The Tzamplakones were an important and wealthy aristocratic family attested since the mid-13th century, when one of its members achieved the high military rank of Domestic of the Schools.
[2] He is then mentioned in 1326, when he held the dignity of megas tzaousios and the post of governor (kephale) of the city of Serres and the region of Popolia south of Mount Pangaion in Macedonia.
[1][2][3] In July 1331/1332, Tzamplakon commanded the Byzantine army's left wing in the defeat at Rhosokastron against the Bulgarians.
[2][3] In November 1332, in his last known act as megas papias, he co-signed a treaty with Venice.
[3] Shortly thereafter, and having already some time before adopted the monastic name Antony, he retired to a monastery where he lived out his days.