Why weren't there dynasties in the Byzantine empires? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

Why weren't there dynasties in the Byzantine empires?

Asked by J. Pollock, Last updated: Apr 07, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

2 Answers

M. Parker

M. Parker

M. Parker
M. Parker, Internet Researcher, Houston

Answered Mar 26, 2019

The Byzantine empire lasted about eleven hundred years, and it was extremely vast. There were fourteen dynasties that ruled the empire. There were times when there was no dynasty as kings were overthrown, and no successor was to follow. The benefit with dynasties was that there was always a successor in place after the ruling king. This assured more stability and was a deterrent to internal strife and civil wars that weakens any empire or nation.

The Byzantine empire lasted about eleven hundred years, and it was extremely vast. There were

Such succession was uncontested and the emperors were careful to clarify which of his sons would rule the empire. There was continuity at numerous levels. There was continuity for policy and law which put the people at ease. Otherwise, the people of the empire would look to the new king each time to figure out how the laws of the land would change according to the whims of the new emperor.

upvote downvote
Reply 

C. Marcus

C. Marcus

C. Marcus
C. Marcus, Content Developer, Washington

Answered Feb 20, 2019

Unlike the Roman Empire that leadership passed on from one generation to one generation of the same bloodline, most of the leaders of the Byzantine Empire were chosen by election. The first non-dynastic leader was Jovian, the Captain of the guards under the grandson of Constantius Chlorus, Julian where he was elected by the army when Julian died.

Unlike the Roman Empire that leadership passed on from one generation to one generation of the same

It was considered that Byzantine emperors were assigned by God to rule the empire. When the current emperor has a record of military defeats, ambitious military men used this to persuade the army to take over hence stopping the dynastic line and making them the newly appointed emperor. Most Byzantine emperors were from the military as they were considered capable of protecting their empire and people.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.