The twelve most important rulers of the Byzantine Empire were: Diocletian, Constantine I, Julian, Zeno, Justinian I, Heraclius, Irene, Basil I, Basil II, Alexius, Isaac and Constantine XI. They all contributed to the empire in a huge way. For example, Constantine I basically created the Byzantine Empire. He made it the capital of Rome and that started it all. Julian, considered "the military leader", led the Byzantine Empire to victory at the battle of Argentoratum even though he was greatly outnumbered. Justinian I had many architectural wonders built and many churches that became very important. Heraclius was responsible for making Greek the Eastern Empire's official language. Irene, a female emperor, was considered a saint of the Greek Orthodox and restored the use of coins. Basil I, considered one of the greatest Byzantine rulers, was born a simple peasant and rose to power. Even though he was born a peasant, he showed a great ability in running the affairs of the state. Constantine XI was the last Byzantine ruler. His death marked the end of the Roman Empire (and the Byzantine Empire).
http://12byzantinerulers.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_the_Apostate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraclius
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/293922/Irene
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_XI_Palaiologos
http://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/images/PLATE9AX.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_the_Apostate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraclius
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/293922/Irene
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_XI_Palaiologos
http://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/images/PLATE9AX.JPG