ca 855 (?): Nikephoros Phokas the Old is born in Cappadocia (?)
872-873: Becomes a courtier of Basil I and receives the title of maglavites
873: Accompanies the Emperor Basil I to the campaign of Samosata. Receives land in Constantinople, where he builds his house.
Before 878 (?): Receives the title of protostrator.
878 (?), definitely before 885: Nikephoros becomes strategos of the theme of Charsianon.
Second half of 885: The Emperor Basil I appoints him monostrategos of the western themes in Italy, where he has many military succeses.
After 887: Return to Constantinople. Receives the title of patrikios from the Emperor Leo VI and becomes domestikos ton scholon
895: Nikephoros is at the head of the army against Simeon of Bulgaria. Manages to prevent actual battle. Last mention of Nikephoros in the sources.