KONSTANTINOS VII 913-959

KONSTANTINOS, son of Emperor LEON VI & his fourth wife Zoe Karbonopsina (905-9 Nov 959, bur Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). Theophanes Continuatus records the birth of "Leo ex Zoe quarta uxore sua

filium Constantinum" and his baptism "die sacro luminum"[1136].

Symeon Magister records that "Constantini Leonis filii ex Zoe" was born in the twentieth year of his father's reign[1137]. He is named "Constantinum,

Leonis imperatoris filium" by Liudprand[1138]. Symeon Magister records

that "Constantinum filium suum in Porphyra natum ()" was crowned "die sancto pentecostes" in the twentieth year of his father's reign[1139]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Leo

imperator filium Constantinum" was crowned "Augustum"[1140].

Theophanes Continuatus records that "Alexandercum Constantino

Leonis filio" succeeded after the death of Emperor Leon VI and ruled for one
year and 22 days[1141]. He succeeded his paternal uncle in 913 as Emperor KONSTANTINOS VII, under a council of regency headed by Patriarch Nikolaos. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Constantinus" ruled for seven years with his mother after the death of his paternal uncle Alexander, a further 26 years "cum Romano socero suosubiectus", and 15 years alone[1142]. Following his predecessor's refusal to pay the annual Bulgarian tribute, Symeon Prince of Bulgaria invaded Byzantium and arrived at Constantinople Aug 913. After demanding the imperial crown, Symeon was obliged to compromise faced with the impenetrability of the city's defences, and was crowned Tsar and Autocrat of the Bulgarians at Constantinople 913 by the Patriarch[1143]. Theophanes Continuatus records the invasion by "Symeon Bulgari

princeps", his arrival at Constantinople, his meeting with Patriarch Nikolaos

and his return to Bulgaria[1144]. The concessions granted to Symeon triggered a palace revolution in which Patriarch Nikolaos was replaced as regent in 913 by Emperor Konstantinos's mother Zoe, who cancelled the betrothal of Symeon's

daughter to her son. Symeon invaded Byzantium once more, Adrianople submitting to him in Sep 914. He defeated the Byzantine fleet at Anchialos on the Black Sea coast 20 Aug 917[1145], and the army at Katasyrtai near Constantinople in early 918, moving on to capture most of Greece north of Corinth. Following this disastrous war, Empress Zoe was replaced as regent by Romanos Lekapenos, whose history of more successful military campaigns provided a good basis for optimism that he could contain Bulgarian expansion. He married his daughter to the emperor, and was crowned co-emperor in Dec 920, Konstantinos VII being in effect demoted [20 May 921/Apr 922] although his name still appeared first on protocol lists[1146]. After Emperor Romanos I was deposed and banished by his sons 16 Dec 944, Konstantinos VII succeeded in imposing himself once more as sole emperor and in turn arrested and banished Stefanos and Konstantinos Lekapenos 27 Jan 945[1147]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "ConstantinusRomani gener" became emperor again in Dec "anno 6454"[1148]. A prolific writer, he composed among other works an encyclopaedia The Book of Ceremonies, a history of the provinces of the empire De administrando imperio, and a biography of his grandfather Emperor Basileios I. Cedrenus records the death 15 Nov of Emperor Konstantinos aged 54 years and two months and his burial "juxta patrem suum"[1149]. Theophanes Continuatus records the death 15 Nov of "Constantinus Porphyrogennetus imperator" aged 55 years and two months[1150]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aul records that "imperator Leo Sapiens Basilii filius et

filius eius Constantinus Porphyrogenitus" were buried in the church of

the Holy Apostles[1151], although this presumably represented the emperors plans for burial assuming that he was the author of this part of the text. Betrothed (913, contract broken 913) to --- of Bulgaria, daughter of SYMEON I Prince of Bulgaria & his second wife --- (before 913-). The betrothal of this unnamed daughter, at the same time as her father's coronation as Tsar, is referred to by Fine, who says that it was arranged as part of the negotiated settlement with Prince Symeon after he invaded Byzantium, but was annulled by Empress Zoe after she seized the regency[1152]. The primary source which confirms this daughters parentage and betrothal has not yet been identified. It is

assumed that the daughter would have been little more than a child at the time of her betrothal, considering the birth date of her betrothed. It is therefore likely that she was born from her father's second marriage. m ([Apr] 919) HELENA Lekapene, daughter of ROMANOS Lekapenos [later Emperor ROMANOS I] & his [second] wife Theodora --- ([915]-19 Sep 961). Theophanes Continuatus records the marriage in Apr of "Constantino imperatore" and "Helen Romani filitertiaque pasch", dated to just after the Bulgarian war of 918[1153]. "Romanosfiliam suam Helena" is named as wife of Emperor Konstantinos by Liudprand[1154]. No record has been found of her age at the time of her marriage. It is likely that she was very young as her son was born nearly twenty years after her marriage. Her father arranged this marriage to increase his influence with Emperor Konstantinos. Theophanes Continuatus records the death 19 Sep of "Helena Augusta" (in 961)[1155]. Emperor Konstantinos VI & his wife had six children: 1. ZOE . Theophanes Continuatus names "Zoen et Theodoram et

Agatham" as daughters of "Helena Augusta"[1156]. Theophanes

Continuatus names "sorores Zoen Theodoram Agatham

Theophanonem Annamque" when recording that they were banished

to the convent of Kanikleion (in 959), and that Zoe, Theodora and Theofano were later sent to "Antiochi monasterio"[1157]. She was banished to the convent of Kanikleion in 959, later to Antiochus with her sisters Theofano and Theodora. 2. ROMANOS ([938/39]-15 Mar 963). Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus imperator" was 21 years old when he succeeded "patre suo

Constantino Porphyrogenneto"[1158]. He was crowned co-emperor 6

Apr 945. He succeeded his father in 959 as Emperor ROMANOS II. 3. see below. THEODORA. Theophanes Continuatus names "Zoen et Theodoram et

Agatham" as daughters of "Helena Augusta"[1159]. Theophanes

Continuatus names "sorores Zoen Theodoram Agatham

Theophanonem Annamque" when recording that they were banished

to the convent of Kanikleion (in 959), and that Zoe, Theodora and Theofano were later sent to "Antiochi monasterio"[1160]. She was banished to the convent of Kanikleion in 959, later to Antiochus with her sisters Zoe and Theofano. Leo Diaconus records the marriage of "Ioannes" and "Theodoram, Constantini Porphyrogeniti Imp. filiam" in Nov, in 971 from the context[1161]. m (Nov 971) as his second wife, Emperor IOANNES I Tzimiskes, son of --- Tzimiskes & his wife --- Kourkouas (-10 Jan 976). 4. AGATHA . Theophanes Continuatus names "Zoen et Theodoram et

Agatham" as daughters of "Helena Augusta"[1162]. Theophanes

Continuatus names "sorores Zoen Theodoram Agatham

Theophanonem Annamque" when recording that they were banished

to the convent of Kanikleion (in 959), and that Zoe, Theodora and Theofano were later sent to "Antiochi monasterio"[1163]. She was banished to the convent of Kanikleion in 959, later to Myrelaion with her sister Anna. 5. THEOFANO . Theophanes Continuatus names "sorores Zoen

Theodoram Agatham Theophanonem Annamque" when recording

that they were banished to the convent of Kanikleion (in 959), and that Zoe, Theodora and Theofano were later sent to "Antiochi monasterio"[1164]. 6. ANNA . Theophanes Continuatus names "sorores Zoen Theodoram

Agatham Theophanonem Annamque" when recording that they

were banished to the convent of Kanikleion (in 959), and that Zoe, Theodora and Theofano were later sent to "Antiochi monasterio"[1165]. She was banished to the convent of Kanikleion in 959, later to Myrelaion with her sister Agatha.

