His rule was endangered by Bardanes Tourkos, one of his ablest generals, who revolted and received support from other commanders, notably the later emperors Leo V the Armenian and Michael II the Amorian in 803.
Pemerintahannya terancam oleh Vardanis Tourkos, salah satu jenderalnya, yang memberontak dan menerima dukungan dari komandan lain, terutama kaisar-kaisar kemudian, Leo V armenia dan Mikhaēl II Amoria pada tahun 803.