Constantine VII

Timeline

1. 905–944Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireBorn in the purple, he ascended the throne in childhood but Romanos I Lekapenos and his family held real power for many years; during this period he received a court education and devoted himself to literature, history, and ceremonial studies.
2. 945–959Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireAfter overthrowing the Lekapenos family in 945 he took sole power, overseeing the compilation of De Administrando Imperio, De Ceremoniis, and several chronicles, reforming court ceremony and administration, and handling diplomacy with Bulgaria and the Rus.