He became a general during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos , serving with distinction during the Pecheneg revolt of — In the latter position he repelled numerous incursions from the Emirate of Aleppo. Constantine X died in and Empress Eudokia Makrembolitissa married Romanos IV Diogenes ; Nikephoros, who had also been a candidate for Eudokia's hand and the position of emperor, was exiled and remained in retirement until Emperor Michael VII summoned him to serve as kouropalates and governor of the Anatolic Theme.
Having insulted Emperor Michael with overly frank appeals for help against the Seljuk Turks in Byzantine Anatolia, Nikephoros decided to protect himself from reprisals by seizing the throne.
(mh=R646EesecMemcQs3)1.jpg "Whores Antioch")
His military acumen and family renown won him strong support, and he took power in with the approval of the Byzantine Senate and the citizens of Constantinople.
As emperor he faced numerous revolts, including those of Nikephoros Bryennios , Nikephoros Basilakes , and Constantine Doukas, as well as an attempted assassination by the Varangian Guard.
(mh=mdNAgaEMd-LLM-JL)0.jpg "Sex guide in Antioch")
Nikephoros performed many acts to increase his legitimacy and support, spending large amounts on donatives for the army and his supporters, forgiving all debt in arrears , and instituting minor legal reforms. Diplomatically, he secured the submission of Theodore Gabras and Philaretos Brachamios , governors of Trebizond and Antioch, respectively, who had become de facto independent of the Byzantine Empire.
