Apart from his birthplace and religious education, nothing is known of the early life of John Curcuas. He first came to notice during the regency of Empress Zoe Karbonopsina ('with the coal-black eyes'), which lasted from 913-919. Curcuas was appointed commander of the Vigla or 'guard watch', an elite unit employed as the palace guard at Constantinople.
Curcuas owed his rise to the influence of a fellow Armenian, Romanos Lekapenos, admiral or 'droungarious' of the Roman fleet. Romanos had his eyes on the imperial throne, and in 919 had himself appointed regent at Zoe's expense. His crony, Curcuas, helped smooth the way by arresting several high officials who had opposed Romanos's ambition.
Over the next few months, Romanos assumed more powers until he was able to take the final step, and have himself declared senior emperor in December 920. This was at the expense of Zoe's son, Constantine, the rightful heir since he had been born 'of the purple'. That is, he was born in the purple chamber of the palace, decorated with porphyry, where the legitimate children of reigning emperors were traditionally born. Romanos, by contrast, was just another usurper.
To do him justice, Romanos was not bloodthirsty. Most Roman usurpers would have blinded and gelded Constantine, then packed him off to a monastery for a life of quiet contemplation. Instead he refused to lay a finger on the boy and allowed him to live at the palace, where Constantine developed a taste for art and music.
In 923, as a reward for his support, Curcuras was promoted to Domestic of the Schools, effective commander-in-chief of all the imperial armies in Anatolia. Now his career really began.
(Attached is an image of the baptism of Constantine)
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