Nikephoros I

Nikephoros I
Emperor of the Romans
Gold solidus of Nikephoros I, marked: niciforos basile(us)
Byzantine emperor
Reign31 October 802 – 26 July 811
PredecessorIrene
SuccessorStaurakios
Born750
Died26 July 811 (aged 60–61)
Battle of Pliska, Pliska
SpouseUnknown
Issue
DynastyNikephorian
ReligionChalcedonian Christianity

Nikephoros I (Greek: Νικηφόρος; 750 – 26 July 811), also known as Nicephorus I, was Byzantine emperor from 802 to 811. He began his career as genikos logothetēs under Empress Irene, but later overthrew her to seize the throne. Prior to becoming emperor, he was sometimes referred to as "the Logothete" (Greek: ὁ Λογοθέτης) and "Genikos" or "Genicus" (Greek: ὁ Γενικός), in recognition of his previous role as a General Logothete.

During his reign, Nikephoros engaged in military campaigns against both the Arabs and the Bulgarians, although the outcomes were varied. While leading an invasion into Bulgaria, he suffered a defeat and was killed at the Battle of Pliska.