Justinian II – Medieval Monster or Medieval Normal?
Just how bad a ruler was Justinian II? A monster, or normal for his times?
Justinian II
A Rogues’ Gallery of Byzantine Rulers
It is rare to see a virtuous individual reach the pinnacle of power in any era. Byzantine rulers were no exception, with many rough and determined characters sitting on the throne in its eleven centuries. Some were brutal, but three (in my humble opinion) stand out for remarkable cruelty unleavened by positive accomplishments. They are …