Michael II the Amorian

Michael II (770–829), called the Amorian and the Stammerer, was the Amorium-born soldier who founded the Amorian dynasty and helped Leo V take power in 813. Sentenced to death for plotting in late 820, he had Leo murdered at the Christmas liturgy and was crowned that same day, still in chains. He crushed Thomas the Slav's revolt in 823–824.

Later Andalusian exiles seized Crete, and Muslim armies landed in Sicily in 827. He eased Leo's persecution of icon venerators, died in 829, and left the throne to his son Theophilos.