Romanos was an Armenian officer in the Byzantine navy, in 920 he wrested control of the regency for Constantine VII from the latter's mother, Zoe Karbonopsina. Having married the young emperor to his own daughter, Helene Lekapene, Romanos began to slowly edge Constantine away from power in favour of his own sons, Christopher, Stephen and Constantine. This subtle shift is reflected in the coinage. Stephen and Constantine Lekapenos ousted their father from power in 944, actions which in turn permitted Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos to oust Stephen and COnstantine Lekapenos from power. Romanos died in a monastery.

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