| has gloss | eng: Basileopatōr (, literally "father of the basileus (emperor)") was one of the highest secular titles of the Byzantine Empire. It was an exceptional post (the 899 Klētorologion of Philotheos lists it as one of the "special dignities"), and conferred only twice in the Empires history. Its holder was not the emperors biological father, and although the exact functions associated with the post remain obscure, it is generally hypothesized that it was meant to denote a regent acting as a custodian and tutor over a young emperor. A different interpretation however has been offered by A. Schmink, whereby the alternative spelling basileiopatōr, found both in contemporary seals and in the "Life of Theophano" hagiography, ought to be preferred. The title could then be interpreted as meaning "father of the palace", confirming the holders position as the emperors chief aide without implying any sort of tutelage over him. |
