John Tzimiskes

The nephew of Nikephoros Phokas ("The Pale Death of the Sarracens"), and of armenian origin, John Tzimiskes seized the throne in a coup d'etat, with the help of Nikephoro's wife. Once in the power he successfully led many campaigns securing (more less) the northern frontier, defeating the forces of Sviatoslav of Kiev. And in the eastern one he waged wars against the Abassid to whom he conquered extense territories in Syria and Mesopotamia. A good (but usurper, as the rightful one was Basil II) emperor, he died too soon, in strange circunstances, maybe poisoned by a corrupt officer, who then crowned Basil II.
This drawing is based upon the Gunthertuch, a silk cloth, posibly a labarum or imperial banner, which posibly depicts John, the face is build upon his coins portraits, wich show him bearded.

Edit: Updated with accurate colour hair! Thanks Aemilianus

Regards

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