How could a successful Byzantine military commander still struggle after becoming emperor?
Short answerThe answer distinguishes military ability from managing court politics, where people did not simply follow commands.
NotesA tenth-century Byzantine commander-emperor is credited with military and naval competence while receiving a less favorable assessment of his political abilities. Commanding forces accustomed to obeying orders differs from managing a court that does not behave like a military hierarchy. Success in military command therefore does not settle how effectively the same person will handle supreme rule.