Certainty: 2 Eudokia's children & kaisar Ioannes from the start impeded Romanos IV. Two of Eudokia's sons, Michael (VII) and Konstantios, were from the start co-emperors with Romanos IV, and he soon promoted Andronikos also to the same position. They, together with their uncle Ioannes the kaisar, assisted Romanos, expecting to succeed him, but constantly got in his way, thus harming the empire
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV for a time kept his agreements with Eudokia & ruled for her children. After feigning obedience to the empress Eudokia for a few days, he reverted to character and became arrogant and insubordinate. The desire for independence from his wife became as important to him as his military motivation. The more she wanted to tame him, the more he resented the restraint. At first he ground his teeth inwardly, but then manifested his discontent
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV allowed Nikoulitzas Delphinas to come to the capital, & rewarded his sons. The day Romanos IV ascended the throne, he wrote to the praitor of Armeniakon, Georgios Korinthios, telling him not to prevent his old friend Nikoulitzas Delphinas from leaving Amaseia for Constantinople, and wrote to Nikoulitzas too, summoning him to the palace. Nikoulitzas went from Amaseia to the capital, but was only granted the title of protospatharios for one of his sons, Gregoras, and an increase in the allowance of the other, Pankratios, for which he thanked Romanos. Romanos ordered him to return home to Larissa, ignoring the slanders against him
Certainty: 2 Nikephoritzes freed from prison at Antioch & sent as krites to Hellas & Peloponnesos. On the accession of Romanos IV, Nikephoritzes was set free from prison (at Antioch?). On the promise of a bribe, he was sent as krites of Hellas and Peloponnesos
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 12 for Eudokia, on her recent choice of Romanos IV. Eudokia the empress was praised by Psellos as his patroness, with description of her moral and physical virtues. Special emphasis was laid on her political wisdom in the choice of Romanos IV as husband and emperor, the strong, masculine hand needed to save Byzantium from its current problems. Psellos finally emphasised his own poverty, which threatened to silence him
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 18 for Romanos IV, soon after he became emperor. Psellos hailed the powerful, newly-crowned Romanos IV as the saviour of Byzantium against barbarians, congratulating Eudokia on her excellent choice. Romanos would be good for Byzantium, herself and her children. The new emperor was strong, unshakeable, dominating Byzantium's enemies, living up to his name, tall and powerful in appearance, terrifying when unarmed and worse when in armour
Certainty: 3 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 19 for Romanos IV as he left in winter on his first campaign as emperor. Psellos wrote an improvised encomium on Romanos IV, who was setting out against the Turks in mid-winter. He was spurning his new wife Eudokia and the delights of his new imperial position. Eudokia had illuminated Romanos, and he now illuminated her in return, in the depths of winter. Psellos wished him every success in battle
Certainty: 2 Death of Aboulchare, katepano of Bari. Aboulchare died as katepano of Italy
Certainty: 2 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to Nikephoritzes. Elias Krystalas was recommended by Psellos to Nikephoritzes, in case the great names of classical Greece which the latter administered as krites of Katotika were not enough entertainment. Elias merited an epigram expressing confusion of directions: Nikephoritzes should enjoy him
Certainty: 2 Psellos asked Nikephoritzes to see if Besaine was a rich see, as its bishop was likely to be taxed as a rich man. The personal wealth of the bishop of Besaine had already proved modest (Psellos wrote to Nikephoritzes). The latter was asked to check the wealth of Besaine, and act as Good Samaritan before the bishop, who was reputed to be rich, fell among thievish tax-gatherers, who were already gathering. He should help, especially if he liked the sources of the bishop's wit - popular proverbs and the Bible
Certainty: 3 Campaign already begun by Romanos IV Diogenes against Turks. Romanos IV began his campaign against the Turks amazingly quickly, two months after accession. He showed little inclination for the luxuries of office. In this time he discussed his expedition with the military commanders present at Constantinople, prepared embassies and looked for ways to prevent enemy attacks, spending little time in the palace. He collected troops from the West and from Cappadocia, and summoned the Scythians too (Pechenegs and Uzes?), but left before their arrival. Psellos tried to delay him, pointing out the need for more preparation, but failed. The desire for military glory prevailed. As a result his army was both small and ill-equipped
Certainty: 2 Manuel Komnenos was made protostrator & soon after strategos of the eastern tagmata. Manuel Komnenos, nephew of the former emperor Isaakios I, had become a close friend of Romanos IV. Thus soon after the latter's accession, he made Manuel protostrator and soon after strategos of the eastern tagmata
Certainty: 2 Attaleiates himself had judicial role in Romanos' expedition, & heard from him about his past. The historian Attaleiates accompanied Romanos IV on campaign in the east and was entrusted with the army's judicial matters. Thus his reporting on events in writing (past as well as present) derives not from hearsay but from personal observation
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV began to reconstruct tagmata of Anatolikon from their pitiful remains. Romanos IV marched to Bithynia, then into Phrygia and the theme of Anatolikon, where the ill-equipped and weak army and its leaders gathered. He enlisted young men from every land and city encouraging them with honours and gifts, and thus filled up his army units in a short time. He put at their head the most able, joined them to the troops from the West, and marched against the Turks. His army included Macedonians, Bulgarians, Cappadocians, Uzes and other barbarians, but also Franks and Varangians. Despite the poor state of his army, he advanced at once
Certainty: 2 Strategy of Alp Arslan before first campaign of Romanos IV. The sultan Alp Arslan retreated in surprise before the attack of the army of Romanos IV, being unaware of the Roman troops' dire state. He divided most of his forces, sending one part to the north and the other to the south of upper Asia. Romanos, when the northern Turkish army feigned retreat after his attack, marched against the southern army. He left the road to Koloneia and Sebasteia and reached Lykandos in summer, intending to advance into Syria in autumn, sparing his army the summer heat
