Constantine Lekapenos
889 – 946 · Generation XXIII · co-emperor (r. 924–945)
Constantine (AD null – 946). co-emperor (r. 924–945). Son of Romanos I; exiled and later killed. Proclaimed co-emperor on Christmas Day 924, Constantine came to prominence with his brother Stephen in 943, when the pair blocked a marriage between their nephew Romanos II and a daughter of the great general John Kourkouas, then persuaded their ailing father to dismiss the commander. Fearing that Romanos’s will would leave Constantine VII senior emperor — and themselves forced into monastic vows — the brothers struck first, seizing the old man in his chamber in December 944; Stephen led, Constantine following as the more reluctant partner. Within weeks Constantine VII turned the coup against them. On Samothrace he died violently in an attempt to escape his exile, and his young son Romanos was castrated to bar him from ever claiming the throne.
Parents
- Romanos I Lekapenos (870 – 948)
- Theodora (870 – 922)
Siblings
- Christopher Lekapenos (886 – 931)
- Agatha (889 – ?)
- Stephen Lekapenos (889 – 963)
- Helena Lekapene (910 – 961)