Emperor Stephanos (944–945): The Succession Crisis of Romanos I Reconsidered

In December 944, Romanos I (r. 920-944) was deposed in a coup involving three co-emperors: his two sons, Stephanos and Constantine, and his son-in-law, Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. Forty days later, in January 945, the Macedonian emperor ousted his two brothers-in-law, becoming sole emperor. This paper revisits the much-debated succession crisis, arguing that a thorough re-examination of Greek and Arabic sources reveals overlooked or misunderstood aspects. In particular, Symeon Logothete’s claim that Constantine VII succeeded his father-in-law directly is often taken for granted, a view reinforced by the tradition referring to a testament of Romanos that designated his son-in-law as his heir. The crisis unfolded through four pivotal events: the reception of the Mandylion in August 944, the dismissal of John Kourkouas, the fall of Romanos, and the banishment of his sons. It is proposed that Romanos intended Stephanos to succeed him, as indicated by Constantine VII’s relegation to the third position during the reception. Subsequently, John Kourkouas and Constantine Lakapenos agreed on a matrimonial alliance that would strengthen the latter’s claim to the throne, a prospect that was opposed by the other emperors. Stephanos then orchestrated the coup against his father with Constantine VII’s active support, as the latter perceived an opportunity to eliminate his in-laws in two stages. During the forty days that followed, Stephanos, as the leader of December’s conspiracy and first in the line of succession, was recognised as the senior emperor. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that all three co-emperors successively sought to assert supremacy, with Leo VI’s heir ultimately prevailing due to his legitimacy and the support of a family network that Romanos had unwittingly built around him.