7. Basil Lekapenos: The Emperor’s Neutered Brother
Basil Lekapenos occupied a strange position in the Byzantine Empire (925-985 CE). Born as Emperor Romanos I’s illegitimate son, he was castrated as a child to prevent him claiming the throne. Yet he rose to become parakoimomenos (“the one who sleeps beside the emperor”), effectively serving as chief minister to several emperors, including his nephew Basil II during his childhood. Despite castration meant to limit his ambitions, he became perhaps the most powerful court official of his era.