ROMANOS II 959-963, BASILEIOS II 963-1025

ROMANOS, son of Emperor KONSTANTINOS VII & his wife Helene Lekapene ([938/39]-15 Mar 963). Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus

imperator" was 21 years old when he succeeded "patre suo Constantino Porphyrogenneto"[1166]. Liudprand names Romanos as son of Constantine when recording his marriage to the daughter of Ugo King of Italy[1167]. He was crowned co-emperor 6 Apr 945. He succeeded his father in 959 as Emperor ROMANOS II. He left the government entirely in the hands of Nikeforos Fokas, supreme commander of the army. Nikeforos Fokas captured Crete in 961, and Anazarbus and Marash in Germanicia, Asia Minor in 962[1168]. As recompense, he was crowned co-emperor. Cedrenus records the death 15 Mar "indictione 6" of "Romanus imperator" aged 24 after ruling for three years, 4 months and 5 days, worn out by "luxuriosa et voluptatibus dedita vita", other said by poison[1169]. m firstly (Sep 944) BERTA, illegitimate daughter of UGO King of Italy Comte de Vienne & his mistress Pezola --- ([927/30]-Autumn 949). Liudprand specifies that the wife of Romanos was the illegitimate daughter of King Ugo, "the Greeks not enquiring about the nobility of her mother"[1170], and in a later passage names her Berta "filiam suam quam ex meretrice Pezola ipse genuerat" specifying that she was called EVDOKIA in Byzantium [1171]. Theophanes Continuatus records the marriage in Sep of "Hugonem regem Francifiliam" and "Romanus imperatorRomano Constantini generi sui filio", stating that she lived five years with her husband[1172], which confuses the identity of Berta's father. Cedrenus records that "filia Hugonis", married to "Romano", died a virgin[1173]. m secondly (957) as her first husband, ANASTASIA, daughter of KRATEROS (the wine seller) & his wife --- (943-after 969). Theophanes Continuatus names "AnastasiamCrateri filiam" as wife of "Romano filio suo" (referring to Emperor Konstantinos VII), stating that she adopted the name THEOFANO on her marriage [1174]. Cedrenus records that Romanos married secondly "genereplebeio, ortam parentibus cauponibusAnastasiam", adding that she adopted the name "Theophano"[1175]. Leo Diaconus names "Theophano, obscuro loco nata" when recording that she was regent for "filii eius Basilius et Constantinus infantes" after the death of her first

husband, recording her second marriage in a later passage[1176]. Regent in 963 for her infant sons Emperors Basileios II and Konstantinos VII, they were set aside by Nikeforos Fokas who was crowned emperor and married Theofano as her second husband. Cedrenus records that "Nicephorus imperator" married "Theophanonem" 20 Sep after becoming emperor (in 963)[1177]. Zonaras records that Nikeforos took "Theophanonencum liberis eius" with him when he invaded Cilicia in the second year of his reign[1178]. She became the mistress of Ioannes Tzimiskes, and betrayed her husband. Cedrenus records that Patriarch Polyeuktes required Emperor Ioannes to send "Theophanonem" in "Proconnesum", but that she was rescued by "Basilio cubiculario" and sent "in provinciam Armenicamin Damidis monasterium", while "materTheophanonis" was exiled "in Mantineum"[1179]. Emperor Romanos II & his second wife had three children: 1. BASILEIOS (959-15 Dec 1025, bur Constantinople, Monastery of St John Evangelist in the Hebdemon[1180], transferred 1259 to Selymbria, Monastery of the Saviour[1181]). Psellos names "Basil and Constantine, the sons of Romanus", clarifying that Basil was the elder[1182]. He nominally succeeded his father in 963 as Emperor BASILEIOS II, co-emperor with his brother, under the regency of their mother. He was set aside by Nikeforos Fokas who was acclaimed emperor by his troops in Csarea, entered Constantinople 14 Aug 963, was crowned 16 Aug, and married his predecessor's widow. On the death of Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes in 976, Basileios was restored as emperor, under the guidance of his great uncle Basileios Lekapenos, who assumed a position of great power. He was immediately faced with the revolt of Bardas Skleros, who was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Summer 976 and who conquered most of Asia Minor. Skleros approached Constantinople in early 978, but was defeated 24 Mar 979 by Bardas Fokas in the plain of Pankaleia near Amorium. Basileios's troops were unsuccessful in crushing the 976 rebellion in Macedonia of the Kometopulos brothers, the imperial army suffering its final defeat there in Aug 986 and losing the areas of Bulgaria which

Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes had conquered in 971[1183]. In 985, the emperor assumed personal rule and banished Basileios Lekapenos[1184]. Bardas Fokas rebelled and was acclaimed emperor by his troops 15 Aug 987 at Chresianus[1185], supported by major land-owners in Asia Minor. Fokas agreed to partition the empire with the exiled Bardas Skleros, under which Fokas would keep Constantinople and the European provinces while Skleros would take Asia Minor[1186], but Skleros rebelled and proclaimed himself emperor at the same time, although he was captured by Fokas at Tyropaeum 14 Sep 987. Bardas Fokas approached Constantinople in early 988. Emperor Basileios allied himself with Vladimir Grand Prince of Kiev, confirmed by Vladimir's marriage to Basileios's sister Anna which was agreed on condition that Vladimir accepted baptism. With his new allies, the emperor defeated Fokas at Chrysopolis in summer 988 and at Abydos 13 Apr 989. Bardas Skleros rebelled again in 989, after which he was blinded, accepted the title curopalates, and died in retirement[1187]. From the 990s, Basileios was faced with invasions on two fronts, from the Bulgarian empire of Samuil Kometopoulos, and from the Fatimid empire in Syria. He request Venetian help to defend his interests in Dalmatia, granting the Doge the title dux of Dalmatia and the honorary position of proconsul, and recognising him as Byzantium's official representative[1188]. Against the Fatimids, he restored Byzantine suzerainty over Aleppo in 995, and marched down the coast as far as Tripoli in 999. In 1001, he concluded a ten-year truce with the Fatimid Caliph, which fixed the frontier between the two states and guaranteed that Aleppo remained within Byzantine territory, although the Mirdasite dynasty established there in 1023 soon obtained de facto independence from Byzantium[1189]. In [1000/1001], Emperor Basileios started a counter-offensive against Bulgaria, recapturing Sardika [Sofija] (1001), Macedonia and Thessaly, Vidin and Skopje (1004), and Durazzo (1005). Emperor Basileios finally defeated Samuil Tsar of Bulgaria in Jul 1014 at Clidion, near Strymon[1190]. Basileios proceeded to conquer the remaining parts of the Bulgarian empire, which was annexed by Byzantium in 1018. The Venetian civil war of 1024 also enabled Byzantium to reassert its authority over its Dalmatian towns[1191]. Before he died, Emperor Basileios appointed his brother Konstantinos as his successor[1192].

