Nikephoros Phokas Barytrachelos | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Νικηφόρος Φωκᾶς |
| Born | 965 |
| Died | 15 August 1022 (aged 56–57) |
| Noble family | Phokas |
| Father | Bardas Phokas the Younger |
| Occupation | Aristocrat and magnate |
Nikephoros Phokas (Greek: Νικηφόρος Φωκᾶς, c. 965 – 15 August 1022), surnamed Barytrachelos (Βαρυτράχηλος, "heavy-neck"; Armenian: Cṙ[a]viz, Georgian: წარვეზი Ts'arvezi, "wry-neck"),[1] was a Byzantine aristocrat and magnate, the last major member of the Phokas family to try to claim the imperial throne. He was a son of the general Bardas Phokas the Younger and great-nephew of Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas, and played an active role in his father's failed rebellion against Basil II in 987–989. After the death of his father, he sought and received Basil's pardon. Nothing further is known of him until 1022 when, along with the general Nikephoros Xiphias, he launched another rebellion. The revolt gathered widespread support, but mistrust between the two leaders led to Phokas' assassination by Xiphias on 15 August 1022. The rebellion collapsed quickly after that.