Nikephoros Komnenos

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Nikephoros Komnenos (c. 970 – after 1026/7) was a Byzantine military leader and an early member of the Komnenos family. He governed the Armenian region of Vaspurakan after its ruler Senekerim-Hovhannes submitted to Basil II in 1022. Basil II initially gave the province to Basil Argyros, but he was soon replaced by Nikephoros, who strengthened Byzantine control there and reportedly added the Arzes principality near Lake Van to his province, a feat some sources attribute to Basil II.

Nikephoros continued to serve under Basil II and, after Basil’s death, under Constantine VIII. In 1026 he was recalled to Constantinople and blinded on orders of Constantine VIII. The reasons differ in sources: one account says he pressed his troops for a written pledge of loyalty that looked like treason; another says he engaged in treasonous talks with King George I of Georgia about proclaiming himself emperor or making Vaspurakan independent. After his blinding, the records do not reveal his fate, and his death date or any descendants remain unknown.