Maniakes crossed to Dyrrachion & won a first battle

Summary:
Georgios Maniakes revolted in Italy, then crossed to Serbia. He did not change his mind when the emperor wrote to him. His formidable army and reputation cowed most Byzantine commanders, though he fought and won a battle against the doux of the West. He approached the main imperial army at Ostrobos 
Dates:
1043 February 
strategos of the West (Anonymus 2126)
  • 1043 summary: he fought a battle with Georgios 62 and was defeated, increasing the latter’s prestige (:) Psellos Orationes panegyricae II. 723-724
Georgios Maniakes (Georgios 62)
  • Rose in rebellion, put on the imperial insignia, crossed (from Italy) to Serbia, did not change his mind when the emperor (Konstantinos 9) wrote to him, faced the strong army sent against him at Ostrobos, but fell suddenly from his horse (:) τὰ παράσημα τῆς βασιλείας ἐνδύεται Glykas 594.9-17
  • Embarking his army on ships he came from Italy to the mainland facing it (:) Zonaras 17.22.8
  • With these men drawn up under his command he crossed to the opposite mainland (Dyrrachion), evading all the defenders; none of his adversaries dared to go out against him, all cowering before him and keeping out of the way (:) ἅμα τούτοις συντεταγμένος Psellos: Chronographia VI 82.8-12
  • Hurried to apprehend the eunuch's (Stephanos 102) men while they were in disorder (:) Zonaras 17.22.12
  • When, after once tossing the dice, he relinquished his weapons no more, the emperor (Konstantinos 9) took the field against him (:) Zonaras 17.22.10
  • A warlike man who was topmost of the generals ὡς κορυφαιοτάτῳ τῶν στρατηγῶν ἀρηίῳ ἀνδρὶ Zonaras 17.22.7
  • Brought Franks from Italy, who later (1078) fought for Nikephoros 62 Bryennios under Ioannes 61 Bryennios against Nikephoros 3 Botaneiates in Thrace (:) οἵ τε ἐξ Ἰταλίας παρὰ τοῦ Μανιάκη ἐκείνου κομισθέντες Φράγγοι Bryennios 269.10-11
  • He crossed over to Dyrrachion (February:in mense Februarii) Durachium Lupus protospatharius 58.32-34
  • 1043 summary: he took to the sea, reached Bulgaria, offering remisions of tax, fought a battle with Anonymus 2126, returned victorious and increased his prestige (:) Psellos Orationes panegyricae II, 721-725
Emperor Konstantinos IX Monomachos (Konstantinos 9)
  • When, after once tossing the dice Georgios 62 relinquished his weapons no more, Konstantinos' army took the field against him (:) Zonaras 17.22.10
Stephanos Pergamenos, sebastophoros, victor over Georgios Maniakes (Stephanos 102)
  • Sent by the emperor (Konstantinos 9 Monomachos) at the head of the Roman troops to oppose Georgios 62 Maniakes, he set up his forces against those of the rebel (:) καὶ γὰρ ἦν ἐξεστρατευμένος ὁ παρὰ βασιλέως ἀποσταλεὶς μετὰ τῶν Ῥωμαϊκῶν δυνάμεων εἰς ἀντιπαράταξιν Attaleiates: History 19.1-2 / 15.16-17
  • Was put in charge of the army by Konstantinos 9 because he was loyal to Konstantinos 9 (:) Zonaras 17.22.11