Nikephoros (son of Artabasdos)

Nikephoros (Greek: Νικηφόρος, romanized: Nikēphóros) was junior Byzantine Emperor from 741 to 743. He was crowned after his father, Artabasdos (r.  741–743) usurped Emperor Constantine V (r.  741–775). Constantine seized power again on 2 November 743, and Nikephoros, Artabasdos, and Niketas were blinded and confined in the Chora Church.

Nikephoros
Emperor of the Romans
Solidus of Nikephoros, wearing crown and chlamys, and holding patriarchal cross
Byzantine co-emperor (with Artabasdos)
Reign	June 741/2–2 November 743
Predecessor	Constantine V
Successor	Constantine V
Father	Artabasdos

• Byzantine Empire portal

Life

Nikephoros was made strategos of Thrace by his father Artabasdos soon after he usurped the throne from Byzantine Emperor Constantine V, around June or July of 741.^[1] He was elevated to junior co-emperor at some point in 741.^[2][3]

After Constantine defeated Artabasdos on 2 November 743, he had Artabasdos, Nikephoros, and Niketas humiliated in the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being blinded and confined in the Chora Church.^[4][5]