[1] In 914, he was named to the post of hetaireiarches by the Empress-dowager and regent Zoe Karbonopsina after his predecessor, Theophylact Dominikos, was also involved in a plot to seize the throne.
Leo Phokas had already suffered a heavy defeat at the Battle of Acheloos, in whose aftermath the Bulgarians had invaded Byzantine lands in Thrace.
Garidas and Leo Phokas barely escaped with a few troops, and sought refuge behind the city walls of Constantinople.
[1][4] In early 919, Constantine VII and the Patriarch of Constantinople Nicholas I Mystikos toppled Zoe as regent.
[1] Lekapenos now emerged as a strong contender for the throne, and in a series of moves, secured control of the imperial government, neutralized Leo Phokas, and gained promotion first to basileopator and finally to senior co-emperor on 17 December 919.