor of Vaspurakan, he was accused of plotting to overthrow Constantine and was blinded.
- Bardas Phokas (1026) – the grandson of Bardas Phokas the Younger, he was accused by the palace eunuchs of conspiracy and blinded.
- Basil Skleros (1027) – Basil Skleros attempted a revolt in Asia Minor, but was discovered and blinded by Constantine.
Romanos III Argyros: 1028–1034
- Constantine Diogenes (1029 and 1032) – the doux of Thessalonica, Bulgaria and Serbia, he was accused of conspiring against Romanos III, imprisoned and blinded. Then in 1032 he planned to take advantage of Romanos' absence on campaign in the East to escape to the Balkans and make a new bid to topple Romanos. The plot was discovered and Constantine committed suicide.
- Basil Skleros (1033) – Second attempt. Promoted to the position of magistros by his brother–in–law, Romanos III Argyros, he plotted against Romanos, and this time was exiled.
Michael IV the Paphlagonian: 1034–1041
- Elpidios Brachamios (1034) – led a popular revolt at Antioch, which led to the arrest of Constantine Dalassenos
- Constantine Monomachos (1034 and 1038) – was twice accused of conspiracy against Michael IV, resulting in his exile to Lesbos.
- Vojislav of Duklja (1034 and 1040–1052) – organized a rebellion against Byzantine rule in 1034, but was captured and imprisoned in Constantinople. Upon his release he rebelled again, defeating a number of Byzantine armies and overthrowing imperial rule around the city of Dioklea.
- Basil Synadenos (1040) – the strategos of Dyrrachium, he attempted to crush the rebellion of Peter Delyan but was accused by one of his army commanders of conspiracy against Michael IV and was arrested.
- Michael Keroularios (1040) – led an insurrection against Michael IV, but the plot was uncovered, and Michael became a monk to save his life.
- Gregory Taronites (1040) – a Patrikios, he instigated a revolt in Phrygia, but was captured.
- Peter Delyan (1040–1041) – the leader of a local Bulgarian uprising against Byzantine rule, he was blinded by his cousin before being defeated by the Byzantines. He was taken to Constantinople and executed.
Constantine IX: 1042–1055
- Theophilos Erotikos (1042) – the governor of Cyprus, he took advantage of the fall of Michael V to launch a rebellion. He was arrested and had his goods confiscated before being released.
- George Maniakes (1042–1043) – the Catepan of Italy, he was systematically reclaiming territory in Southern Italy when he was recalled to Constantinople. Furious, he rebelled, and although he destroyed an army sent to capture him, he was wounded during the battle and died.
- Stephanos Pergamenos (1043) – the sebastophoros, he rebelled in Byzantine Armenia.
- Leo Tornikios (1047) – Constantine IX's nephew and the strategos of Iberia, he proclaimed himself emperor at Adrianople and almost took the city of Constantinople. Forced to retreat, he was captured and blinded.
- Nikephoros Kampanares (1050) – a thematic judge and eparchos, he was banished by the emperor on suspicion of plotting to overthrow him, but was later recalled.
- Romanos Boilas (1051) – a senator and commander of the imperial bodyguard, he was a favourite of the emperor. He attempted to assassinate Constantine IX because he was in love with Constantine's mistress. The emperor pardoned him.
- Constantine Barys (1052) – He was exiled by Constantine IX for suspicion of plotting to take the throne. Whilst in exile he prepared to rebel against the emperor, and sought the advice of Saint Lazaros. The plot was discovered and he ended up losing his tongue.
Theodora: 1055–1056
- Nikephoros Proteuon (1055) – the doux of Bulgaria, he was selected by Constantine IX to succeed him as he lay dying, but his elevation was pre-empted by Theodora, who banished him.
Michael VI Stratiotikos: 1056–1057
- Theodosios Monomachos (1056) – another of Constantine IX Monomachos' nephews, he claimed the throne after the death of Theodora, but his revolt in Constantinople was easily suppressed.
- Nikephoros Bryennios (1057) – a Byzantine general. Furious at his treatment at the hands of Michael VI, he planned to launch a revolt, but he was arrested and blinded by officers loyal to the emperor.
Michael VII Doukas: 1071–1078
- Philaretos Brachamios (1071–1078) – On the death of Romanos IV Diogenes, he was acclaimed emperor by his troops and established an independent kingdom in Germanicia. He abandoned his imperial claims in 1078 in exchange for the title of Doux of Antioch.
