During the late reign of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (r. 886–912), he married the sister of Constantine Barbaros, the Emperor's powerful parakoimomenos, and rose to the post of Domestic of the Schools. Although personally brave and not without some measure of success against the Arabs in the East, his ability as a general was rather limited.
During the late period of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (r. 886–912), he married the sister of Constantine Barbaros, the Emperor's influential chaperone, and ascended to the position of Domestic of the Schools. Although personally courageous and not without some degree of accomplishment against the Arabs in the East, his capacity as a commander was somewhat restricted.