Certainty: 2 Neokaisareia pillaged by Turks, infuriating Romanos IV, who had turned south. Romanos' move to the south encouraged the northern Turkish army to pillage Neokaisareia, infuriating the emperor. He feared he would be accused of being unable to defend the empire despite being at hand on campaign. Thus he turned north again
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV turned after northern Turkish army, leaving stepson Andronikos at Sebasteia. Greatly upset by the news of Neokaisareia's pillaging by the Turks despite his being on campaign, Romanos IV took his forces and advanced across difficult mountain paths, reaching Sebasteia. There he left the baggage and infantry with his stepson Andronikos. The latter, though now a co-emperor, was treated more like a hostage than a fellow-commander, or as a replacement in case Romanos perished in battle
Certainty: 2 Amicus of Molfetta took over Giovinazzo. Amicus count of Molfetta took over Giovinazzo
Certainty: 2 Argyros, son of Melus, died as proedros. Argyros, son of Melus, died as proedros
Certainty: 3 Robert Guiscard captured Uggiano & Montepeloso, then began the siege of Bari. Robert Guiscard besieged Montepeloso, but was making little headway. Thus he took some of his forces and went off and took Uggiano. Returning to Montepeloso, he won the city with the help of treachery from a certain Geoffrey. At this point he began the siege of Bari by land and sea
Certainty: 2 Marriage of Theodora (sister of Alexios I) to Konstantinos Diogenes (son of Romanos IV). Anna Dalassena married her youngest daughter Theodora to Konstantinos Diogenes, after the death of her father Ioannes Komnenos, during the reign of Romanos IV
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to five friends in central Anatolia to reconcile the bishop of Gordiason with the bishop of Matiane. Psellos wrote to five friends in central Anatolia, most of them with with the army of Romanos IV, asking them to reconcile his friend the bishop of Gordiason with the bishop of Matiane. The first, a krites, was responsible for introducing Psellos to the bishop. Neither the latter nor Psellos blamed the krites for the dispute. Both sought a compromise, which Psellos would arbitrate. Psellos welcomed the krites' gift, though no lover of food. The second was Aristenos, whose claims of friendship (Psellos said) brought no letters, though Psellos asked travellers for messages from him. Yet if Aristenos freed the bishop of Gordiason from his problems and then wrote, Psellos' frowns would disappear. The third was the epi ton deeseon, who was going where Psellos could not trap him, just chase him with letters. He was asked for aid for Psellos' friend the bishop, who needed it. The letter ended with a verbal game over willingness and ability to help. The fourth was Basileios, the epi tou kanikleiou, who (Psellos feared) might change, living brilliantly near Romanos IV. He did not write, and Psellos had no access to Romanos till disfavour ceased. To win Psellos' undying affection, Basileios was to reconcile the two bishops. The fifth was Eustratios Choirosphaktes, who would (Psellos knew) lamely excuse his failure to write by claiming to prefer speech. He should write simply to Psellos, who loved simple letters. Psellos' friend the bishop of Gordiason was under attack by the bishop of Matiane; Eustratios should reconcile them
Certainty: 2 Byzantines crossed mountains of Tephrike, causing panic among the Turks, but were too tired to fight. Romanos IV's cavalry crossed the high mountains of Tephrike and Argaous in eight days, in order to attack from the side the Turks who had pillaged Neokaisareia. However his exhausted army were unable to accomplish anything memorable despite the surprise. He thus missed the chance to gain an important victory by persisting in the chase, for the enemy's Arab horses would not be able to maintain their speed for a long time. He succeeded in freeing the prisoners taken by the enemy (who hailed his victory) and reclaiming their plunder
Certainty: 3 Romanos returned to Sebasteia after his victory & advanced towards Syria. Romanos IV returned to Sebasteia after his victory over the Turks. He encouraged his troops by distributing gifts and offices, placed capable leaders at the head of each division and thus set up a worthy army in a short time. He let his troops rest there for three days only and left for Syria. He reached Germanikeia and invaded the theme called Telouch by the Armenians, through the defiles and impassable paths of Koukousos
Certainty: 3 Romanos sent a force to Melitene, then marched into Syria. Romanos IV sent a general with part of his army to Melitene, together with all the blood-thirsty and warlike Franks, in order to guard the eastern themes and resist the invading Turks and their leader Apsinalios. Romanos himself, after rescuing some foragers from Melitene (showing the incompetence of its governor), advanced into Syria and pitched camp near Aleppo. He at once sent Pechenegs and Romans to pillage the land
Certainty: 3 Psellos wrote to Eustratios Choirosphaktes, with congratulations on Romanos IV's victory. Eustratios Choirosphaktes was busy, but Psellos needed a letter - just a line or two. He now really missed Eustratios and his colleagues. He was alone and depressed with his lifeless books, and recalled their discussions and jokes, and Eustratios' friend Iasites. He also missed Romanos IV, wondering when he would return, after they had unexpectedly achieved so much: a big army had been raised, the sultan Alp Arslan put to flight, a major battle won, the barbarians subdued, cowed or forced into treaties. When just a report of Romanos IV had defeated Alp Arslan, why had Eustratios not spread the news with a trumpet-blast? Psellos had glorified Romanos everywhere, and if a few fires remained from the great inferno, they could soon be put out
Certainty: 2 Psellos, in the lifeless world of his books, badly missed a friend who was on campaign with the emperor. Psellos asked one of the friends who was absent on the imperial expedition how he was getting on without him. Psellos needed him and the others. He picked flowers from the meadow of his books, one after another. But his world was lifeless, unlike his friend's, where the emperor lived, the tree of life
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Basileios the epi tou kanikleiou, speculating why he had not written. For all his promises, Basileios the epi tou kanikleiou had not written. Psellos wondered whether on campaign he had forgotten how to speak to civilians - but no, he was not so superficial; he just found it easier than Psellos to forget absent friends
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote again to Choirosphaktes, wondering whether the army was going to India. Psellos wondered when he would see Eustratios Choirosphaktes again. He told him of the meeting by letter allowed in philosophy to those who were apart. But why be apart? When would they meet again and serve Romanos IV together? Had the army not done enough? Would they stop before reaching India?
