Justinian II Rhinotmetos
Justinian II, called Rhinotmetos - Slit-Nose - was the Byzantine emperor for two separate periods, 685-695 and 705-711, and is one of the most extraordinary and disturbing personalities in Byzantine history. In 695 he was overthrown by Leontios, mutilated by rhinotomy, and exiled to Crimea. Instead of accepting his fate, Justinian escaped from exile, made alliance with the Bulgar khan Tervel, and in 705 marched on Constantinople at the head of a Bulgar army. He entered the city through an aqueduct, resumed his throne with vengeful fury, and had his opponents - including the emperors who had replaced him, Leontios and Tiberios III - publicly strangled while he watched from the imperial box. His second reign was marked by even more extreme cruelty. A revolt in 711 led by the general Bardanes ended with Justinian captured and beheaded. He was the last of the Heraclian dynasty.
- Lived: 669 CE – 711 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, military_leader
