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. Nikephoros is described as the most illustrious member of his family. His father was named Phloros, and his brother was Manuel Basilakes.
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. Under Michael VII Doukas, Nikephoros Basilakes was posted to Paphlagonia and subsequently made doux of Dyrrachion. In the collapse of the regime of Michael VII Doukas, Nikephoros Basilakes, still doux of Dyrrachion, began to plan a revolt as early as the summer of 1077, initially as a supporter of Nikephoros Bryennios, but it was only in the spring of 1078 that he decided that his time had arrived. Supported by his brother Manuel, Gymnos, Tessarakontapekhys, Gregory Mesemerios, all military commanders, and by Theodore, Bishop of Deabolis, Nikephoros moved into position at Thessalonica, awaiting the outcome of the clash between two other claimants to the throne, Nikephoros III Botaneiates and Nikephoros Bryennios, in order that he might quickly crush the exhausted victor.