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos IV, in despair at his long absence, listing all of his virtues of which he felt deprived. Psellos wrote to Romanos IV in despair at the emperor's long absence, begging him to return. Psellos was out of favour, so his depression was even greater than that of other citizens. Psellos sorely missed Romanos, and wrote listing all his virtues of every kind of which he felt deprived. He also hoped that Romanos was mixing his business with pleasure (hunting). Even Eudokia was invisible [perhaps pregnant?], completing Psellos' loneliness and despair
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV appointed Khacatur doux of Antioch. It was Romanos IV who appointed Khacatur doux of Antioch, during his reign
Certainty: 2 Romanos' army camped near Aleppo & moved on to capture Hierapolis, which was full of provisions. After camping near Aleppo, Romanos advanced at the head of his army into enemy territory for two days and continued plundering. On the third day reached Hierapolis, where he saw the Arabs running in circles as if in battle, and pitched his camp there, late in the evening. The Arab defenders were augmented by Turks under Amertikes. Romanos planned the battle inside his tent (in the camp at Hierapolis) and at the third hour he suddenly appeared on horseback without the trumpets or any other sign announcing his movement. He captured the city
Certainty: 2 Resistance in Hierapolis ended by capture of the akropolis, with the aid of Petros Libellisios. Romanos IV encircled the acropolis at Hierapolis, where some Arabs had barricaded themselves after the capture of the city by the Romans. He besieged them, forcing them to surrender, sending messengers seeking an agreement. He finally took the akropolis with the help of Petros Libellisios of Antioch, who occupied its gates with Russian troops, and Pharasmanes Apokapes. Petros mediated with the emperor to leave the foreign troops unarmed after the siege and capture of Hierapolis. However Romanos' preoccupation inside the city gave an opportunity to Mahmud, the amir of Aleppo, outside
Certainty: 3 Victory of Mahmud of Aleppo outside Hierapolis, with heavy Byzantine casualties. Romanos IV remained in the captured city of Hierapolis, fighting to seize the remaining towers. Meanwhile the Romans outside the city were defeated with heavy losses by troops from Aleppo. The heads of the slain Romans were sent as a trophy to Aleppo. Romanos was greatly upset and returned to the camp with his Cappadocian troops, accusing the defeated Romans of stupidity. Michael Attaleiates did not fear for his life as a result, but he realised how cowardly, inexperienced and humiliated the Romans were. When Mahmud, amir of Aleppo, heard of the success of his troops, he mobilised all the forces he had available, hoping to take Romanos captive
Certainty: 3 Next day, Romanos put the enemy to flight with a sudden attack, but victory could not be completed. The day after the Roman defeat, Mahmud of Aleppo surrounded their camp with his full forces. Romanos IV attacked his army and put them to flight. However Although his army was pursuing successfully and inflicting damage on the enemy troops, he ordered them to retreat, depriving them of a real victory
Certainty: 2 Turks passed garrison at Melitene unscathed, then destroyed Amorion, enslaving its population. A Turkish attack passed Melitene without any action by its incompetent governor, who had troops at Tzamandos. The Turks went on to capture Amorion, killing many of the population and enslaving others. Romanos heard about the event as he was leaving Alexandron on the way north, far too late for any action
Certainty: 2 Byzantine general at Melitene did not help Amorion, attack the Turks later, or even defend himself. A Byzantine governor was sent to Melitene by Romanos IV at the head of a worthy army, including all the Frankish mercenaries, to guard the eastern themes and resist the invading Turks. He faced his task without courage or ambition, allowing the Turks too much initiative. He was so incompetent that the Turks raided Amorion. Although their camp at Chalkeus was near his fort of Tzamandos, he failed to attack it or to rescue Amorion, ignoring the enemy who challenged him to come out of Melitene and fight. Romanos had deprived himself of a large force (stationed at Melitene), to no purpose
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV left a garrison under Pharasmanes Apokapes in Hierapolis, & began to retreat. When Romanos IV returned to the camp after turning away the enemy, he decided to appoint a commander for the acropolis in order to settle Romans and Armenians in Hierapolis. He set a garrison there under Pharasmanes Apokapes. At this moment, with a potential victory turning into retreat, Michael Attaleiates realised that the Romans were no longer able to seize opportunities, organise an army or fight wisely
Certainty: 2 Romanos bypassed 'Azaz, destroyed Katma & had a skirmish at Terchala. Romanos, taking his army back to the north, placed archers to defend the rear-guard and those carrying the food supplies from enemy attacks. He realised it would be unwise to besiege one city ('Azaz?) as the area was unexpectedly short of water and winter was approaching. So he marched to the Roman border, burnt the village of Katma which belonged to Mahmud, amir of Aleppo, and stopped at another village called Terchala. Standing on the right bank of a stream near Terchala, he was the first to notice two Arabs attacking on horseback and killing two soldiers, and shouted ordering his troops to pursue them. But they escaped to their camp on the left bank. He marched on, capturing places that he could, till he reached Alexandron in Cilicia
Certainty: 2 The Arabs evacuated Artah (near Antioch), where Romanos re-established a Byzantine garrison. Romanos IV entered Roman territory which had already been plundered by the enemy, and reached the castle of Artah, which was occupied by Arabs, who had evicted the previous strategos. They abandoned it as soon as the emperor prepared to besiege it. He reoccupied it and provided a strategos, a garrison and provisions
