Romanos I Lekapenos

Romanos I led successful campaigns against the Abbasid Caliphate, recapturing several fortresses in eastern Anatolia. His general John Kourkouas achieved notable victories, including the capture of Melitene in 934.

Romanos I Lekapenos, a naval admiral, was appointed co-emperor by the young Constantine VII. He gradually sidelined Constantine and became the de facto ruler. His rise marked the beginning of the Lekapenos dynasty's dominance.

Romanos I negotiated a peace treaty with Tsar Peter I of Bulgaria, ending decades of war. The treaty included a marriage alliance between Peter and Romanos' granddaughter Maria. This brought stability to the Balkan frontier.

Romanos I was overthrown by his own sons Stephen and Constantine, who forced him to become a monk. He was exiled to the island of Prote and died in 948. His sons were soon overthrown by Constantine VII.