Constans II vs Teti

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.

Teti founded the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt, possibly through marriage to a daughter of Unas. His accession marked a continuation of the Old Kingdom, but also the beginning of a period of increasing decentralization and the growing power of provincial officials.

Teti built his pyramid at Saqqara, near that of Unas. The pyramid originally stood about 52 meters high and contained Pyramid Texts in the burial chamber. The complex included a mortuary temple and a satellite pyramid for the queen.

Teti was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving his own bodyguards, as recorded in the Turin King List and later Egyptian tradition. This event marked a period of instability and may have been related to the growing power of the nobility.