Introduction

By the death of emperor john simiscis in nine 76, the byzantine empire was in a strong position. The imperial throne passed to the eldest son of the former emperor, romanus the second whose name was basil. At the time, basil may have only been around the age of 18, and so his un called basil lecapinos, acted as the chief minister for almost 30 years. A castrated male is not able to make a dynastic overthrow of the existing dynasty. And it would be prudent to prevent somebody so close to the ruling elite to be able to produce potential male heirs.