How did imperial succession work in the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine Empire lacked formal, codified laws regulating imperial succession, meaning there was no inviolable constitutional requirement for hereditary rule. Instead, succession was governed by custom, tradition, and practical power dynamics, with the army holding a practical monopoly on elections. Emperors frequently attempted to establish dynasties by appointing their children as co-emperors, though usurpation and coups were also common pathways to the throne.
What we know
- The Byzantine Empire lacked formal succession laws and codified procedures for choosing a new ruler. [3, 5]
- Hereditary succession operated as a custom and tradition rather than an inviolable legal requirement. [2]
- The army held a practical monopoly regarding imperial elections, and the Senate was reduced to a ceremonial role. [5]
- Emperors often secured succession for their children indirectly by appointing them as co-emperors. [5]
- Succession through usurpation, adoption, or illegitimate descent was not considered illegal, and prominent dynasties were frequently founded through coups. [3, 5]
Where to go next
- a case in pointWho were the notable Byzantine emperors?
- what followedHow did the Ottoman Empire claim Roman succession after 1453?
- the bigger pictureHow was the Byzantine bureaucracy and aristocracy structured?
- how it workedWhat role did the Roman Senate play in the East?
- compared withHow did Western European monarchies handle royal inheritance?
- an unexpected connectionHow did an Ottoman sultan become a Roman emperor?Following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II claimed the title of Roman emperor based on right of conquest and possession of the imperial capital.
Sources
- [1]list of Byzantine emperors (Wikidata Q128866) · CC0 1.0
- [2]List of Byzantine emperors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [3]Succession to the Byzantine Empire · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [4]Ottoman claim to Roman succession · CC BY-SA 4.0
- [5]Byzantine bureaucracy and aristocracy · CC BY-SA 4.0