The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Nicephorus Phocas
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 215
There's something stark about his presence, the unadorned reality of a man who rejects the comforts of his position. His bearing suggests someone who finds more value in simplicity than in the trappings of power.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Middle-aged
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 215
- Books
- 1
Nicephorus Phocas ruled as Byzantine emperor while maintaining an austere lifestyle, sleeping on a bear-skin on the ground and rejecting the luxuries typically associated with imperial power. His ugly appearance and penurious habits marked him as unusual among Byzantine rulers, and his reign ended when he was murdered in a palace conspiracy led by John Zimisces.
Description
A middle-aged Byzantine emperor with notably unattractive features, wearing simple clothing that reflects his penurious nature rather than elaborate imperial regalia. His presence suggests a man who prefers sleeping on a bear-skin on the ground to the luxuries of his position, with a bearing that combines imperial authority with deliberate austerity.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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