Michael, doux of Dyrrachion, was sent letters by Konstantinos IX ordering him to gather the army of Dyrrachion and troops from nearby themes with their commanders, and go to fight against Voislav of Serbia, who was ravaging the region. He gathered some 60,000 troops and crossed difficult passes, where he failed to place a garrison to guard them for his return. He pillaged the plains beyond, while the Serbs occupied the passes awaiting his return. On his way back his army was attacked with stones and arrows from above, and as a result some 40,000 men were killed while he escaped with a few men through the mountains