greek son byzantine emperor emperor elder brother stephen deposed december overthrown exiled legitimate emperor constantine vii weeks later constantine exiled island killed attempting escape biography family constantine youngest sons wife mentions youngest son imperial couple 11th century chronicler mentions known sons older brothers emperor emperor unclear patriarch constantinople younger brother slightly older sisters included married married probably unnamed sisters known marriages reign risen power managed appoint regent young constantine vii marry daughter year rose eventually crowned senior emperor december consolidate hold power view ruling dynasty family raised eldest son christopher emperor stephen constantine proclaimed emperors december following christopher early death given facto stephen constantine assumed increased prominence formally ranked brother law college emperors constantine married wife daughter adrian armenian records death january february year constantine married second wife constantine son named recorded wives lost power prevent claiming byzantine throne pursued career court eventually reaching rank post constantinople stephen came fore opposed marriage nephew father wanted eldest surviving grandson married daughter successful general union effectively cement loyalty army strengthen position legitimate line represented father constantine vii imperial claims sons stephen constantine opposed decision prevailed father time ill old dismiss autumn instead married illegitimate daughter king italy changed marriage approaching end life matter succession urgent drafted leave constantine vii senior emperor following death greatly upset sons feared brother law deposed force monastic vows motivated opinion partially self preservation partially genuine ambition started planning seize power coup état stephen apparently constantine reluctant partner fellow conspirators included philip considers served agent constantine vii conspirators december conspirators set plans motion brothers smuggled supporters great palace constantinople midday break palace activities led men chamber easily captured ill old man able transport nearest harbour princes islands popular place exile agreed monastic vows retire throne having managed quietly father brothers deal constantine vii unfortunately rumours soon spread constantinople effect following deposition life danger long crowds gathered palace demanding emperor person contemporary historian notes ambassadors envoys rome present capital supported constantine vii stephen brother inevitable recognizing brother law senior emperor new lasted days emperors soon appointed new leaders military services appointed new head byzantine navy stephen brother managed reward fellow conspirators appointed count stable watch january urging sister coup removed power accusation attempted poison constantine vii restored sole imperial authority exile death initially brothers sent byzantine father welcoming quoting passage book specifically chapter hear heavens ear earth spoken brought children rebelled gives slightly different account having receive sons bitter begging excuse monks ignorance properly receive emperors constantine soon transported ultimately killed attempting escape island exact date unknown claims exiled saw nightmare featuring son descent hell time constantine death placed death
Constantine Lekapenos