Myeongjong of Goryeo vs Nikephoros I

After the military dictator Choe Chung-heon deposed King Sinjong, he installed Myeongjong as a figurehead ruler. Myeongjong had no real power, with all decisions made by the Choe family's private military regime.

During Myeongjong's reign, the Choe family established a parallel government with private armies and tax collection. The king was confined to the palace and used only for ceremonial purposes, while the Choe regime suppressed dissent.

Choe Chung-heon deposed Myeongjong after the king was implicated in a plot to restore royal authority. Myeongjong was exiled to Ganghwa Island, ending his 25-year reign as a powerless monarch.

Nikephoros I implemented fiscal reforms to replenish the treasury depleted by Irene. He increased taxes, reorganized the tax system, and imposed new levies on the church and monasteries. These measures strengthened the state finances but caused resentment.

Nikephoros I overthrew Empress Irene in a palace coup. As a former logothete (finance minister), he was experienced in administration. His accession marked a shift from the iconoclast policies of previous emperors.

Nikephoros I led a large expedition against the Bulgarian Khan Krum. Initially successful, he captured the Bulgarian capital Pliska and plundered it. However, the campaign ended in disaster when the Byzantine army was ambushed in a mountain pass.

Nikephoros I was killed in the Battle of Pliska, where the Byzantine army was annihilated by the Bulgars. His skull was reportedly made into a drinking cup by Khan Krum. This was one of the worst Byzantine military defeats.