Irene of Athens
Alexios is the first known member of the Mosele/Mousele family of Armenian origin. In 790, he was the commander of the "Vigla" guard regiment, being the first known occupant of the office. In September of that year, he was sent by the Empress-regent Irene of Athens (r. 797–802) to deal with the soldiers of the Armeniac Theme, who had refused to swear an oath of loyalty which placed her before her son, Emperor Constantine VI (r. 780–797). The Armeniacs, however, imprisoned their own general Nikephoros, declared Mosele their new commander, and acclaimed Constantine as the sole emperor. At the news of this, the other themes of Asia Minor followed suit in deposing their commanders and affirming Constantine as sole emperor.