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John the Orphanotrophos
Unknown, 13th-century author · Public domain
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John the Orphanotrophos

Chief Court eunuch (1000-1043)

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John the Orphanotrophos was a highly influential eunuch advisor to the Byzantine Emperor Romanos III. John was born in the region of Paphlagonia. His family were said to be involved in a disreputable trade, perhaps money changing or, according to George Kedrenos, counterfeiting. John was the eldest of five brothers. Two, Constantine and George, were also eunuchs, while the other two, Niketas and Michael, were 'bearded' men; the latter became Michael IV the Paphlagonian after John introduced him to the reigning Empress Zoë. According to Michael Psellos, the two became lovers and may have plotted to assassinate Zoë's husband. Romanos was probably killed in his bath on 11 April 1034. Some contemporary sources implicate John in the assassination.

Quick facts

Born
wd
Place of birth
Paphlagonia wd
Died
wd
Place of death
Lesbos wd
Citizenship
Byzantine Empire wd
Occupation
politician, eunuch wd

Positions held wd

  • regent

Questions

When was John the Orphanotrophos born?
John the Orphanotrophos was born on 1000 in Paphlagonia.
What positions has John the Orphanotrophos held?
Positions held by John the Orphanotrophos include: regent.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia (English): John the Orphanotrophos · CC BY-SA 4.0
  2. Wikidata item Q1347851 · CC0 1.0
  3. Image: Zoe asks Sgouritzes to poison John the Orphanotrophos.jpg by Unknown, 13th-century author (Public domain)

Last updated · facts checked 8 November 2026

Cite this page

"John the Orphanotrophos". DigiNepal. Last updated 8 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/john-the-orphanotrophos. Retrieved 8 November 2026.

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Text from the Wikipedia article John the Orphanotrophos, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Zoe asks Sgouritzes to poison John the Orphanotrophos.jpg — Unknown, 13th-century author, Public domain.

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