Romanos I Lekapenos
Romanos I Lekapenos was a self-made admiral of Armenian origin who parlayed his military reputation and a strategic marriage into effective control of the Byzantine Empire for over two decades. He rose from modest origins to become megas hetaireiarches and then drungarios of the fleet, and in 919 exploited the political vacuum around the young Constantine VII to have himself named regent, then co-emperor in 920. He then progressively elevated his own sons as additional co-emperors, clearly intending to found his own dynasty. Despite his usurpatious methods, his actual governance was often capable. He issued the famous Novel of 934, which protected smallholders against the encroachments of the powerful landed military aristocracy. His reign saw important military and diplomatic developments, including major advances against the Arabs in the east under the general John Kourkouas. However, his attempts to secure the succession for his own sons ended badly when they overreached: Stephen and Constantine deposed their father in December 944, sending him to a monastery. Weeks later they were themselves overthrown, leaving the legitimate Constantine VII at last in control.
- Lived: 870 CE – 948 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, admiral
