Artabasdos

Artabasdos is a Byzantine Greek form of Artavazd, derived from the Old Persian name Artabazos, meaning "persevering through truth" — a calque of Avestan Ašauuazdah. As a variant of Artavazd, it was notably borne by Artabasdos, an Armenian general in the Byzantine army who briefly usurped the imperial throne in the 8th century.

Etymology

Artabasdos traces its roots to the Old Persian *Artavazda, composed of arta ("truth, order") and vazda ("persevering"), thus signifying "persevering through truth." This name was calqued into Avestan as Ašauuazdah, reflecting the Zoroastrian concept of asha (divine order). The Greek rendering Artabazos was used for Achaemenid satraps, while the Armenian form Artavazd was borne by three kings of Armenia. In Byzantine Greek, the name appeared alternately as Artavasdos or Artabasdos, with the latter form most often used in historical records.

Historical Context

Artabasdos is most famously associated with the Byzantine Emperor Artabasdos, reigned 741–743. Appointed governor (stratēgos) of the Armeniac Theme by Emperor Anastasius II in 713, he later allied with Leo the Isaurian (later Emperor Leo III) to overthrow Emperor Theodosius III. The alliance was sealed through the betrothal of Leo's daughter Anna to Artabasdos, and the marriage occurred after Leo ascended the throne in 717. During the early reign of Constantine V (Leo's son), Artabasdos rebelled and seized Constantinople, claiming the imperial title. His usurpation lasted approximately 16 months until Constantine V recaptured the capital in 743. After his defeat, Artabasdos was blinded and exiled to the Monastery of Chora.

Linguistic Variants

Related forms include the Latin Artavasdes, the Armenian Artavazd, and the Old Persian Artavazda. The Greek names Artabasdos and Artavasdos remained in use primarily in Byzantine contexts, reflecting Armenian influence within the empire.

Notable Bearers

• Artabasdos (741–743), Byzantine usurper emperor of Armenian descent

• Meaning: "Persevering through truth"
• Origin: Old Persian, via Armenian/Bzyanzine Greek
• Type: Historical, rare after 8th century
• Usage Regions: Byzantine Empire (primarily Greece and Anatolia)