Basileios lived alone, and ruled as an autocrat without advisers. Psellos records that he died "in his seventy-second year"[1193], but this is inconsistent with the marriage date of his parents. 2. KONSTANTINOS (Constantinople 961-15 Nov 1028). Cedrenus records the birth "in Fontano palatio" of "filiusConstantinum" in the year after the coronation of Emperor Romanos II[1194]. He succeeded his father in 963 as co-emperor with his brother, under the regency of their mother. He succeeded his brother in 1025 as Emperor KONSTANTINOS VIII. 3. see below. ANNA (13 Mar 963-[1008/11] or [1022], bur Kiev, church of the Palace). Cedrenus records that "filiamAnn" was born two days before the death of Emperor Romanos II[1195]. The Primary Chronicle names "Anna, sister of Emperors Basil and Constantine", recording her brothers agreement to her marriage to Vladimir on condition that he accepted baptism, and her arrival and marriage at Kherson[1196]. Zonaras records that "Uladimero

ducem [Russorum]" married "sorore Anna" (referring to Basileios

and Konstantinos)[1197]. The marriage marked the start of considerably increased influence for the Greek Orthodox church in Russia, as the new Russian church reported to the Patriarch of Constantinople. The sources are contradictory regarding the dating of Annas death. The Primary Chronicle records the death of Anna wife of Vladimir, dated to [1008/11] from the context[1198]. Cedrenus records that "Anna imperatoris

sorore" died "in Rossia", adding that her husband had already died, in a
passage following the record of events dated to [1022], adding that "Chrysochir quidam Bladimeri cognatus" (not yet identified) sailed for Constantinople after she died but was defeated and killed at Lemnos by "Davido Achridensi Sami prfecto ac Nicephoro Cabasila duce

Thessalonic"[1199]. m (Kherson 988) as his second wife, VLADIMIR I

"Velikiy/the Great" Grand Prince of Kiev, son of SVIATOSLAV I Grand Prince of Kiev & his mistress Malusha [Malfred] ([960]-Berestov 15 Jul 1015).

KONSTANTINOS VIII 1025-1028, ZOE 1042-1052, THEODORA 1054-1056

KONSTANTINOS, son of Emperor ROMANOS II & his second wife Theofano [ne Anastasia] (Constnatinople 961-15 Nov 1028). Cedrenus records the birth "in Fontano palatio" of "filiusConstantinum" in the year after the coronation of Emperor Romanos II[1200]. Psellos names "Basil and Constantine, the sons of Romanus", clarifying that Basil was the elder and stating that Constantine "appeared to be apathetic, lazy and devoted to a life of luxury"[1201]. He succeeded his father 963 as co-emperor with his brother, under the regency of their mother. He was set aside by Nikeforos Fokas along with his brother. On the death of Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes in 976, he was restored as co-emperor with his brother but renounced most of his privileges in favour of his older brother, according to Psellos[1202]. He succeeded his brother in 1025 as Emperor KONSTANTINOS VIII, after which he "devoted himself to a life of luxury" according to Psellos who, in a later passage, gives a detailed description of his character and personal characteristics[1203]. Psellos records that Emperor Konstantinos hastily arranged the marriage of his second daughter to "Romanus" when dying, and that he "survived just long enough to see the marriage ceremony performed"[1204].

Chapter 7.

EMPERORS 920-945 (LEKAPENOS)

ROMANOS I 920-944
THEOFILAKTOS "Abastasos/the Unbearable" Lekapenos . According to Ostrogorsky, he was an Armenian peasant[1229]. Symeon Magister records that "Theophylactus Abastasct usRomani pater eius qui postea

imperatorum tenuit" served Emperor Basileios I in the fifth year of the

emperor's reign[1230]. m ---. The name of the mother of Emperor Romanos I is unknown.

Theofilaktos & his wife had one child: 1. ROMANOS Lekapenos ([880]-Prote Island 15 Jun 948, bur Monastery Prote Island). Symeon Magister names "Theophylactus Abastasctus" as father of "Romaniqui postea imperatorum tenuit"[1231]. No precise information has been found concerning the birth date of Romanos Lekapenos. However, given the likely chronology of the births of his children it is improbable that he was born much later than [880]. Drongarios of the fleet. He manoeuvred himself into a position of power, replaced Empress Zoe as regent in 918, married his eldest daughter to Emperor Konstantinos VII, and was granted the title basileopator. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus" was granted "csarisdignitate" 24 Sep (in 920), and crowned as Emperor ROMANOS I 17 Dec 920[1232]. He became primary emperor [20 May 921/Apr 922][1233]. His successful military campaigns contained Bulgarian expansion. Peter Tsar of the Bulgarians renewed the war with Byzantium after his accession in 927 and raided Thrace, but in Sep/Oct he made peace under which Byzantium confirmed recognition of Bulgaria's borders established by the 897 and 904 treaties and Peter's own title of Tsar. The treaty was sealed by Peter's marriage to the emperor's granddaughter[1234]. After the peace agreement with Bulgaria, Emperor Romanos turned his attention to Asia Minor, where he recaptured Melitene in 931 and 934[1235]. Rus traders attacked coastal areas near Constantinople in 941 led by a "king named Inger"[1236] who negotiated renewal of privileged trading terms with Byzantium in [944], the text being incorporated into the Primary Chronicle[1237]. Emperor Romanos was deposed by his sons 16 Dec 944 and deported to the isle of Proti where he became a monk[1238]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus imperator" was deposed by "Stephanum filium"[1239]. Theophanes Continuatus records the death 15 Jun "in insulaProten" of "Romanus imperator" and his burial in the monastery there[1240]. Cedrenus records the death in July "sext

indictionis" of "Romanus" and his burial "in Myrelo"[1241]. m [firstly]

([900]) ---. The primary source which indicates that Emperor Romanos

married twice has not yet been identified. If there was an earlier marriage, the name and origin of the first wife are not known. However, Kresten and Mller point out that Symeon Magister refers to Christoforos, domestikos of the Scholai, as gambros of "the emperor". They argue that the latter must have been the reigning emperor at the time, who would have been Romanos I, whose first wife could therefore have been the daughter of this Christoforos, which would explain the introduction of this name into the Lekapenos family. They also suggest that her name may have been Maria, the name given by Christoforos to his daughter (on the assumption that she was his eldest daughter)[1242]. Zonaras records that "Christophori uxor

Sophia" became augusta after "Romani uxore Theodora Augusta"

died[1243]. This passage does not specify that Theodora was the mother of Christoforos: a comment to that effect would have been natural if that had been the case. m [secondly] THEODORA, daughter of --- (-20 Feb 922, bur Myrelus). Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus" crowned "uxorem suam Theodoram" as "Augustam" in Jan "anno 6428" (921)
[1244].