Certainty: 3 Army avoided Antioch, where food was short, crossing the Tauros into Anatolia, suffering from cold. Romanos IV feared that marching via Antioch would put too much strain on the starving city. He therefore advanced through desert land past the defiles and kleisourai separating Koele Syria from Cilicia, reaching Alexandron (Alexandretta), where he encamped. From there he crossed the Taurus with his army, where many men and animals perished because of the cold, and entered Roman Anatolia
Certainty: 2 Attaleiates saved miraculously when his horse fell over a precipice in the Tauros. Attaleiates crossed the Taurus from Syria into Anatolia, together with the army under Romanos IV. He escaped from great danger when, after he dismounted on a narrow path along a ravine, his weakened horse fell into the abyss, causing all to marvel at his good fortune
Certainty: 3 Romanos heard at Gytarion of the Amorion disaster, but was helpless in midwinter: his army dispersed. Romanos IV arrived at Gytarion, where he heard of the pillaging and killings at Amorion resulting from the failures of the governor of Melitene. He was upset but could do nothing, and dismissed the army for winter, himself returning to Constantinople
Certainty: 2 Romanos' army returned after a pointless campaign: warfare for warfare's sake. Romanos IV had gone out against the barbarians, not knowing where he was going or what he would do, planning one route, taking another, crossing Syria and Persia, posting his army on hills, bringing them down again, cutting them off and losing many. The opinion of Psellos on his first campaign of 1068 was categotical: unplanned campaigning and marching, pointless warfare for warfare's sake, justifying only the boast that he had fought against the enemy
Certainty: 3 City troops returned to Constantinople from Syrian campaign.
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos IV, seeking favour & right to compose encomia. Psellos had felt sad and ignored in the long absence of Romanos IV. But having written of him before his accession, after a nervous silence he now approached him as a credible panegyrist who was no flatterer, hoping for commissions. He congratulated Romanos that the enemy blaze was extinguished, though the usual spot-fires remained. He also claimed friendship with the empress Eudokia, but he needed sunlight as well as Eudokia's moonlight
Certainty: 3 After making yearly distributions, Romanos IV left Constantinople on new campaign against Turks. Romanos IV arrived back from Syria, then spent some time in Constantinople taking care of administrative matters, distributing dignities and their annual allowance to senators. Before Easter he sailed over to the palace of Hieria intending to march on campaign. At the beginning of spring the enemy had given trouble and his earlier triumph was put in doubt. Preparations were made for a second expedition, in which Psellos had a small role
Certainty: 2 Psellos, after strong pressure (he claimed) from Romanos IV, joined his 1069 expedition. Romanos IV put such great pressure on Psellos to join his campaign that it was impossible to refuse. When he realised that Psellos was (theoretically) expert in strategy, in companies and formations, building siege-engines, sieges and all other aspects of military strategems, he admired him but was at the same time jealous
Certainty: 2 Rebellion of Robert Crépin, who was wintering in the east & wanted more pay. Robert Crépin had arrived from Italy the previous year. He went to Romanos IV, who sent him to the East for the winter. However, thinking that he had not beeen rewarded adequately, he rose in rebellion, robbing any taxman or other official he came across, without however killing any Roman
Certainty: 3 After winning several skirmishes, Crépin defeated imperial troops under Samuel Alousianos. Romanos IV learned of the rebellion of Robert Crepin, whom he had sent to the east to winter with his (Norman) troops. He first sent against him a force which was defeated, and then a large army of five tagmata from the West under Samuel Alousianos, which had been wintering in the Armenian themes. Alousianos attacked the rebels early in the morning but accomplished nothing, for his soldiers were noticed when they stumbled on the cables holding the tents, and chased away, with many killed or captured. Robert then delivered a speech accusing the Romans of impiety for attacking fellow Christians on Easter Day, but treated the captives with clemency and set them free, allowing the injured to be tended
Certainty: 2 Attaleiates was persuaded to join expedition by promotion to patrikios. Informed of Robert Crepin's successes against Samuel Alousianos, Romanos IV set out on campaign, reached the episkepsis of Melangeia (Malagina) slowly gathering troops, forced Michael Attaleiates to accompany him by making him patrikios, and arrived at Dorylaion
Certainty: 2 Submission of rebel Robert Crépin to Romanos IV. Robert Crepin approached Romanos IV in the area of Dorylaion, offering his submission and apologies for the rebellion, and requesting an amnesty for his past deeds committed either willingly or unwillingly. All this was gladly accepted and granted by the emperor, who acknowledged Crepin's bravery
Certainty: 2 Robert Crépin dismissed from army for continued plotting: his Normans raided Mesopotamia. Romanos VII left Dorylaion and a few days later received Robert Crepin, who expressed his obedience and followed him with some of his soldiers, having left the others in Maurokastron which he had captured. Crepin was then falsely and persistently accused of plotting against the emperor, especially by a German official, and of postponing his treachery because his companions were absent. He was condemned as ungrateful and was dismissed without the allegations having been verified
Certainty: 2 Banishment of Robert Crépin to Abydos. Romanos removed the Frank (Norman) Robert Crepin from the army because of his rebelliousness, and banished him to Abydos
Certainty: 2 After dismissing Crepin, Romanos IV advanced to Caesarea & Larissa, where he was ambushed. After the banishment of Crepin, suspected of treachery, Romanos and his army reached Caesarea, where he learnt that the Turks were pillaging the land some distance away. He sent some troops against them. However they returned having accomplished nothing, and the army continued marching. They finally reached a spot to camp
Certainty: 2 The Parthenon inscriptions record the death during this year of Leon, metropolitan of Athens. Leon, raiktor, metropolitan of Athens and synkellos, was recorded in the Parthenon inscriptions as having died during this year
