Theophylact
793 – 849 · Generation XX · co-emperor (r. 811–813)
Theophylact (AD 793 – 849). co-emperor (r. 811–813). Son of Michael I and Prokopia; later monk. Crowned co-emperor at eighteen in the Hagia Sophia, he was briefly the centrepiece of his father's western diplomacy: an embassy to Aachen floated a marriage between him and one of Charlemagne's daughters, and though a peace treaty was ratified, Charlemagne hesitated and the match came to nothing. When Leo the Armenian's revolt ended the reign, the family took refuge in the Church of the Virgin of the Pharos and was tonsured; the sons were castrated to bar any future claim, and Theophylact was exiled to Plate Island under the monastic name Eustratius, kept on an annual stipend. He was buried beside his father on the island, and his brother, the patriarch Ignatios, later had the remains — his or perhaps his father's — moved to the monastery “tou Satyrou.”
Line of descent: Nikephoros I → Prokopia → Theophylact.
Parents
- Michael I Rangabe (770 – 844)
- Prokopia (770 – 813)
Siblings
- Staurakios (795 – 812)