Symeon Magister names "NicetasRomani socer", which

appears to refer to the father-in-law of Romanos Lekapenos, when recording that he ejected "Nicolaum patriarcham" from his palace[1245]. However, Georgius Monachus Continuatus records that "Nicetaspatricius, Romani consocer" ejected "Nicolaum

patriarcham" from his palace[1246], which clarifies that Niketas was the
father-in-law of Romanos's son (see below). According to the Vita Basil, the patriarch Theofilaktos was the son of Emperor Romanos's second marriage to Theodora[1247]. Vannier interprets the same phrase to mean that Emperor Romanos had two wives, both named Theodora[1248]. Theophanes Continuatus records the death 20 Feb, in 922 from the context, of "Theodora Romani coniux"[1249]. Cedrenus records the death 20 Feb "indictione decima" of "uxor Romani Theodora" and her burial "in Myrel"[1250]. Mistress (1): ---. The name of Romanos's mistress is not known. However, her origin is indicated by Leo Diaconus who names her son "Basilius Nothus, Romani quondam Augusti ex Scythica

femina filius"[1251]. Emperor Romanos I & his [first/second] wife had

[five] children: a) CHRISTOFOROS Lekapenos (before [905]-14 Aug 932). Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanum" installed "eius filio

Christophoro" as "hetriarcha", recorded in a passage which

follows the report of his sister's marriage to Emperor Konstantinos VII, probably therefore dated to 919[1252]. Liudprand names Christoforos as "Romanosprimogenito"[1253]. His birth date is estimated from his daughter Maria Lekapene having married in 927. Even if she was an infant at the time, it is unlikely that her father could have been born much later than [905] at the latest. Cedrenus records the death 14 Aug of "Christofer Csar" and his burial "in

monasterio patris sui"[1254]. The monastery in question has not

yet been identified. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Romanus" crowned "filium suum Christophorum" as "imperatorem" 17 May "anno 6428" (921)[1255]. He became second emperor and heir to the throne when his father became primary emperor in [921/22], displacing Emperor Konstantinos VII. Theophanes Continuatus records the death in Aug of "Christophorusimperator" and his burial "in patris sui monasterio", in a passage before the record of his brother's ordination as Patriarch (in Feb 933)[1256]. m (before [919]) SOFIA, daughter of NIKETAS magister & his wife ---. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Sophia Christopheri

imperatoris uxor" was crowned in Feb, in 922 from the

context[1257]. Georgius Monachus Continuatus records that "Nicetaspatricius, Romani consocer" ejected "Nicolaum

patriarcham" from his palace, dated to [919] from the context[1258].

Symeon Magister names "Nicetas magister, Christophori

imperatoris socer" when recording that he rebelled, was banished

and became a monk[1259]. Zonaras records that "Christophori

uxor Sophia" became augusta after "Romani uxore Theodora

Augusta" died[1260]. Theophanes Continuatus records that

"Sophia Augusta Christophori imperatoris uxor" was a nun at the convent of Kanikleion to which the sisters of Emperor Romanos II were banished (in 959)[1261]. Co-Emperor Christoforos & his wife had three children: i) MARIA Lekapene ([920/25]-before 15 Mar 963 or [965]). Theophanes Continuatus records the marriage of "Christophori imperatoris filia Maria" and "Petri"[1262]. The wife of Tsar Peter is the (unnamed) daughter of Christoforos according to Liudprand, the marriage taking place just after the Tsar's accession after which she adopted the name IRINA[1263]. Considering the chronology of the births of her father and paternal grandfather, it is likely that Maria can have been no more than an infant at the time of her marriage in 927. The marriage was arranged to seal the peace agreed between her future husband and Byzantium[1264]. Her date of death is estimated from Zonaras recording that "Petrus Bulgarorum

princeps, uxore sua mortua" sent their sons to Byzantium

as hostages to renew the treaty[1265]. Cedrenus records the same event just after his passage recording the death of Emperor Romanos II (in 963)[1266]. m (Constantinople 8 Oct 927) PETER Tsar of the Bulgarians, son of SYMEON I Tsar of the Bulgarians & his second wife --- [Sursuvul] (after [912]-29/30 Jan 969). f) THEOFILAKTOS Lekapenos ([913/15]-27 Feb 956). Theophanes Continuatus records that "Theophylactum eius filium" (referring to Emperor Romanos I) was tonsured and ordained as sub-deacon, in a passage after the record of his brothers' coronation (25 Dec, in 924 from the context)[1285]. According to the Vita Basil, the patriarch Theofilaktos was Emperor Romanos's son by his second marriage to Theodora[1286]. Theophanes Continuatus records the appointment of "Theophylactus Romani filius matur tatis annos

attingeret" as Patriarch, and his ordination as such in Feb (933) in a

later passage[1287]. His birth date is estimated from Stankovic who cites sources which state that, although Emperor Romanos wanted to install Theofilaktos as patriarch when he was aged 16, the emperor delayed his son's installation until he was 18 or 19[1288]. Cedrenus records the death 27 Feb "indictione 14" of "Theophylactus patriarcha" after ruling as patriarch for 23 years and 25 days[1289]. g) HELENA Lekapene ([915]-19 Sep 961). Theophanes Continuatus records the marriage in Apr of "Constantino imperatore" and "Helen Romani filitertiaque pasch", dated to just after the Bulgarian war of 918[1290]. "Romanosfiliam suam

Helena" is named as wife of Emperor Konstantinos by

Liudprand[1291]. No record has been found of Helena's age at the time of her marriage. However, it is likely that she was very young, as her son was born nearly twenty years after she married. If this is correct, she was probably born after her brother Theofilaktos and therefore was also born from her father's presumed second marriage. Her father arranged this marriage to increase his influence with Emperor Konstantinos. Theophanes Continuatus records the death 19 Sep of "Helena Augusta" (in 961)[1292]. m ([Apr] 919) Emperor KONSTANTINOS VII, son of Emperor LEON VI & his fourth wife Zoe Karbonopsina (905-9 Nov 959, bur Constantinople Church of the Holy Apostles). Emperor Romanos I had one illegitimate son by Mistress (1):
i) BASILEIOS (-985). Theophanes Continuatus names "Basilium

protovestiariumRomanique decessoris imperatoris naturalem ex pellice filium"[1305].

Psellos states that the "parakoimomenosBasil" was "born of the same father as the father of [Emperors] Basil [II] and Constantine [VIII]", which suggests incorrectly that he was the son of Emperor Konstantinos VII, and "on his mother's side he came from different stock"[1306]. Psellos records that "in

early

infancy he had suffered castration - a natural precaution

against a concubine's offspring"[1307].

Zonaras records that

Emperor Konstantinos VII ordered the castration of "Romani

senioris

filium Basilium, ex ancilla procreatum"[1308].

"Basilium,

Cedrenus

records that, after his restoration (944), Emperor Konstantinos VII had

Romano seni e serva natum" castrated[1309].

