The Maleinoi in the framework of middle Byzantine aristocracy

Abstract

This study examines the Maleinoi?s peculiar evolution, the beginnings of which can be dated in the first half of the 9th century, and their complete disappearance in the 12th century. Their political and social evolution, like that of the Phokas family, stemmed from the need of the first two emperors of the Macedonian dynasty to obtain strong footholds in the army, countering the Armenian-Cappadocian aristocracy, hostile towards them, with another one, whose origins lie in the Charsianon theme and Cappadocia. During Romanos I Lekapenos? twenty-four-year reign, the Phokades and Maleinoi fell into political obscurity and, therefore, any attempt to restore the Macedonian dynasty entailed further strengthening the Cappadocian aristocracy. However, the sources make it clear that, towards the end of Constantine VII?s reign, the relations between the Maleinoi and the Phokades began to change when the latter transformed from faithful servants of the Macedonian family to its overthrowers. The study outlines how the Macedonian dynasty, in its struggle against the provincial aristocracy, eventually managed to undermine only the Cappadocian aristocracy, especially the Maleinoi, who had remained loyal to it for over a century. The Macedonian dynasty uprooted the pillar of support they had painstakingly created.