Tornikios family

The Tornikios or Tornikes (pl. Tornikioi; Greek: Τορνίκιος, Τορνίκης; feminine form Tornikina, Greek: Τορνικίνα) was a Byzantine noble family, prominent during the middle and late Byzantine period. From the mid-10th century, members of the family, of Armenian and Georgian origins, acquired a role of growing importance in the political affairs of the empire, while in the following centuries they played a leading role in crucial military and political events. In the 13th century the family grew in importance after intermarring with members of other aristocratic families, mainly the Palaiologos dynasty.