- Constantine Bodin (1072) – Leader of a revolt in Bulgaria, he was crowned Emperor of the Bulgarians under the name Peter III. He was captured and taken prisoner to Constantinople before being moved to Antioch.
- Nestor (1073) – A slave of Constantine X, he had been promoted to the rank of governor on the towns on the Danube. He rebelled in 1073, placing himself at the head of the garrisons under his command, which were already in a state of mutiny. Eager to plunder the Bulgarians, he obtained the assistance of the Patzinaks before marching to Constantinople. Unable to attack the capital, his troops separated into smaller parties. Nestor retreated with the Patzinaks beyond the Danube.
- John Doukas (1074) – Michael VII's uncle, he was sent to deal with the rebellion of some Norman mercenaries, but was defeated and captured. The Normans convinced him to become emperor, forcing Michael VII to appeal to the Seljuk Turks for aid. They defeated John Doukas and captured him.
- Levon Davatanos (1077–1078) – the Doux of Edessa, he launched an unsuccessful rebellion in the city.
- Nikephoros Bryennios (1077–1078) – a Byzantine general. News that Michael's chief minister, Nikephoritzes, had listed him for assassination, encouraged him to become emperor. He was beaten to the throne by Nikephoros III Botaneiates and defeated by Alexios Komnenos.
Nikephoros III Botaneiates: 1078–1081
- Konstantios Doukas (1078) – younger brother of Michael VII Doukas, he tried to assert his claim to the throne, but was handed over by the supporters of Nikephoros III, who banished him.
- Nikephoros Basilakes (1078) – the Doux of Dyrrhachion, he proclaimed himself emperor before he too was defeated by Alexios Komnenos and blinded.
- Nikephoros Melissenos (1080–1081) – a Byzantine general, he opposed the elevation of Nikephoros Botaneiates, and promised more territory to the Seljuq Turks in exchange for their support. He abandoned his claim to the throne once Alexios Komnenos was proclaimed emperor.
- Ruben (1080–1095) – an Armenian general, he declared himself the independent ruler of the province of Cilicia.
Alexios I Komnenos: 1081–1118
- Raiktor (1081) – an Eastern Orthodox monk who assumed the identity of Michael VII, and was used by the Norman Robert Guiscard to justify an attack on the Byzantine Empire.
- Constantine Humbertopoulos (1091) – of Norman descent, he was a mercenary captain whose decision to support Alexios secured him the throne. He was promoted before conspiring against Alexios with an Armenian called Ariebes and was banished.
- Chaka Bey (1092) – a Seljuk Turkish emir based in Smyrna who claimed the imperial title.
- John Komnenos (1092) – the doux of Dyrrhachium, he was accused by Theophylact of Bulgaria of plotting against the Emperor.
- Karykes (1093) – the governor of Crete, he launched a similtaneous revolt with Rhapsomates against Alexios. News of the imperial fleet's approach caused a counter-coup that overthrew him, during which he was murdered.
- Rhapsomates (1093) – the governor of Cyprus, he also rebelled against Alexios I. He defended Cyprus, but desertions in his ranks saw him attempt to flee, whereupon he was captured after seeking refuge in a church.
- Michael Taronites (1094) – Alexios' brother-in-law, he was convicted of conspiring against Alexios and banished.
- Pseudo-Constantine Diogenes (1094) – A pretender who claimed to be the dead son of Romanos IV Diogenes, Constantine led the Cumans who crossed the Balkan mountains and raided into eastern Thrace. He was killed at Adrianople.
- Nikephoros Diogenes (1094) – the son of Romanos IV Diogenes and a former co-emperor, he had been made governor of Crete by Alexios I. He attempted to murder Alexios twice, but both times he failed, the second time he was caught red-handed with the sword. He was blinded.
- Theodore Gabras (1096–1098) – the doux of Chaldia, achieved a level of semi-autonomy before Alexios I managed to reclaim some imperial control.
- Gregory Taronites (1104) – the doux of Chaldia, he tried to take advantage of his province's relative isolation by trying to make himself an independent ruler. Was defeated and captured.
- Michael Anemas (1105) – Along with his brothers and a senator named Salomon, he plotted against Alexios I, but the conspiracy was uncovered, resulting in Michael's imprisonment.