He

was in charge of civil administration under Emperor Nikeforos Fokas in 963, and granted the new title proedros. Leo Diaconus records that "Basilius

Nothus, Romani quondam Augusti ex Scythica

femina filius" was granted "prsidis dignitate" by Emperor

Nikeforos[1310]. In 976, he became chief adviser [parakoimomenos] to the restored Emperor Basileios II[1311]. Psellos records that In 985, the emperor assumed personal rule and banished Basileios Lekapenos who soon after died "his

limbsparalysed and he a living

corpse"[1312].

Chapter 8.

EMPEROR 963-969 (FOKAS)

The source for the early part of the pedigree of the Fokas family is Gustave Schlumberger[1313]. NIKEFOROS Fokas (-[885/95]). The Vita Basilii names "Nicephorus Phocas"[1314]. Cedrenus records that "Nicephorus, Nicephori imperatoris

avus" campaigned in Sicily and for a brief time expelled "Saracenos" from
Italy[1315]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Nicephorus" was reinstalled as "dux in Thracesiorum themate" after a long absence but died soon after, during the reign of Emperor Leon VI[1316]. m ---. The name of the wife of Nikeforos Fokas is not known. Nikeforos Fokas & his wife had [three] children:

1.

LEON Fokas (-919 or after). Theophanes Continuatus names "Barda et Leonis" as children of "Nicephorusdux in Thracesiorum

themate"[1317]. Magister. Domestikos of the Scholai. Cedrenus records

that "Leo Phocas magister et scholarum domesticus

orientalium" plotted to replace "Constantinus cubicularius" as chief

adviser to Zoe, mother of Emperor Konstantinos VII, dated to [912/19] from the context[1318]. Theophanes Continuatus names "magistro Leone

Phoca scholarum domestico" as commander of the army defeated by

Simeon Tsar of the Bulgarians in 918[1319]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "LeonemPhocam" rebelled against Emperor Romanos I (in 919)[1320]. He was blinded in 919 by Emperor Romanos following a rebellion. m ---, sister of KONSTANTINOS kubicularios, daughter of ---. Zonaras records that "Leo Phocas, legionum domesticus" married "Constantino eunucho cubiculariosororem"[1321]. Leon & his wife had one child: a) NIKOLAOS (-killed in battle [919]). Symeon Magister names "Leo

scholarum dux eiusque filius Nicolaus" when recording their

part in the Bulgarian war after the accession of Emperor Konstantinos VII[1322]. Georgius Monachus Continuatus records that "Nicolaus

Ducis filius" was killed in battle during the defeat at the hands of the
Bulgarians, which presumably refers to the same person[1323]. 2. BARDAS Fokas (-969, bur Constantinople, Monastery Ta Gastria). Theophanes Continuatus names "Barda et Leonis" as children of "Nicephorusdux in Thracesiorum themate"[1324]. 3. see below.

[daughter . Leo Diaconus indicates that "Ioannesprosapia

materna" was "Nicephoro Augusto consobrinus"[1325], which would

mean that his maternal grandmother was the aunt of Emperor Nikeforos if

"consobrinus" is interpreted strictly. m THEOFILOS Kourkouas, son of ---.]

NIKEFOROS II 963-969
BARDAS Fokas, son of NIKEFOROS Fokas & his wife --- (-969, bur Constantinople, Monastery Ta Gastria). Theophanes Continuatus names "Barda et Leonis" as children of "Nicephorusdux in Thracesiorum

themate"[1326]. Theophanes Continuatus names "Bardas Phokas" during the

account of the war with Bulgaria (in 918)[1327]. Cedrenus records that, after his restoration (944), Emperor Konstantinos VII appointed "Bardum Phocam" to "magistri honore" and "domesticum scholarum Orientis"[1328]. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Constantinus Romani gener" invested "Bardam Phoc filium" with "magistri dignitate" and as "scholarum domesticum", dated to the year of his restoration (944)[1329]. Zonaras records that "Nicephori pater Phocas Bardas" sought refuge "in

Magnam Dei ecclesie", during the build-up to his sons taking over as
emperor from the context[1330]. Zonaras records that Emperor Nikeforos installed "Bardaspater" as csar[1331]. Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aul records that "Irene, filia Bard Csaris[et] Csaris

Bard" were buried in "monasterii, ta Gastria vel Gastriorum dicti, ecclesia"[1332].

m ---, sister of MIKHAEL Maleinos, daughter of ---. Her marriage and family origin are confirmed by Cedrenus who names "Michaele monacho Maleino" as "avunculo" of Emperor Nikeforos Fokas[1333]. Bardas Fokas & his wife had three children: 1. NIKEFOROS Fokas (-murdered 10/11 Dec 969). Zonaras records that Emperor Konstantinos VII appointed "Nicephorum filius eius, qui

post [imperator]" as "prtorem Orientis" when he installed his

father "Phocam Bardam magistrum"[1334]. Cedrenus records that,

after his restoration (944), Emperor Konstantinos VII appointed "Bardum Phocam" to "magistri honore" and "domesticum scholarum

Orientis", "Nicephorum et Leonem eius filios" as "Orientalium ducem" and "Cappadociducem" respectively, and "Constantinum tertium eius filium" as "Seleuci [prfectus]"[1335]. Theophanes
Continuatus records that "Nicephoro Niceta (Phoca nuncupato)" was created "magister et scholarum domesticus"[1336]. He succeeded his father end-954 as supreme commander of the Byzantine army, domestikos of the Eastern Scholai. Theophanes Continuatus records that "Nicephorum

patricium ac ducem Asiaticorum eiusdem filium" succeeded "Bardas

Phocas" as "domesticum"[1337]. Emperor Romanos II left the government entirely in the hands of Nikeforos Fokas, the latter capturing Crete in 961, and Anazarbus and Marash in Germanikaia in 962[1338]. He was acclaimed Emperor NIKEFOROS II by his troops in Csarea. He entered Constantinople 14 Aug 963, was crowned 16 Aug, and married his predecessor's widow. Runciman calls Emperor Nikeforos a "grim,

unlovable man"[1339], he was an ardent admirer of Saint Athanasios

whom he financed to build the monastery on Mount Athos[1340]. He legislated against the growth of ecclesiastical property in 964, bringing to an end the founding of new monasteries. Seeing the fight against Islam as a sacred mission, he pursued his campaigns in the east, conquering Cilicia in 965, Cyprus in 966, and large parts of Syria including Antioch 29 Oct 969[1341]. He refused to pay the annual tribute to Bulgaria, which he claimed was voided by the death of Maria Lekapene who had married Tsar Peter. Emperor Nikeforos attacked Bulgarian border fortresses, then summoned Sviatoslav Grand Prince of Kiev to attack Bulgaria. The Grand Prince exceeded the terms of his mission by conquering Bulgaria[1342]. Cedrenus records how his wife "Theophano Augusta" conspired with "Tzimiscam", dated to [968/69] from the context, and how Niekphoros was murdered "nocte 11 Decembris, indictione 13"[1343]. m firstly --- (-before 963). The name of Nikeforos's first wife is not known. Leo Diaconus records the death of "uxorisque ac filii Bard" (referring to Nikeforos)