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote from Caesarea to 3 friends who continued with Romanos: he could not keep up. Psellos wrote from Caesarea to three men still continuing on Romanos IV's expedition: Aristenos the protoasekretis, the libellisios and the epi ton deeseon, sketching their characters and discussing singularity and plurality. In the unity of goodness and intelligence of the three addressees of the letter, Aristenos was notable for a dignified nature, a firmer ambition and a philosophical thoughtfulness. The libellisios had a ready intelligence, able to turn flexibly to any good subject, a volubility which was not comic but charming, and a character which immediately filled an observer's eye with gleams of thought. The epi ton deeseon had his own opinions, being deep and turned in on himself; if one wanted to dig out his character, one would obtain a glass of the purest liquid from an astringent bowl. Eustratios Choirosphaktes could have made a fourth addressee. The three would march on, returning to Caesarea, hopefully without pointless attacks of 1068. Finally Psellos admitted leaving the expedition because he was unfit
Certainty: 2 After long & confused battle Romanos defeated the ambush, executing all the prisoners. As Romanos IV was pitching camp, large numbers of enemies appeared on the surrounding hills. The emperor had no time to fortify the camp or take rest, but, advanced, put them to flight, and returned to the camp. The next day he inspected the captives and ordered their execution, sparing nobody, not even their leader, who promised a hefty ransom and many Roman prisoners in exchange. The Romans spent three days in the camp, then moved on to the Euphrates
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, mentioning ambush & Larissa-Melitene journey. Psellos wrote from central Asia Minor to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, about the campaign of Romanos IV, in which he was a part. He was in a military phase, constructing machines, perhaps to be shot home through the air. All were depressed and the favour of Romanos IV was uncertain. Though he missed discussion with Konstantinos and his brother Nikephoros and would welcome correspondence, he felt out of place, writing would be hard, inspiration limited and quality low. Konstantinos should guard Psellos' adopted daughter and her family. Psellos complained of marching along gorges, over mountains and across bloodstained rivers, greater trials now under enemy attack. He had been saved by Iasites and especially the bravery of Romanos IV. He apologised to Konstantinos for writing little and poorly because of his surroundings, dreaming of visiting him, and of seeing his wife, his children (his pupil the vestarches, the vestes and the patrikios), with Konstantinos' groom and cook. The campaign was dragging him on further beyond Caesarea, though at some time he would succeed in winning his way home
Certainty: 2 Romanos pursued Turks to Euphrates, then planned to go home & leave an army to hold the area. After leaving the camp where he had been ambushed, he took his army and followed the enemy but they had already crossed the Euphrates. He camped at a day's distance or more from Melitene. He announced a plan to leave part of the army there to face the enemy while he, with the rest of the troops, would return home
Certainty: 2 Attaleiates spoke against Romanos' plan, proposing to block the enemy & gain booty at Chliat. After Romanos' plan to disperse the army was sanctioned near Melitene he summoned the kritai to ask their views and all agreed except for Michael Attaleiates who remained silent, prompting the emperor to insist on hearing his opinion. Attaleiates admitted to the emperor that he disapproved of the plan to send most of the army home, adding that the enemy had not been destroyed and might recover and attack the troops left in Melitene, cut off from the rest of the army. He urged the emperor to continue fighting the Turks during the summer, suggesting that he besiege Chliat, bring its region under Roman control and thus put an end to Turkish raids, cutting off the road through Mesopotamia
Certainty: 2 Romanos, persuaded by Attaleiates, crossed Euphrates: but he soon reverted to former plan. Michael Attaleiates plan to continue the campaign against the Turks during the summer and capture Chliat persuaded Romanos IV. He crossed the Euphrates and chased away the enemy, advancing towards Romanoupolis, but soon reverted to his previous programme
Certainty: 2 (?) Psellos passed through Philadelphia in returning to the capital, reporting events to the krites of Thrakesion. Psellos wrote to the krites of Thrakesion describing visits to Philadelpheia. He described his earlier two visits to Philadelpheia in the narrative of his third. On his first visit (around 1040) his hair had been blondish, but by 1069 (?) on his third visit, it was silverish: yet he was touched to have been recognised. He asked the inhabitants who surrounded him about the current krites and their replies were very positive. When he said he was a friend of the krites they begged him to persuade him to be more sympathetic. Would he please, for Psellos' sake, mix strict justice in the theme with as much kindness as possible, changing his mind if necessary? [Thrakesion is not on the obvious route from Kaisareia to Constantinople, but 1069 is the only year when Psellos is attested far from the capital after he joined Konstantinos IX's administration in the early 1040s]
Certainty: 2 Romanos left the best of the army with Philaretos Brachamios, & retreated into the Tauros. Romanos IV, advancing towards Romanoupolis to attack Chliat, changed his mind, reverting to his former plan. He took his troops through rough terrain, encamped in a hollow place, and divided his army in two, entrusting the stronger part to Philaretos Brachamios, whom he appointed strategos autokrator. Romanos himself marched north from the region of Melitene and Romanoupolis to Anthiai, through rough terrain, in search of snow and cool water, his body suffering from the heat
