History of the Byzantine Empire from DCCXVI to MLVII. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1856 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. PERIOD OF CONQUEST AND MILITARY GLORY. A.D. 9C3-1025. SECT. I.--REIGNS OP NICEPHOllUS II., PIIOKAB, AND JOHN L (ZIMISKES). A.D. 983-U7G. Administration Of Joseph Brinoas--Character Of Nicephorus II., 963'969--Public Administration--Saracen War--Affairs In Sicily, Italy, And Bulgaria--Assassination Of Nicephorus II.--Character Of John L, 969'976--Coronation--Rebellions Of The Family Of NicEPnoRUs II. (phokas)--Russian War--Republic Of Cherson--Saracen War--Death Of John I. The Empress Theophano was left by Ilomanus II. regent for her sons, but as she was brought to bed of a daughter only two days before her husband's death, the whole direction of public business remained in the hands of Joseph Bringas, whose ability was universally acknowledged, but whose severity and suspicious character rendered him generally unpopular. His jealousy soon involved him in a contest for power with Nicephorus Phokas, who, however, did not venture to visit Constantinople until his personal safety was guaranteed by the Empress Theophano and the Patriarch Polyeuktes. Nicephorus was allowed to celebrate his victories in Syria by a triumph, in which he displayed to a superstitious crowd the relics he had obtained by his victories over the Mohammedans; and the piety of the age attached as much importance to these as his troops did to the booty and slaves with which they were enriched.1 Bringas saw that 1 Cedrenus, 646. Zonaras, ii. 198. the popularity of Nicephorus and the powerful influence of his family connections must soon gain him the title of Emperor, and his jealousy appears to have precipitated the event he feared. He formed a plot to have the victorious general seized, in order that his eyes might be put out. Nicephorus being informed of his danger, and having s...