before he became emperor[1344]. m secondly (20 Sep 963) as her second husband, THEOFANO, widow of Emperor ROMANOS II, daughter of KRATEROS (the wine seller) & his wife --- (943-after 969). Leo Diaconus names "Theophano, obscuro loco nata" when recording that she was regent for "filii eius Basilius et Constantinus infantes" after the death of her first husband, recording her second marriage in a later passage[1345]. Cedrenus records that "Nicephorus imperator" married "Theophanonem" 20 Sep after becoming emperor (in 963)[1346]. Regent in 963 for her infant sons by her first marriage co-Emperors Basileios II and Konstantinos VII. They were set aside by Nikeforos Fokas who was crowned emperor and married Theofano. Zonaras records that Nikeforos took "Theophanonencum liberis eius" with him when he invaded Cilicia in the second year of his reign[1347]. She became the mistress of Ioannes Tzimiskes, and betrayed her husband. Cedrenus records how "Theophano Augusta" conspired with "Tzimiscam", dated to [968/69] from the context[1348]. Cedrenus records that Patriarch Polyeuktes required Emperor Ioannes to send "Theophanonem" in "Proconnesum", but that she was rescued by "Basilio cubiculario" and sent "in provinciam

Armenicamin Damidis monasterium", while "mater Theophanonis" was exiled "in Mantineum"[1349]. Nikeforos & his first
wife had one child: a) BARDAS (-killed in battle before 963). Leo Diaconus records the death of "uxorisque ac filii Bard" (referring to Nikeforos) before he became emperor, stating that Bardas was killed in battle[1350]. Cedrenus records that "Nicephorus imperator

Bardas ex priore coniuge filius" died "in campo equitans"

while sparring "cum patruele suo Pleusa"[1351]. 2. LEON Fokas (-[969/70]). Cedrenus records that, after his restoration (944), Emperor Konstantinos VII appointed "Bardum Phocam" to "magistri honore" and "domesticum scholarum Orientis", "Nicephorum et Leonem eius filios" as "Orientalium ducem" and "Cappadociducem"

respectively, and "Constantinum tertium eius filium" as "Seleuci

[prfectus]"[1352].
3. see below. KONSTANTINOS Fokas (-murdered 969). Cedrenus records that, after his restoration (944), Emperor Konstantinos VII appointed "Bardum Phocam" to "magistri honore" and "domesticum scholarum Orientis", "Nicephorum et Leonem eius filios" as "Orientalium ducem" and "Cappadociducem" respectively, and "Constantinum tertium eius

filium" as "Seleuci [prfectus]"[1353]. He was captured in 953 by

Saif-ad-Daulah when the latter reconquered Germanikaia from Byzantium. Cedrenus records that "Constantinum, tertium Phoc filium" was captured by "Chabdanus" and taken to "Chalepum"[1354]. 4. EIRENE (-bur Constantinople, Monastery Ta Gastria). Emperor Konstantinos VII's De Ceremoniis Aul records that "Irene, filia Bard

Csaris[et] Csaris Bard" were buried in "monasterii, ta Gastria vel Gastriorum dicti, ecclesia"[1355].
5. [son/daughter . Leo Diaconus records that "Theodorum Bardam et

Nicephorum patricios atque fratresBard ducis consobrini"

supported the rebellion of "Bardas Dux, Leonis curopalat filius,

Nicephori Augusti ex fratre nepos" after the death of his uncle[1356],

which would mean that one of the parents of the three brothers was an uncle/aunt of Bardas, assuming that "consobrinus" is interpreted strictly. It is not impossible that the relationship was through Bardas's maternal family. However, the names Bardas and Nikeforos suggest a connection with the Fokas family. m ---.] Three children: a) THEODOROS . Leo Diaconus records that "Theodorum Bardam

et Nicephorum patricios atque fratresBard ducis consobrini" supported the rebellion of "Bardas Dux, Leonis curopalat filius, Nicephori Augusti ex fratre nepos" after
the death of his uncle[1357].

b)

BARDAS . Leo Diaconus records that "Theodorum Bardam et

Nicephorum patricios atque fratresBard ducis consobrini" supported the rebellion of "Bardas Dux, Leonis curopalat filius, Nicephori Augusti ex fratre nepos" after
the death of his uncle[1358]. c) NIKEFOROS . Leo Diaconus records that "Theodorum Bardam

et Nicephorum patricios atque fratresBard ducis consobrini" supported the rebellion of "Bardas Dux, Leonis curopalat filius, Nicephori Augusti ex fratre nepos" after
the death of his uncle[1359]. The precise relationship between the following person and the Fokas family has not been ascertained: 1. PLEUSIS . Cedrenus records that "Nicephorus imperatorBardas

ex priore coniuge filius" died "in campo equitans" while sparring

"cum patruele suo Pleusa"[1360]. LEON Fokas, son of BARDAS Fokas & his wife --- (-[969/70]). Theophanes Continuatus names "Leonem patricium Bard Phoc filium

magistrum", recording that he was the deputy of "fratris sui Nicephori" in

the army[1361]. Leo Diaconus names "Leonem Phocam Nicephori fratrem" when recording that Emperor Romanos I sent him to "Chambdanum"[1362]. Zonaras records that "alter filius Leo" joined his brother when "Nicephori

pater Phocas Bardas" sought refuge "in Magnam Dei ecclesie", during
the build-up to his sons taking over as emperor from the context[1363]. He was appointed curopalates, domestikos of the west, by his brother. Zonaras records that Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes exiled "Leone curopalate et filio eius

Nicephoro" to Lesbos and "alteri eius filio Bard" to "Amasia"[1364].

Cedrenus records that Emperor Ioannes exiled "Leonem curopalatam" to "Lesbum"[1365]. Zonaras records that "Leo cum altero filio Nicephoro" left

Lesbos for Thrace but were captured and blinded on the orders of Emperor Ioannes[1366]. m ---. The name of the wife of Leon Fokas is not known. 3. SOFIA Fokas . Leo Diaconus records that "Constantinus patricius

Scleri frater" was the husband of "sororem Phoc"[1384]. Her name is

confirmed by Cedrenus who records that "Sophia Phoc soror" married "Constantino Duri fratri"[1385]. m KONSTANTINOS Skleros, son of PANTHERIOS Skleros & his wife Gregoria ---. Leon Fokas had two illegitimate children by unknown mistresses:
4. PETROS . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. A eunuch. 5. MANUEL [Fokas] (-killed in battle). Cedrenus names "Manuelum

patricium, spurium filium Leonis patrui sui" when recording that

Emperor Nikeforos sent him on campaign in Sicily "contra

Saracenos" in

the first year of his reign ([963/64])[1386]. Patrikios. A document entitled Luitprandi Legatio ad Nicephorum Phocam records Luitprand's mission on behalf of Emperor Otto I to negotiate a marriage between "filiam

Romani

imperatoris et Theophan imperatricis" and "domino meo filio suo Ottoni Imperatori Augusto" names "Manuele Patricio, Nicephori nepote" recording his war exploits "in mari Siculo"[1387].
Leo Diaconus records that "Manuel" was killed in battle[1388].

