Constantine VI

Constantine VI, b. c.770, Byzantine emperor (780-97), son and successor of Leo IV. His mother, Irene, was regent until 790, when she was deposed by a military revolt. Constantine recalled her in 792 and made her joint ruler. His subsequent acts of cruelty and his divorce and immediate remarriage (795) alienated his supporters. In 797, Irene deposed her son, had him blinded, and assumed the imperial title. Constantine died in obscurity during the reign (820-29) of Michael II. In his minority the Second Council of Nicaea, which restored icon veneration, took place (787). Constantine fought indecisively against the Bulgarians and the Arabs.