Emperor Constans II’s Move to Syracuse of 663 AD: Reshaping Byzantine Italy

by HistoriaRomana | Sep 11, 2026 | Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire

In the mid-7th century, the Byzantine Empire faced relentless pressure from both the rising Arab Caliphate in the East and the tenacious Lombards in Italy. It was against this backdrop of existential threat that Emperor Constans II made one of the most audacious and controversial decisions of his reign: to relocate the imperial court from the secure walls of Constantinople to the distant shores of Italy. This dramatic imperial shift, often referred to as Constans II’s Syracuse move, began in 663 AD and profoundly impacted the political landscape of the Italian peninsula, the relationship between Byzantium and the Papacy, and ultimately, the emperor’s own fate. His journey westward was not merely a strategic repositioning but a desperate gamble to consolidate control over his western territories and perhaps to revive the concept of a unified Roman Empire, albeit under Byzantine dominion. The implications of this unprecedented move would reverberate for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the early medieval Mediterranean world.

The Strategic Imperative for a Western Shift

By the 660s, the Byzantine Empire was a shadow of its former glory. Years of warfare against the Sasanian Persians had weakened its eastern frontiers, leaving it vulnerable to the new power of the Arab Caliphate. Major territories in the Levant, Egypt, and North Africa had been lost, and Constantinople itself faced direct naval threats. Emperor Constans II, a determined but often ruthless ruler, recognized that the traditional defense of the East was becoming an untenable drain on resources. He harbored ambitions to fortify the remaining western territories, particularly Italy and Sicily, which were crucial for the empire’s food supply and strategic depth. His personal animosity towards the urban populace of Constantinople, coupled with ongoing theological disputes, further fueled his desire to seek a new power base. He believed that a western capital would allow him to more effectively combat the Lombard menace in Italy and project Byzantine authority across the Mediterranean.

Challenges in the East and West

Arab Expansion: The loss of key provinces to the nascent Islamic empire.
Lombard Pressure: Constant encroachment on Byzantine territories in Italy.
Theological Disputes: Ongoing Monothelite controversy causing internal strife.
Constantinople’s Vulnerability: Growing threats to the imperial capital itself.

Constans II’s Tumultuous Italian Campaign

In 663 AD, Constans II embarked on his grand western expedition. He led a significant army, first landing in southern Italy, then marching north, aiming to confront the Lombards directly. His initial campaigns saw some success, particularly in Benevento, but he ultimately failed to dislodge the Lombards from their strongholds. The emperor’s arrival in Rome in 663 AD marked a watershed moment, being the first imperial visit in over two centuries. He was received with awe and reverence by Pope Vitalian, but the relationship quickly soured. Constans II stripped Rome of precious bronze and copper from its ancient monuments, including the roof of the Pantheon, to fund his wars and to equip his new fleet. This act of blatant requisition, alongside his strong-arm tactics, alienated the Roman populace and the Papacy, despite the ceremonial welcome. His journey through Italy was largely viewed as a military occupation rather than a liberating presence.

Imperial Actions in Italy

Upon his arrival, Constans II sought to reassert imperial authority:

He campaigned against the Lombard Duchy of Benevento, achieving limited gains.
He entered Rome, marking the first imperial visit since 565 AD.
He met with Pope Vitalian, but relations were strained by imperial demands.
He systematically plundered ancient Roman monuments, including the Pantheon, for bronze and copper.

The Establishment of the Imperial Court in Syracuse

Following his unconvincing campaigns on the Italian mainland, Constans II chose Syracuse, Sicily, as his new imperial residence. The island offered a strategic location, serving as a crossroads between East and West, and a vital naval base for controlling the central Mediterranean. From Syracuse, he intended to reorganize the administration of Byzantine Italy, establish a stronger fleet, and perhaps even launch further offensives against the Lombards or the Arabs. However, his rule from Sicily was marked by heavy taxation and oppressive policies to support his military endeavors. The relocation, while bold, effectively isolated the emperor from the political machinations of Constantinople but also from the direct support and resources of the empire’s true heartland. His continued insistence on the Monothelite doctrine also further alienated the western Church. Constans II remained in Syracuse for five years, but his grand vision for a western-oriented empire was cut short by his assassination in a bathhouse in 668 AD, a testament to the unpopularity of his policies and the growing discontent among his entourage.

Syracuse as the New Center

Strategic Importance: Sicily provided a vital base for naval operations and trade.
Administrative Reforms: Constans aimed to reorganize the western provinces from Syracuse.
Economic Burden: Heavy taxes were imposed on Sicily and Italy to fund imperial ambitions.
Unpopularity: His policies led to widespread discontent and ultimately, his assassination.

Legacy and Repercussions of the Move

The sudden death of Constans II meant that his ambitious plan for a western-centered Byzantine Empire died with him. His son and successor, Constantine IV, swiftly returned the imperial court to Constantinople, recognizing the strategic necessity of defending the original capital against the escalating Arab threat. The episode of Constans II’s Syracuse move, while ultimately failing to achieve its long-term goals of restoring a unified Roman Empire in the West, had significant repercussions. It underscored the desperate measures the Byzantines were willing to take to retain their western possessions. It also left Italy, and particularly Sicily, devastated by imperial taxation, further weakening Byzantine control and paving the way for future fragmentation. The brief imperial presence in Syracuse highlighted the growing divide between East and West, both politically and religiously, setting precedents for the eventual loss of much of Byzantine Italy and Sicily to other powers in the centuries that followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Emperor Constans II move his court from Constantinople?

Constans II moved his court primarily due to the intense pressure from the Arab Caliphate in the East and the Lombards in Italy. He sought to better defend the remaining Byzantine territories in the West, particularly Italy and Sicily, believing that a western base would allow for more effective military action and consolidation of imperial authority away from the vulnerability of Constantinople.

What was the impact of Constans II’s Syracuse move on Rome and the Papacy?

His move initially offered a sense of hope to Rome, as it was the first imperial visit in centuries. However, Constans II’s policies, especially his plundering of ancient Roman monuments for their valuable metals and his heavy taxation, alienated the Roman populace and strained relations with the Papacy. His enforcement of the Monothelite doctrine also exacerbated religious tensions.

What happened to Constans II after he moved to Syracuse?

Constans II remained in Syracuse for five years, ruling with a heavy hand and imposing significant taxes to fund his military ambitions. He was ultimately assassinated in his bathhouse in 668 AD by a member of his own chamber, likely due to his unpopular policies and the general discontent among his court and subjects.

How long did Syracuse serve as the imperial capital?

Syracuse only served as a temporary imperial capital during the five years (663-668 AD) that Constans II resided there. Following his assassination, his son and successor, Constantine IV, quickly returned the imperial court to Constantinople, resuming the traditional seat of the Eastern Roman Empire.

What were the broader implications for the Byzantine Empire after this relocation attempt?

The Constans II’s Syracuse move showcased the empire’s commitment to its western provinces, but its failure highlighted the growing chasm between East and West. It burdened Sicily and Italy with oppressive taxation, weakening Byzantine control and contributing to the eventual loss of these territories. It also cemented Constantinople’s role as the indispensable heart of the Byzantine Empire.