THEOFANO ([955/60]-Nijmegen 15 May 991, bur Kln St Pantaleon). A document entitled Luitprandi Legatio ad Nicephorum Phocam records Luitprand's mission on behalf of Emperor Otto I to negotiate a marriage between "filiam Romani imperatoris et Theophan imperatricis" and "domino meo filio suo Ottoni Imperatori Augusto"[1420]. Her name is not given in the document. It is unlikely, given the date of the marriage of Emperor Nikeforos Fokas and Theofano (in 963) that any daughter of theirs

would have been considered marriageable in the late 960s by Emperor Otto. It is therefore likely that the document was prepared before Luitprand's visit, in ignorance of the details of the emperor's family members. The identity of the proposed bride is therefore not certain. Prior to Luitprand's arrival in Constantinople, Emperor Nikeforos was murdered. According to Thietmar, his successor Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes sent his niece Theofano back to Germany " not the desired maidenaccompanied by a splendid entourage and magnificent gifts"[1421]. Western sources consistently refer to Theofano as "neptis" of Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes, for example the charter dated 14 Apr 972 under which "Ottoimperator augustus" granted property to "Theophanu, Iohannis

Constantinopolitani imperatoris neptim"[1422]. Her exact relationship to

Emperor Ioannes Tzimiskes is unknown. It is possible that she was a relative of the emperor's wife rather than of the emperor himself. Davids suggests that she was the daughter of Konstantinos Skleros and his wife Sofia[1423], who was probably the sister of the first wife of Emperor Ioannes. An indication that this may be correct is that Theofano's second daughter was named Sophie, normal Byzantine practice being to name the first daughter after the paternal grandmother and the second after the maternal grandmother[1424]. It also appears to be chronologically sustainable. However, too little is known about the families of Emperor Ioannes and his wife to propose this as the only plausible hypothesis, especially as the word "neptis" could cover a wide variety of relationships. In addition, it cannot even be assumed that the wife of Konstantinos Skleros was the only individual named Sofia in these families at the time. "Ottoimperator augustus" granted property to "Theophanu, Iohannis Constantinopolitani imperatoris neptim" dated 14 Apr 972[1425]. Lay Abbess of Nivelles. She was regent during the minority of her son 984-991. Thietmar records the death of Empress Theofano at Nijmegen on 15 Jun and her place of burial[1426]. The necrology of Merseburg records the death "15 Jun" of "Theophanu imperatrix"[1427]. m (Rome 14 Apr 972) OTTO co-Emperor and King of Germany, son of Emperor OTTO I "der Groe" King of Germany & his second wife Adelheid of Burgundy [Welf] (955-Rome 7 Dec 983, bur Rome St Peter's). He succeeded his father in 973 as OTTO II King of Germany. On his accession, he claimed Byzantium's possessions in Italy as part of his wife's dowry.

He campaigned in Italy to support his claims, but was defeated in 982 by a Byzantine/Muslim alliance near Stilo in Calabria.

[1136] [1137]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 23, p. 370.

Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Leone Basilii filii, 17, p. 708.
[1138] [1139]

Liudprandi Antapodosis, I.7, p. 276.

Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Leone Basilii filii, 24, pp. 711-2.
[1140] [1141] [1142] [1143] [1144] [1145] [1146] [1147] [1148] [1149] [1150] [1151] [1152] [1153] [1154] [1155]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 29, p. 375. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Alexandri Basilii filiis, 1, p. 378. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 1, p. 381. Fine (1991), pp. 142-48. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 5, p. 385. Fine (1991), p. 149. Fine (1991), p. 151. Ostrogorsky (1977), p. 304. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 1, p. 436. Cedrenus II, col. 71. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 54, p. 469. De Ceremoniis Book II, ch. 42, p. 643. Fine (1991), pp. 142-48. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 13, p. 394. Liudprandi Antapodosis III.30, MGH SS III, p. 309.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 6, p. 473.

[1156] [1157]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 40, p. 459.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 1, p. 469.
[1158] [1159] [1160]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 40, p. 459.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471.

[1161] [1162] [1163]

Leo Diaconus VII, 9, p. 127. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 40, p. 459.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471.
[1164]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471.

[1165]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 1, p. 469.

[1166] [1167] [1168]

Liudprandi Antapodosis V.14, MGH SS III, p. 330.

Runciman, S. (1951, 1952 and 1954) A History of the Crusades (Penguin Books, 1978), Vol. 1, pp. 30-1.
[1169] [1170] [1171] [1172] [1173] [1174] [1175] [1176]

Cedrenus II, col. 79. Liudprandi Antapodosis V.20, MGH SS III, p. 332. Liudprandi Antapodosis V.14, MGH SS III, p. 331. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 46, p. 431. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 39, p. 458. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Leo Diaconus II, 10, p. 31, and III, 9, p. 47.

[1177] [1178] [1179] [1180] [1181]

Cedrenus II, col. 86. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXV, col. 118. Cedrenus II, col. 114. Psellos, p. 49, footnote 1.

Gardner, A. (1912) The Lascarids of Nica, The Story of an Empire in Exile (Methuen, London), p. 253, which describes the accidental discovery of the body "long dead but not decayed" and its transfer arranged by Mikhail Palaiologos, later Emperor Mikhail VIII.
[1182] [1183] [1184] [1185] [1186] [1187] [1188] [1189] [1190] [1191] [1192] [1193] [1194] [1195] [1196]

Psellos, p. 27. Fine (1991), p. 193. Psellos, pp. 37-8. Psellos, p. 33, footnote 1. Psellos, p. 33, footnote 1. Psellos, p. 40, footnote 1. Fine (1991), p. 275. Runciman (1978), Vol. 1, pp. 33-4. Fine (1991), pp. 195, 197-98. Fine (1991), pp. 277-78. Psellos, p. 53. Psellos, p. 49. Cedrenus II, col. 74. Cedrenus II, col. 79.

Cross, S. H. and Sherbowitz-Wetzor, O. P. (trans. & eds.) (1973) The Russian Primary Chronicle, Laurentian Text (Cambridge, Massachusetts) ("Russian Primary Chronicle") 988, p. 112.
[1197] [1198] [1199]

Zonaras II, Liber XVII, VII, col. 155. Primary Chronicle 1008-1011, p. 124. Cedrenus II, col. 211.

[1200] [1201] [1202] [1203] [1204]

Cedrenus II, col. 74. Psellos, p. 27. Psellos, p. 27. Psellos, p. 53. Psellos, p. 58.

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
[1229] [1230]

Ostrogorsky (1977), p. 289.

Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Basilio Macedone, 8, p. 690. Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Basilio Macedone, 8, p. 690.
[1231] [1232] [1233] [1234] [1235] [1236]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 17, p. 395. Ostrogorsky (1977), p. 297, footnote 1. Fine (1991), p. 161. Ostrogorsky (1977), p. 302.

Liudprand of Cremona, cited in Franklin, S and Shepard, J (1998) The Emergence of Rus 750-1200 (Longman), p. 114, which also refers to an apparently corroborating Khazar text, although the leader is named 'H-L-G-W' [=Oleg?] in the latter and is said to have died in the Caspian region. Franklin & Shepard (1998), p. 117. The main terms of the treaty as reported in the Russian Primary Chronicle are corroborated by the De administrando imperio, see Franklin & Shepard (1998), p. 120.
[1237] [1238] [1239] [1240] [1241] [1242]

Ostrogorsky (1977), p. 304. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 53, p. 435. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 7, p. 441. Cedrenus II, col. 59.

