Philippicus Bardanes, having ruled as the Byzantine emperor, faced discontent among various factions, particularly from the Opsikion army stationed in Thrace. His governance had become increasingly unpopular due to military defeats and a loss of prestige. On this decisive day, conspirators from the Opsikion faction mobilized, leading to a palace coup. They captured Philippicus and subjected him to blinding, a common punishment for dethroned emperors, and subsequently exiled him to Chios. This act of violence was not merely a personal vendetta but stemmed from a broader dissatisfaction with his rule. The Opsikion army sought to restore stability and power to the empire through this drastic measure.

Anastasios II, a former official in Philippicus’ administration and an esteemed member of the military elite, was proclaimed emperor soon after Philippicus' downfall. His ascent came at a time when the Byzantine Empire was longing for military reforms and internal order. Anastasios II set about reorganizing the Byzantine army, focusing on enhancing its capabilities and effectiveness against external threats, particularly from the rising powers of the Umayyad Caliphate. Through strategic allocations of resources and revitalizing military tactics, he aimed to counter the empire’s previous losses and secure its borders more effectively.