Sfendiyarids
The Sfendiyarids were a prominent noble family in the Byzantine Empire, originating from the region of Thrace. They held significant political and military influence during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. The family's name is derived from the title "sfendiaros," which translates to "defender" or "protector," reflecting their role as guardians of the Byzantine emperor.
The Sfendiyarids were first mentioned in the reign of Emperor Romanos II (r. 959-963), who appointed Basil
The Sfendiyarids played a crucial role in the Byzantine civil war of 1042-1043, which pitted Basil II
The Sfendiyarids' influence waned in the early 11th century, as the Byzantine Empire faced external threats