- Aron (1107) – The illegitimate descendant of a Bulgarian prince, he formed a plot to murder Alexios as he was encamped near Thessalonica, but the presence of the empress Irene and her attendants made this difficult. In an attempt to have her return to Constantinople, the conspirators produced pamphlets that mocked and slandered the empress, and left them in her tent. A search for the author of the publications uncovered the whole plot, resulting in Aron's banishment.
- Pseudo-Leo Diogenes (1116) – Another pretender claiming to be a son of Romanos IV Diogenes, he was the son-in-law of Vladimir II Monomakh, and attempted to overthrow Byzantine authority in Bulgaria.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 12th century
John II Komnenos: 1118–1143
- Constantine Gabras (1126–1140) – the doux of Chaldia, he ruled his province as a virtually autonomous state before John II managed to bring it back under direct imperial control.
Manuel I Komnenos: 1143–1180
- Thoros (1145–1169) – a usurper in Cilicia, he escaped from imprisonment in Constantinople and re-established an independent Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, which had been brought back under imperial control by John II Komnenos. He successfully repulsed a number of military expeditions launched by Manuel I.
- Alexios Axouch (1167) – the grand-nephew of Manuel I and governor of Cilicia, he was accused of conspiring against the emperor and was confined to a monastery for the rest of his life.
Alexios II Komnenos: 1180–1183
- Andronikos Kontostephanos (1182) – the megas doux and commander-in-chief of the Byzantine navy, he was a key supporter of Andronikos Komnenos, but began plotting against him once his tyrannical nature became apparent. He was captured and blinded.
- John Komnenos Vatatzes (1183) – governor of the Thracesian theme, he objected to the rise of Andronikos Komnenos. He rebelled at Philadelphia and defeated the forces of Andronikos and Alexios II led by Andronikos Lampardas but died a few days later of natural causes.
Andronikos I Komnenos: 1183–1185
- Andronikos Lampardas (1183) – a Byzantine general, he rebelled when he heard news of Andronikos I's usurpation and murder of Alexios II Komnenos. Attempting to raise forces in Asia Minor, he was captured by officials loyal to Andronikos I and was blinded and soon afterwards killed.
- Theodore Kantakouzenos (1184) – the governor of Prussa, he attempted to assassinate Andronikos, but his horse stumbled during the attempt, throwing Theodore to the ground. He was beheaded by Andronikos' guard.
- Isaac Komnenos of Cyprus (1184–1191) – a minor member of the Komnenos family, he hired a troop of mercenaries and sailed to Cyprus with falsified letters commanding Byzantine officals to obey him. He was crowned emperor and brutally terrorised the island. He was eventually overthrown by Richard I of England, who captured Cyprus on his way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade.
- Alexios Komnenos (1185) – the grandnephew of Manuel I Komnenos and his cup-bearer, he was banished by Andronikos Komnenos, but fled to the court of William II of Sicily. There, he obtained William's support for his claim to the throne, and William used this to launch a Norman invasion of the empire, culminating in the capture of Thessalonica.
- Alexios Komnenos (1185) – the illegitimate son of Manuel I Komnenos (as well as being Andronikos' son-in-law), he was promoted as emperor by the Sebastianus brothers, but Alexios was taken and blinded. He was later accused of conspiring with Andronikos Komnenos and forced to take Holy Orders.
Isaac II Angelos: 1185–1195
- Manuel Komnenos (1185) – the son of Andronikos I Komnenos, he entered Hagia Sophia in an attempt to be acclaimed emperor by the people of Constantinople. He was captured and blinded.
- Andronikos Komnenos (1186) – the governor of Thessalonica, he was accused of conspiring with Alexios Komnenos to usurp the throne. He demanded the opportunity to refute the charges, but was blinded without a trial.
- Constantine Aspietes (1186) – a Byzantine general, he objected to the way the war against the Vlach was proceeding and attempted to obtain support from the army. He was removed from command and blinded.
- Alexios Branas (1187) – a Byzantine general raised to the rank of protosebastos, he had defeated the Normans and had been sent to deal with the Vlach-Bulgarian Rebellion when he rebelled. He was defeated in battle by Conrad of Montferrat, Isaac II's brother-in-law and beheaded.
- Theodore Mangaphas (1188–1189 and 1204–1206) – the governor of Philadelphia, he declared himself emperor in 1188, forcing Isaac II to march out against him. Theodore agreed to relinquish the imperial title in exchange for retaining his position at Philadelphia. After the fall of Constantinople in 1204, he again claimed the imperial title, only to be overthrown by Theodore I Laskaris.
