Nikephoros Basilakes (Greek: Νικηφόρος Βασιλάκης), frequently encountered simply as Basilakios (Βασιλάκιος), Latinized as Nicephorus Basilacius, was a Byzantine general and aristocrat of the late 11th century, who in 1078 tried to overthrow the Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates and was defeated by Alexios Komnenos.

[1] During the campaigns of Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes preceding the Battle of Mantzikert, Nikephoros Basilakes served as doux of Theodosioupolis, and was captured by the enemy after pursuing a retreating Turkish band too far, in 1068.

[2] Under Michael VII Doukas, Nikephoros Basilakes was posted to Paphlagonia and subsequently made doux of Dyrrachion.

[5][6] Following Nikephoros III's triumph, Nikephoros Basilakes prepared to oppose him with forces consisted of veteran Roman, Bulgarian, and Albanian soldiers, as well as Frankish (Italian), Varangian, and Pecheneg mercenaries,[7][8] and his confidence in his own abilities and courage convinced him that victory would easily be his.

Alexios managed outwitted Basilakes and ambushed him, on the banks of the Vardar River, some eighteen miles distant from Thessalonica.