Tiberius II Constantine

Timeline

1. c. 545–574Thrace and Constantinople · ThraceTiberius was born in Thrace (Thracia), with limited details of his background in the sources. During the reign of Justin II he rose through the ranks on the strength of outstanding military ability to become comes excubitorum, winning the deep trust of Justin II and Empress Sophia. Generous and caring toward his soldiers, he won broad popular affection through his magnanimity and benevolence, and was chosen as the most suitable person to assist the emperor after Justin II's mental collapse.
2. 574–578Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireIn December 574, during a brief lucid interval, Justin II raised Tiberius to Caesar, granting him the name "Tiberius Constantine" and entrusting him with full imperial regency. For several years the court was effectively jointly run by Tiberius and Empress Sophia. Tiberius drastically cut extravagant palace spending to fund the military while reducing taxes for the populace, winning popular acclaim. He actively deployed troops to resist Avar invasions of the Balkans and continued the war with Persia, with imperial forces achieving some gains in Mesopotamia around 578.
3. 578–582Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireJustin II died on October 5, 578, and Tiberius formally acceded as emperor under the name "Tiberius Constantine." During his roughly four years on the throne he was famed in history for magnanimous governance and reduced taxation. Abroad he continued to contend with the Persian war and Avar–Slav invasions of the Balkans; the situation was difficult but maintained basic stability. In August 582 Tiberius fell ill; on his deathbed he betrothed his daughter Constantina to the military commander Maurice and, a few days before his death, formally invested Maurice as co-emperor. He died on August 14, 582, and was succeeded by Maurice, founding the Maurice dynasty.