Certainty: 2 Brachamios' men, defeated with heavy losses, followed Romanos & scattered through the Tauros. Romanos camped for a few days at Anthiai, then crossed the Taurus and the Euphrates again and reached Keltzene, where the army pitched their camp. After a few days he received news that Brachamios' men, when the enemy appeared before them, had panicked and abandoned the places they were to guard. The enemy followed them as they turned to flight and took all their baggage. Romanos was saddened at this news, expecting an enemy attack, but his reputation overawed the Turks and prevented it. He awaited the arrival in the camp at Keltzene of those who survived the Turkish attack, fearing that, being dispersed, they might be killed by the Armenians. When they arrived, he put on trial the army and its general Philaretos, without punishing anyone. This setback, following other varied experiences at the hands of the Turks, did not end Philaretos' ambitions as a general. Attaleiates concluded that only the emperor could unite the Romans in battle
Certainty: 2 Victorious Turks did not enter Tauros, but went off to sack Ikonion. The defeat of Philaretos Brachamios by the Turks did not lead to renewed pressure on Romanos IV, but to a raid into Cappadocia which destroyed the populous and flourishing city of Ikonion, killing the doux of Anatolikon, Nikephoros Antiochos
Certainty: 2 Romanos gathered stragglers, then, at proposal of Attaleiates, moved to save undamaged themes. Romanos IV's plan was to follow the Turks and move the army from Keltzene to Melitene. Michael Attaleiates disagreed with this, arguing that it was useless to protect territory already laid waste, and convinced him to march to defend themes not yet attacked. Skylitzes attributed to Romanos a more active role in the defence of Ikonion. He had marched with his army through Koloneia and the Armenian themes to Sebasteia where he heard that the Turks were advancing across Pisidia and Lykaonia heading for Ikonion, and decided to hurry after them to Herakleia
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos about his return to Constantinople & publicity given to his victory over the ambush. Psellos wrote to Romanos IV congratulating him on a victory, which he pictured in his mind's eye, having observed Romanos closely for many days. He told the empress Eudokia of the victory, giving her an eyewitness report of frugal camp life. She wept, thanking God and seeking details, admiring Romanos' bravery and love. Psellos spread the news throughout the capital. Ioannes Xiphilinos the patriarch was delighted, as were the senate and many individual senators. Even the emperor's infant son smiled and squirmed when Psellos whispered into his ear news of his father's victory. Psellos promised untiring praise of the emperor, and thanked him for communicating with Eudokia over so unimportant a subject as a favour to Psellos, referring to himself as a dead dog
Certainty: 2 Romanos reached Sebasteia, heard too late of the destruction of Ikonion, & sent troops to Cilicia to block the Turkish retreat. While Romanos IV was at Herakleia, he learned the Turks had destroyed Ikonion but had not remained there, fearing he might pursue them. Thus he sent part of his army to Cilicia to join the forces of the doux Chatatourios, whom he had ordered to attack the Turks at Mopsuestia
Certainty: 2 Partial success of relief fleet destined for Bari. Stephanos Pateranos arrived in Southern Italy with a Byzantine fleet, but twelve of the ships, laden with provisions and all kinds of goods, sank opposite Monopoli. Losses were heavy, including some men siezed by the Normans and killed
Certainty: 2 Eudokia authorised money for Psellos, but he misinterpreted her wishes; she abused him, provoking a passionate reply. The empress Eudokia signed an authorisation for a payment to Psellos, but he misinterpreted it as for multiple payments, preferring not to beg regularly - apparently his only act of ingratitude. She accused him of being ungrateful, and received a passionate reply about the gratitude he had expressed to her and the trust many others had shown in him. Monetary loss (he said) is trivial, but a false charge of ingratitude is the worst penalty of all. He had written of Eudokia more gratefully than anyone, and she sent him her sons, Michael (VII) and Andronikos, calling him an uncle, a spritual brother to her father. He had been honoured and trusted by the late Konstantinos X, by Isaakios I, the empreses Zoe and Theodora, and Konstantinos IX. Romanos IV, the current emperor, also honoured him and the patriarch Ioannes Xiphilinos called him a brother. He ended with a passionate demand to be respected, not banished from her presence
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Nikephoros (only), nephew of Keroularios, on ustable fortune, adding theatrical stories for discussion at dinner. Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, received an unusual letter of his own from Psellos (not involving his brother Konstantinos), consoling him for the vagaries of fortune in an amusing way. Psellos added details of lively and theatrical stories for discussion by the two brothers at the dinner table, as a kind of dessert. Psellos asked how Nikephoros had fared with the emperors since Psellos left (probably meaning Eudokia and her children, as Romanos IV was away with Psellos). After a difficult passage of Psellos' letter Nikephoros is pictured as sweating and out of breath in following it, so Psellos decided to lower the level
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to kaisar Ioannes, encouraging him to hope for the favour of Eudokia & even Romanos IV. Psellos wrote to kaisar Ioannes that his silence was due to Ioannes' own loss of appetite for his words, asking that obsessive hunting should not make him neglect books and friends. He added that Eudokia and even Romanos IV spoke fondly of Ioannes, leaving hope of reconciliation
Certainty: 3 Romanos IV returned to Constantinople, leaving a detachment to counter Turkish raids. Desperate at the news of the escape of the Turkish raiders from Ikonion, Romanos returned to Byzantium, leaving behind troops to face another band of Turks raiding Roman lands
Certainty: 2 Romanos returned from a second pointless campaign, with much action but no gains. Romanos' second campaign went (for Psellos) no better than the first, but was altogether indecisive. Byzantine troops fell in their thousands while only a few enemy were captured. However Romanos was not defeated, having twice fought elaborate campaigns, so his pride increased greatly
