Mezezius

Mizizios (Greek Μιζίζιος, lat Mezezius or Mecetius, his real name is probably Armenian Mžēž Gnuni, other spellings are Nizizos, Nizizon, Nizizios and Mezeuxios; † 668 or 669 in Sicily ) was a Byzantine usurper and rival emperor in Sicily in the year 668 ( or 669 ).

An alleged letter of Pope Gregory II to emperor Leo III. Mizizios referred to as " Comes the Opsikion ". This, however, is hardly the time probably only nascent topic of Opsikion meant. Is much more likely that Mizizios before usurpation as commander of the guard ( obsequium ) Emperor Constans II's acted. The Syrian Chronicle of 1234 referred Mizizios as Patricius.

Mizizios - on his coins he carries the name Mezezius - was of Armenian origin. He is after the assassination of Constans II's believed to have been proclaimed in Sicily against his will rival emperor in the year 668. He was, however, on the orders of Emperor Constantine killed a few months later IV. The alleged letter of Pope Gregory II to emperor Leo III. According to the Sicilian bishops Mizizios had urged to revolt because Constans II was a heretic in their eyes.

Whether Constantine IV came to the suppression of the uprising itself to Sicily, as claimed by many sources, or whether the revolt of loyal Italian forces has been completed, is controversial in research; the majority of scholars, however, accept the version of the personal intervention of the Emperor. A somewhat cryptic reference on Michael Syrus could indicate that the revolt lasted for about seven months and was then deposited. His alleged son John lived after the death of Mizizios continue to Sicily.

Swell

• Michael Syrus. Chronique de Michel le Syria, patriarche jacobite d' Antioch (1166-1199), ed JB Chabot, I-III, Paris 1899-1904.
• Theophanes 352.2-7.
• Chronicle of 1234, cap. 139, p. 223f.
• John Zonaras XIV 20, p. 221, 15-222, 4