He is usually identified with Nicetas Monomachos (Νικήτας Μονομάχος), a eunuch official and general from Paphlagonia active at the turn of the 9th century.

[1][5][6] According to the same source, Nicetas distinguished himself among the court eunuchs and came to the attention of Empress-mother Irene, who handled the Empire's affairs as regent after 780.

Indeed, the new emperor encouraged him in this endeavour, served as his sponsor, and gave him the convent of Chrysonike near the Golden Gate, where Nicetas retired.

[5] Nicetas remained in the monastery as its hegumenos (abbot) until late 815, when the second phase of the Byzantine Iconoclasm began under the auspices of Leo V the Armenian (r. 813–820).

He was accused at one point of sheltering an icon, but he suffered no punishment except for the confiscation of the image and his confinement to house arrest.

Despite his probable family connection to Theophilos' empress, Nicetas was ordered to accept communion with the iconoclast patriarch, Antony Kassymatas, or face exile.

The account was based on the notes of Nicetas' namesake nephew and disciple, who succeeded him as the monastery's abbot.