Kresten, O. and Mller, A. (1995) Samtherrschaft, Legitimationprinzip und kaiserlicher Urkundentitel in Byzanz in der ersten Hlfte des 10. Jahrhunderts, cited by MB in a private email to the author dated 6 Nov 2006.

[1243] [1244] [1245]

Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XVIII, col. 91. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 1, p. 396.

Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto, 13, pp. 726-7. Georgii Monachi Vit Recentiorum Imperatorum (referred to as Georgius Monachus Continuatus in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto, 19, p. 883.
[1246] [1247]24

(19 Vita Basil the Younger, cited by Grgoire, H. Byzantion 54), pp. 149-50

[MB].
[1248] [1249] [1250] [1251] [1252] [1253] [1254]

Vannier, J.-F. The Argyroi, p. 33 footnote 2 [MB]. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 9, p. 402. Cedrenus II, col. 31. Leo Diaconus VI, 1, p. 94. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 13, p. 395. Liudprandi Antapodosis III.37, MGH SS III, p. 310.

Migne, J. P. (1889) Cedreni Historiarum Continuatio, Patrologi cursus completus, Series Grca Tomus CXXII (Paris) ("Cedrenus II"), col. 46.
[1255] [1256] [1257] [1258]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 1, p. 396. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 31, p. 420. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 9, p. 402.

Georgii Monachi Vit Recentiorum Imperatorum (referred to as Georgius Monachus Continuatus in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto, 19, p. 883. Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto et Romano Lecapeno, 36, p. 742.
[1259] [1260] [1261]

Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XVIII, col. 91.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii, 3, p. 471.

[1262] [1263]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 22, p. 413. Liudprandi Antapodosis III.38, MGH SS III, pp. 310-1.

[1264] [1265] [1266]

Fine (1991), p. 161. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXIII, col. 111. Cedrenus II, col. 79.

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJj
[1285] [1286]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 17, p. 409.

Vita Basil the Younger, cited by Grgoire, H. Byzantion 24 (1954), pp. 149-50 [MB].
[1287] [1288]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 26 and 34, pp. 415 and 422.

Stankovic, V. Jahrbuch der sterreichischen Byzanzistik 55 (2005), pp. 59-70, cited by MB in a private email to the author dated 6 Nov 2006.
[1289] [1290] [1291] [1292]

Cedrenus II, col. 66. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 13, p. 394. Liudprandi Antapodosis III.30, MGH SS III, p. 309.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Romani Constantini Porphyrogenneti filii , 6, p. 473. JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
[1305] [1306] [1307] [1308] [1309] [1310] [1311] [1312] [1313] [1314]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 9, p. 442. Psellos, p. 28. Psellos, p. 28. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXI, col. 102. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Leo Diaconus VI, 1, p. 94. Psellos, p. 28. Psellos, pp. 37-8. Schlumberger, G. (1890) Un empereur byzantin au dixime sicle [MB].

Theophanes Continuatus, V, Historia de Vita et rebus gestis Basilii inclyti imperatoris, 71, p. 312.

[1315] [1316] [1317] [1318] [1319] [1320]

Cedrenus II, col. 87. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 10, p. 360. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 10, p. 360. Cedrenus II, col. 54. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 10, p. 388.

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 13 and 14, pp. 395-6.
[1321] [1322]

Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XVII, col. 87.

Symeon Magister (referred to as Pseudo-Symeon in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto, 11, p. 725. Georgii Monachi Vit Recentiorum Imperatorum (referred to as Georgius Monachus Continuatus in PBE I CD-Rom), De Constantino Porphyrogenneto, 19, p. 883.
[1323] [1324] [1325] [1326] [1327] [1328] [1329] [1330] [1331] [1332] [1333] [1334] [1335] [1336] [1337]

Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 10, p. 360. Leo Diaconus VI, 5, p. 99. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Imperium Leonis Imperatoris, 10, p. 360. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini Leonis filii imperium, 10, p. 388. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 1, p. 436. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXIV, col. 114. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXIV, col. 115. De Ceremoniis Book II, ch. 42, p. 648. Cedrenus II, col. 110. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXI, col. 102. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Romani imperium, 42, p. 428. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 41, p. 459.

[1338] [1339] [1340] [1341] [1342] [1343] [1344] [1345] [1346] [1347] [1348] [1349] [1350] [1351] [1352] [1353] [1354] [1355] [1356] [1357] [1358] [1359] [1360] [1361] [1362]

Runciman (1978), Vol. 1, pp. 30-1. Runciman (1978), Vol 1, p. 31. Fine (1991), p. 180. Runciman (1978), Vol 1, p. 30. Fine (1991), p. 181. Cedrenus II, cols. 107 and 110. Leo Diaconus III, 4, p. 40. Leo Diaconus II, 10, p. 31, and III, 9, p. 47. Cedrenus II, col. 86. Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXV, col. 118. Cedrenus II, cols. 107 and 110. Cedrenus II, col. 114. Leo Diaconus III, 4, p. 40. Cedrenus II, col. 86. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Cedrenus II, col. 62. Cedrenus II, col. 66. De Ceremoniis Book II, ch. 42, p. 648. Leo Diaconus VII, 1, pp. 112-13. Leo Diaconus VII, 1, pp. 112-13. Leo Diaconus VII, 1, pp. 112-13. Leo Diaconus VII, 1, pp. 112-13. Cedrenus II, col. 86. Theophanes Continuatus, VI, Constantini imperium, 45, p. 462. Leo Diaconus II, 1, p. 18.

[1363] [1364] [1365] [1366]

Zonaras II, Liber XVI, XXIV, col. 114. Zonaras II, Liber XVII, I, col. 134. Cedrenus II, col. 111. Zonaras II, Liber XVII, II, col. 138.

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
[1384] [1385] [1386] [1387]

Leo Diaconus VII, 4, p. 118. Cedrenus II, col. 123. Cedrenus II, col. 87.

Luitprandi Legatio ad Nicephorum Phocam imperatorem Constantinopolitanum (after Leo Diaconus), p. 346.
[1388]

Leo Diaconus IV, 8, p. 67.

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ Luitprandi Legatio ad Nicephorum Phocam imperatorem Constantinopolitanum (after Leo Diaconus), p. 346.
[1420]

Warner, D. A. (trans.) The Chronicon of Thietmar of Merseburg (2001) (Manchester University Press), 2.15, pp. 102-3.
[1421] [1422] [1423]

DO II 21, p. 28.

Davids, A. (1995) The Empress Theophano, citing Wolf, F. (1991) Die Kaiserin Theophanu. [MB]
[1424] [1425] [1426] [1427]

Morris Bierbrier, in a private e-mail to the author dated 27 Aug 2006. DO II 21, p. 28. Thietmar 4.15, p. 161.

Althoff, G. (ed.) (1983) Die Totenbcher von Merseburg, Magdeburg und Lneburg (Hannover), Merseburg.