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV began to despise Eudokia, her sons & kaisar Ioannes Doukas. Romanos IV, after campaigning twice, scorned Eudokia and the civil officials. He dismissed his advisers and used himself as adviser and counsellor for every task, by the incurable malady of emperors. He treated Eudokia like a captive and would have had no difficulty in driving her from the palace. Her heart was swollen by such treatment and her thoughts infected. Psellos, nervous over the outcome, claimed that he divided his attentions between her and Romanos, speaking to each on behalf of the other. He even tried to warn Romanos when he could. Romanos also despised Ioannes kaisar and often made moves to arrest and kill him, but changed his mind and did not implement the plan. For the present, he took oaths of loyalty from him and his two sons, Andronikos and Konstantinos
Certainty: 2 Kaisar Ioannes & his son Andronikos decided on revenge against Romanos IV. The hostile current of opinion against Ioannes Doukas the kaisar and his son Andronikos increased as time passed after the events. For Manasses there was a well-organised conspiracy between them and other generals long before Manzikert, which put Romanos IV's life in danger
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 20 & 21 for Romanos IV, as he left Constantinople on campaign. These speeches are too general to be easily dated, though perhaps the 1069 campaign is the most likely. In one, he received an address from Psellos at a banquet on behalf of the people of the capital, picturing him as a warrior (probably over the campaign of 1068), thanking him for his efforts and wishing him success in the battles of the coming year. In the other, he received an oration from Psellos as he was leaving the city on an eastern campaign: he was wished success in biblical terms, that he would defeat the new Amalek or Pharaoh - implying a that the sultan was understood to be leading the Turkish raids
Certainty: 1 Romanos IV made Nikephoros Bryennios his adoptive brother. Nikephoros Bryennios was widely recognised as the wisest man of his generation, right-thinking and totally truthful in word and deed. Romanos IV therefore decided to make him an adoptive brother, and the link was made
Certainty: 1 Grigor Vkayaser left on a long pilgrimage; George the secretary appointed new katholikos.
Certainty: 2 Blachernai church burned to the ground. Events at the end of the year 1069 are dated by the burning of the church, which probably occurred at the beginning of the next year
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV decided to spend 1070 in Constantinople, sending Manuel Komnenos to fight in Anatolia. Romanos IV was persuaded by Ioannes Doukas (his enemy), Michael Psellos and Nikephoros Palaiologos to stay in Constantinople for 1070. He entrusted the campaign in Anatolia to the young nephew of Isaakios I Manuel Komnenos, who had become protostrator and then strategos of the eastern tagmata at the beginning of Romanos' reign. Manuel, created kouropalates, crossed the Marmara in spring and encamped at Galata when the Turks had already started plundering the eastern provinces. Manuel gathered his forces and reached Caesarea, paying attention not only to military matters but to good order and justice too
Certainty: 3 Successful campaign under Manuel Komnenos against Turks under Erisgen invading Armeniakon. Turkish raids were conducted into Armeniakon, led by Erisgen, brother-in-law of Alp Arslan, who became the latter's rival. Erisgen was easily defeated by the youthful energy of Manuel Komnenos, while he had his full army
Certainty: 3 Siege of Hierapolis by Turks diverted part of Manuel Komnenos' army. Manuel Komnenos had fought and won several battles, striving to increase his glory, but was deprived of reinforcements by Romanos IV, who is said to have been jealous of his success. A considerable part of the army was sent to rescue Hierapolis, whose defenders were starving
Certainty: 2 Manuel Komnenos, with weakened forces, was defeated & captured near Sebasteia. Manuel Komnenos, deprived of reinforcements by the jealous Romanos IV, reached Sebasteia with the remaining forces and encamped nearby. He attacked the Turks who challenged him, and pursued them when they feigned retreat. However they returned and decimated the scattered Romans, capturing Manuel and his brothers-in-law Michael Taronites and Nikephoros Melissenos. Manuel was brought before Erisgen
Certainty: 2 Psellos, wanting contact with Ioannes kaisar, perversely wrote to him to ignore books & hunt everything, including Psellos himself. Psellos wrote to Ioannes the kaisar, still hunting on his estates at Choirobakchoi. Psellos would like to be a wild animal for him to hunt and kill, so as at least to have some contact with him. He himself would begin epistolary hunting of Ioannes through the ears (?). Having before derided hunting and begged Ioannes to read, Psellos changed his tactics, told him to ignore books and enjoy hunting with various animals against all kinds of prey, mainly for the table. This would help Psellos satisfy the Lamiai, who smell game
Certainty: 2 Brutal ambush of Nikephoros Karantenos at Brindisi. Nikephoros Karantenos was in command at Brindisi, but greatly afraid of the raids of Robert Guiscard. He waited for reinforcements from the emperor, ashamed to lose reputation by fleeing. Finally he planned a ruthless trick: he summoned the chief citizens to negotiate the handover of the city, received them on a staircase and killed each in turn on the way up, 83 (or 100) in all. He cut off their heads and took them first to Dytrrachion, then to the emperor in the capital
Certainty: 3 Civil strife in Bari during the siege by the Normans. Bisantius Guirdeliku (?) was murdered by Argyritzos, son of Ioannakes, on July 18, then the houses of the Malapezza family were burned and destroyed
Certainty: 2 Capture of Chonai & pillage of shrine of St Michael by Turks. Romanos IV was greatly concerned by news of the defeat and capture of Manuel Komnenos by the Turks, only to be told of an even greater disaster, the loss to the enemy of Chonai with its shrine of the Archangel Michael
Certainty: 2 Mantzikert captured & garrisoned by Alp Arslan. Alp Arslan, the Seljuk Sultan, captured the Roman city of Mantzikert and established there a strong garrison of Turks and Dilimitai [it is not clear how this event, mentioned in relation to events of 1071, should be integrated into 1070]
Certainty: 2 Alp Arslan captured T'lxum.
