12 Facts About Nikephoros Diogenes

1.

Nikephoros Diogenes was born in c 1069 to Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes and Empress Eudokia Makrembolitissa.

2.

Nikephoros Diogenes was elevated to junior emperor in 1070, although he lost this position when his father was overthrown in 1071.

3.

Nikephoros Diogenes conspired against him in 1094, involving numerous confidants and relatives of Alexios, including Alexios' brother, Adrianos.

4.

Nikephoros Diogenes was presumably elevated to junior emperor in 1070, despite being the second son.

5.

Nikephoros Diogenes III was himself overthrown by Alexios I Komnenos in 1081.

6.

Nikephoros Diogenes was probably granted significant estates in Crete at the same time as his appointment.

7.

Nikephoros Diogenes was described as having many positive characteristics, such as natural charm, magnetic personality, and good looks.

8.

Nikephoros Diogenes was physically strong and boasted that he rivaled the Giants; a broad-chested, blond man, a head taller than others of his generation.

9.

Nikephoros Diogenes' revolt involved a huge number of Alexios' confidants and relatives, including former Empress Maria of Alania, Alexios' brother-in-law Michael Taronites, and indeed Alexios' full brother Adrianos Komnenos.

10.

Nikephoros Diogenes twice attempted to assassinate Alexios in person the first time he was not able to do so because of the presence of a maid fanning mosquitoes off of the emperor, and the second time he was halted by a guard.

11.

Alexios became suspicious of Nikephoros Diogenes, and ordered his brother Adrianos to investigate.

12.

Nikephoros Diogenes was blinded in 1094 for conspiring against Alexios, which was a standard punishment for conspirators in Byzantine culture.