John III Rizocopus
John III Rizokop: Exarch of Ravenna
Rise to ExarchateJohn III Rizokop was appointed as the Exarch of Ravenna in 710 AD. The Exarchate of Ravenna was a province of the Byzantine Empire in northern Italy, with its capital in Ravenna.
Persecution under Justinian II
In 709 AD, Emperor Justinian II regained power after being overthrown. He launched a campaign of persecution against those who had supported his previous deposition. A general named Theodore was sent to Ravenna to capture the city's nobility and the archbishop, Felix. The aristocrats were taken to Constantinople, where most were executed, and Archbishop Felix was blinded.
Rebellion in Ravenna
News of the atrocities in Constantinople reached Ravenna, sparking an armed rebellion. During the uprising, Exarch John Rizokop was killed.
Legacy
John III Rizokop's short reign was marked by the brutal persecution of the people of Ravenna and the outbreak of rebellion. His death symbolized the growing unrest and dissatisfaction within the Exarchate of Ravenna.
