Constans II vs Gyges of Lydia

Constans II issued the Typos, an edict that forbade discussion of the Monothelite controversy. The edict aimed to end religious strife but was condemned by the Papacy and failed to restore unity.

Constans II became the last Byzantine emperor to visit Rome. He was received by Pope Vitalian and spent twelve days in the city, stripping it of many bronze ornaments and statues to be sent to Constantinople.

While residing in Syracuse, Sicily, Constans II was assassinated in his bath by a chamberlain. His death was part of a conspiracy, and his son Constantine IV succeeded him after suppressing the usurper Mezezius.

Constans II's son, Constantine IV, was actually the emperor during the first Arab siege of Constantinople. Constans II himself faced Arab raids but did not command the defense of the capital during the major siege.

Gyges murdered King Candaules and married his queen, seizing control of Lydia. This act founded the Mermnad dynasty and ended the Heraclid line, establishing Gyges as the first king of the new dynasty.

Gyges sent tribute to the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, acknowledging Assyrian suzerainty in exchange for military support against the Cimmerians. This alliance marked Lydia's entry into Near Eastern power politics.

Cimmerian nomads invaded Lydia during Gyges' reign, attacking the capital Sardis. Gyges repelled the invasion with Assyrian aid, but the conflict weakened Lydia and set a precedent for future Cimmerian attacks.

Gyges is credited with introducing the first standardized coinage, made of electrum, in Lydia. This innovation facilitated trade and taxation, becoming a model for currency systems across the ancient world.

Gyges was killed in a battle against the Cimmerians, who overran Lydia after he broke his alliance with Assyria. His death ended his reign and left the kingdom vulnerable to further attacks.