17 Facts About Nikephoros I

Nikephoros I, known as Nicephorus I, was Byzantine emperor from 802 to 811.

Nikephoros I was General Logothete under Empress Irene, but later overthrew her to seize the throne for himself.

The historian Nadia Maria El-Cheikh transmits another, alternative, tradition from Arab sources, in which Nikephoros I supposedly originated from the Iyad tribe; she doubts both traditions, believing that they are simply legends.

Nikephoros I was appointed finance minister by Empress Irene.

Nikephoros I played a significant role in a power struggle among courtiers.

Nikephoros I undertook a comprehensive reorganisation of the Byzantine Empire and made efforts to strengthen its borders.

Similarly to the Isaurian emperors, Nikephoros I enacted a vigorous policy of resettlement of impoverished soldiers and peasants from the themes of Asia Minor to Thrace, Greece and Macedonia.

Nikephoros I expanded and consolidated the imperial military forces in various themes, managing the empire's finances with strict discipline, which led to the displeasure and hostility of his subjects.

Two influential supporters of Bardanes, Generals Leo and Michael, defected to Nikephoros I, receiving major promotions as a reward.

Nikephoros I revived the Moechian controversy by convoking a synod in which Constantine VI's second marriage was declared lawful.

Nikephoros I confirmed in a 809 synod that the emperor was not bound by canon law, and demoted Joseph, Theodore and Plato, banishing them to the Princes' Islands.

Nikephoros I responded by sending a fleet, but a compromise was reached in which the pro-Frankish Doge, Obelerio degli Antenori, would accept the additional title of spatharios to confirm his imperial loyalty.

Nikephoros I concluded a treaty known as the "Pax Nicephori" with Charlemagne, but refused to acknowledge his imperial status.

Unable to match the Muslim forces, Nikephoros I agreed to peace on the condition of an immediate payment of 50,000 nomismata and an annual tribute of 30,000 nomismata.

In 811, Nikephoros I launched an invasion of Bulgaria and was initially successful against Khan Krum and his armies, and sacked the Bulgarian capital, Pliska.

Nikephoros I reached the capital city of their kingdom and caused great destruction, to the point that he threw their little children on the ground and mercilessly drove over them with his threshing wagons.

Nikephoros I perished in the battle, and Krum is said to have had his head severed and used his skull as a drinking cup.