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Antipope Constantine II
YooniqImages 102028851-1-
Historical Figure
Nationality: Italy
Year of Birth: 8th century
Year of Death: 769 (presumed)
Cause of Death: Unknown
Religion: Catholicism
Occupation: Clergy
Political Office(s): Claimed to be Pope (title not recognized)
Fictional Appearances:
"Islands in the Sea"
POD: 717 CE
Type of Appearance: Contemporary reference
Political Office(s): Pope

Antipope Constantine II (d. 769[?]) was an Italian man who claimed the title of Pope in Rome in 767. The most powerful Lombard authorities considered his papacy invalid, and in spring 768 they deposed and imprisoned him. He was blinded in August after a rebellion attempted to restore him to power. In April 769, the Lateran Council had Constantine's tongue cut out for perjury. He was returned to prison, but the manner of his death is unknown.

Constantine II in "Islands in the Sea"[]

In AD 769, at the request of the heathen Bulgar Khan Telerikh, Pope Constantine sent Fathers Niketas and Theodore, and Brother Paul to describe the merits of Christianity. Telerikh was trying to decide whether to adopt Christianity or Islam for his people.[1]

Literary comment[]

It is not clear that Pope Constantine is the historical figure. He is placed here for convenience.

References[]

  1. See e.g. Departures, pg. 68.
Religious titles
(OTL)
Preceded by
Paul I
Pope
(reign unrecognized, claim declared invalid as "Antipope")

767-768
Succeeded by
Stephen III
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