Romanos sent a force to Melitene, then marched into Syria

Summary:
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 
Dates:
1068 October 4-5: 
general at Melitene under Romanos IV (Anonymus 106)
  • Was sent to Melitene by Romanos 4 at the head of a considerable part of the army, including the strongest soldiers and the bloodthirsty and warlike Franks, in order to guard the East and resist the troops besieging the region under Apsinalios 101 (:) Skylitzes Continuatus 127.23-128.4
  • Although provoked by the enemy (Turks) and despite his troops' eagerness to fight, he did not get out of Melitene, and the enemy, realising his cowardice and unwarlike manner, attacked part of the imperial army which went out in search for supplies (:) τὸ γλίσχρον αὐτοῦ καὶ περιδεὲς καὶ ἀπόλεμον Attaleiates: History 107.18-108.1 / 81.22-82.2
Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes (Romanos 4)
  • Sent part of his army under Anonymus 106 to Melitene together with all the blood-thirsty and warlike Franks in order to guard the eastern themes and resist the invading enemy (Turks) (:) οὐκ ὀλίγην ἀποτεμόμενος φάλαγγα στρατιωτικήν Attaleiates: History 107.7-15 / 81.12-19
  • Rescued the troops who were attacked by the Turks when they went out of Melitene in search for food supplies, advanced to Aleppo with his entire army where he pitched camp, and before dismounting he sent forth Pechenegs and some Romans to pillage the land (:) Skylitzes Continuatus 128.13-23
  • Sent to Melitene under a commander (Anonymus 106) a considerable part of his army with the strongest soldiers and the Franks in order to guard the East and resist the troops of Apsinalios 101 besieging the region (:) Skylitzes Continuatus 127.23-128.4
  • From there he took the route leading to Syria and dispatched a contingent to Melitene, while after himself making for Aleppo he led away a great booty of men and other creatures (:) Zonaras 18.11.17
  • Heard that, as a result of Anonymus 106's cowardice, the Turks had attacked part of the army which went out to fetch supplies, marched quickly against them, dispersed them, and saved his troops (:) ταχὺ διαναστάς Attaleiates: History 108.1-4 / 82.2-4