- Constantine Tatikios (1190) – achieved the support of 500 influential people to overthrow Isaac II, but was discovered, arrested and blinded.
- Basil Chotzas (1190–1204) – launched a rebellion and established a semi-autonomous state centred at Tarsia in north-western Anatolia.
- Isaac Komnenos (1191) – incarcerated when his uncle Andronikos I Komnenos was overthrown, he escaped from prison and made a bid for the throne at Hagia Sophia. He was captured and tortured, dying the next day.
- Pseudo-Alexios II (1192) – a pretender claiming to be the dead son of Manuel I Komnenos, he obtained support from Sultan Kilij Arslan II and attacked Phrygia. He was assassinated by a priest.
- Pseudo-Alexios II (1192) – another royal pretender, he arose in Paphlagonia, but was defeated in battle by Theodore Choumnos, the chartularius, who captured and then put him to death.
- Constantine Angelos Doukas (1193) – Isaac II's cousin, success in the Bulgarian War saw him declare himself emperor. He was handed over to Isaac by his fellow officers and was blinded.
Alexios III Angelos: 1195–1203
- Alexios Kontostephanos (1195 and 1200) – the former governor of Crete, after Isaac II's overthrow he was acclaimed emperor by the mob who declared their desire never to be ruled by the Komnenoi again. He was captured an imprisoned. He tried again in 1200, but was again unsuccessful.
- Pseudo-Alexios II (1196) – another pretender claiming to be the son of Manuel I Komnenos, he rose up at Nicomedia but was captured and blinded.
- Ivanko of Bulgaria (1198–1200) – after marrying Theodora Angelina and thus entering the imperial family, Ivanko rebelled in Thrace, capturing the Byzantine general Manuel Camytzes in 1198. He was taken prisoner during a meeting with the emperor's representative, Theodore Lascaris.
- Dobromir Chrysos (1198–1202) – emerging in Macedonia and Thessaly, he also was offered marriage to Theodora Angelina to gain his allegiance. He fought against the emperor with the help of Manuel Camytzes, but was at last conquered by the Bulgarian emperor Kaloyan.
- Michael Kantakouzenos (1199) – arrested by Alexios III in 1195, he unsuccessfully declared himself emperor in 1199.
- John Komnenos the Fat (1200) – a relatively unimportant Byzantine noble, he had himself crowned emperor by a monk in Hagia Sophia and took control of the Great Palace. Alexios III struck back during the night, his forces recapturing the palace and beheading John Komnenos.
- Leo Chamaretos (1200–1206) – The proedros of Lacedaemonia, he established a breakaway regime in Laconia. He was eventually thrown out by the Venetians.
- Michael Komnenos Doukas (1200–1204) – The governor of the Theme of Mylasa in Asia Minor, he established a breakaway regime that was overthrown by the armies of the Fourth Crusade. He eventually became the founder and first ruler of the Despotate of Epirus from 1205 until his death in 1215.
- Leo Sgouros (1201–1208) – governor of the area of Nauplia and the Argolid, he rebelled against Alexios III and established himself as an independent ruler. He expanded his territory throughout central Greece until confronted by the armies of the Franks. After a siege of five years he apparently committed suicide.
- Manuel Komnenos (1201) – usurper in Lydia.
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 13th century
Alexios IV Angelos: 1203–1204
- Leo Gabalas (1203–1239) – governor of Rhodes, he established an independent kingdom on the island until his death. He was awarded the title of Caesar by John III Doukas Vatatzes in 1126. He was succeeded by John Gabalas.
- Nikolaos Kanabos (1204) – proclaimed emperor by the people during the Fourth Crusade, he refused to leave Hagia Sophia. He was killed by Alexios V Doukas soon after.
Theodore I Lascaris: 1205–1221
- Manuel Maurozomes (1204–1206) – the illegitimate grandson of Manuel I Komnenos he was the governor of Phrygia when he established an independent state there with the support of Sultan Kaykhusraw I.
- John Kantakouzenos (1205–1209) – the archon of Methone, he established a breakaway regime at Messenia.
Andronikos II Palaiologos: 1282–1328
- Alexios Philanthropenos (1295)
Unsuccessful usurpers in the 14th and 15th centuries
John VIII Palaiologos: 1425–1448
- Demetrios Palaiologos (1442 and 1448)