Certainty: 2 Alp Arslan attacked Edessa; Basil son of Alousianos defended against a 50-day siege.
Certainty: 2 Six months of destructive Turkish raids in Anatolia. Romanos IV wished to campaign immediately to defend the empire, which was left unprotected. But he was prevented by his ignorance of the enemy's numbers and dissuaded by his advisors, Nikephoros Palaiologos, Michael Psellos, and most of all the kaisar Ioannes Doukas
Certainty: 2 Struggle among Turks between Alp Arslan & Erisgen; latter defected to Byzantines. A dispute arose between Erisgen, the Turkish captor of Manuel Komnenos, and the sultan Alp Arslan. The latter sent a general with an army against Erisgen in order to capture him. Erisgen, who was forced to become a rebel without enough troops to succeed, was convinced by his captive Manuel Komnenos to become an ally of the Romans. He went to Constantinople bringing Manuel, and was received and honoured with great gifts by Romanos IV
Certainty: 2 Erisgen arrived in Constantinople bringing Manuel Komnenos: he was accepted as an ally. Erisgen, having fled from Alp Arslan, arrived unharmed in the capital and was welcomed in the house of the kouropalates Manuel Komnenos, whom he had captured and then saved. He was not received by Romanos IV until many days later, in the Chrysotriklinos early one morning, after the senate had been convened. Romanos made him proedros and kept him by his side, considering that he would be useful in the campaign against the Turks. Manuel regained considerable prestige as a result
Certainty: 3 Dispute between the monasteries of Xylourgou & Skorpiou over a property on Athos. When a dispute arose between Xylourgou and Skorpiou the protos Paulos convened several hegoumenoi at the property in question, and they all agreed that it belonged to Xylourgou. The hegoumenos of Skorpiou being unable to produce a periorismos or witnesses, they finally decided to divide the property in two, between the monasteries. A periorismos was established and the relevant document was signed by 12 monks and hegoumenoi
Certainty: 1 Romanos IV created an imperial resort at Aretai, on a hill just outside the city. Romanos IV created a delightful imperial retreat at Aretai, with beautiful buildings on a hill not far from the city, where the air and water were both pure and clear. [This is the only year in which he is likely to have had the time for building]
Certainty: 1 Romanos IV built a monastery on the summit of Prote in the Princes' Islands. Romanos IV founded a monastery on the summit of the island of Prote in the Princes' Islands. He was to be buried there
Certainty: 1 Romanos IV raised the bishopric of Nazianzos to metropolitan status. Romanos IV raised the bishopric of Nazianzos to metropolitan status
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratoria Minora 2 for Romanos IV, a lenten homily in his persona on abstinence.
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote two virtuoso letters to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, lamenting declining powers, with mixed scientific infomation. He wrote a virtuoso letter to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, to resemble beautiful letters he had created for him in the past. It spoke much of creativity and how it changes with age, and ended with tortoises. A second, similar, letter contained a rag-bag of biological and other scientific information, beginning from tortoises
Certainty: 1 Romanos started negotiations to marry his infant son to one of Robert Guiscard's daughters. Romanos IV proposed to Robert Guiscard a marriage between his infant son (Nikephoros) and one of Guiscard's daughters. Romanos was later presented by Michael VII as a usurper, who had been removed by God - so Michael's later proposal, outlined in letters written by Psellos, was much sounder
Certainty: 1 Chrysobull of Romanos IV for Nea Mone (Chios). Romanos IV Diogenes issued one chrysobull (or more? contents unknown) for the monastery of Nea Mone on Chios
Certainty: 1 Theotokos tou Spelaiou granted by bishop of Ezoba to an Iveron monk. A monk of Iveron was granted by the bishop of Ezoba the monastery of Theotokos tou Spelaiou with its vineyard. After his death these were usurped unlawfully by Iveron
Certainty: 0 Niketas Stethatos wrote letters & doctrinaire works (extracts surviving). Niketas Stethatos composed three "Centuries" of letters, of which only a few are preserved. In one he wrote to Athanasios, hegoumenos of the Panagios monastery, asking him for canonical judgements on Studite usage about penitence. He received Athanasios' comments in reply, which condemned a number of Studite customs. He then defended these customs to Athanasios, on the basis of the application of oikonomia. He wrote short pieces defending and explaining the Studite custom for deacons to wear belts, the customary greetings practised in the Studite community and the use of the "alleluias of degrees" in singing the troparia of Theodore the Studite. He also wrote a piece on "The New Heavens", of which only short excerpts survive
Certainty: 0 Laycus of Amalfi sent arguments for use by supporters of the azymes in Constantinople.