Lekapenos

The Lekapenoi (Λεκαπηνοί) were a Byzantine aristocratic family that rose to prominence in the early 10th century, reaching the apex of their power during the reign of Romanos I Lekapenos (r. 919–944). Romanos, originally a peasant from Lakape, rose through the ranks of the Byzantine navy to become emperor, effectively displacing the legitimate Macedonian dynasty.

The family's founder was Theophylaktos, a peasant who saved Basil I's life. Romanos I Lekapenos had several children, including:

• Christopher Lekapenos, co-emperor
• Stephen Lekapenos, co-emperor
• Constantine Lekapenos, co-emperor
• Helena Lekapena, who married Emperor Constantine VII

Romanos I initially placed his sons above Constantine VII in the imperial hierarchy, but they were ultimately overthrown. Stephen and Constantine conspired to arrest and exile their father in December 944. However, this usurpation proved short-lived, as Constantine VII, supported by the populace, ousted the Lekapenos brothers in January 945 and restored the Macedonian dynasty to sole power. The Lekapenoi family continued to exist in the Byzantine aristocracy, but never again attained the imperial throne. Some descendants held high-ranking positions in the civil and military administration.