Certainty: 3 Konstantinos IX offered further promotions, donations & promises of improvement. On becoming emperor he distributed honours to all the senators and gold to the people, sent messages to all the themes announcing his accession and promising to ensure that good prevailed over all evil. In fact he gave so many and such generous gifts and promotions as to undermine the Roman system, which was based on dignities and money. But at the time there was a sense of renewal, that a quite new kind of emperor had taken over who would shed light everywhere instead of darkness
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Hypsinous complained of receiving no promotion, despite generosity of Konstantinos IX. At a moment when Konstantinos IX was distributing gifts and honours with great generosity, Ioannes Hypsinous (through the pen of Christopher of Mytilene) said he was anxious not to be left out. But no, he was confident that he would not be ignored
Certainty: 2 Lazaros, exiled bishop of Philippopolis, recalled by Konstantinos IX shortly after accession. Lazaros, the bishop of Philippopolis,had been exiled at some point for unknown reasons. He was recalled by Konstantinos IX shortly after he returned to Constantinople to become emperor. Konstantinos thus became Lazaros' benefactor
Certainty: 2 Adulatory praise of physical appearance of Konstantinos IX. Christopher of Mytilene wrote an adulatory encomium of the physical beauty of Konstantinos IX, stressing whiteness and brilliance, and comparing him with gold and jewels, which gave an element of artificiality to his grandeur
Certainty: 2 Michael V & his uncles sent to more distant places of exile. Konstantinos IX banished Ionnes orphanotrophos from the monastery of Monobatai to Lesbos, his predecessor Michael V to Chios, and the nobelissimos Konstantinos to Samos. Konstantinos had first been interrogated to find the 150 kentenaria of gold he had concealed in a cistern at his house by the Holy Apostles, then sent back to exile
Certainty: 2 Rebellion of Theophilos Erotikos on Cyprus quashed by Konstantinos Chage. Theophilos Erotikos on Cyprus was informed of the fall of Michael V and the resulting confusion, then the rule of two empresses. He found the opportunity to implement his plan of a rebellion on Cyprus, incited the Cypriots, and plotted to murder the krites Theophylaktos, accused of heavy taxation. Konstantinos IX sent Konstantinos Chage to Cyprus to deal with the rebellion of Erotikos. He subdued the Cypriots, arrested the rebel and brought him to the emperor. The emperor had him dressed in women's clothes and paraded on horseback in the hippodrome before confiscating his properties and setting him free
Certainty: 3 Dispute between Iveron & Lavra over property near Hierissos resolved with praktikon. Ioannes, asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, received complaints from Arsenios, oikonomos of Kolobou, Euthymios the monk, Ioannes oikonomos of Iveron, and Ioannes chartoularios of the Great Church, that a property long occupied by Iveron had recently been seized by Lavra. This dispute concerned a property of zeugelateion near Hierissos. Thus two notarioi of Hierissos, Eustratios and Stephanos Antheimiotes, were sent to survey its boundaries. They did this with several citizens of the town, who were Basileios Oxidas, Blasios Dobrilos, Demetrios Neoterikos, Demetrios Papitzes, another Demetrios, Ioannes Chorikos, Ioannes the kourator, Ioannes Larissaios, Ioannes son of Styliane, Matthaios Tzydos, Michael tou kouboukleisiou, Nikephoros Chotazenos priest, Nikephoros son of Melabas, Nikolaos Xeropistares and Symeon. They set its boundaries, and also took an oath that it had been bequeathed to Iveron by Anastasia Kalemero, together with a neighbouring orchard. The bequest was confirmed by Georgios hegoumenos of Melissourgeion and Loukianos a monk of Xeropotamou. Most of the worthies from Hierissos signed the praktikon, which was drawn up by Theodosios, a nomikos: several of them signed with a cross
Certainty: 3 Duke Argyros captured Giovenazzo by betrayal; some Byzantine casualties . With Norman help, Argyros, son of Melus besieged the unfortunate people of Giovinazzo, who had made a pact with the Greeks who remained in Trani. It was stormed (with the aid of treachery from within) on the third day of the siege, and systematically looted. There were some Byzantine casualties. After the sack, Argyros himself ransomed some of the prisoners of the Normans, male and female
Certainty: 3 Duke Argyros sailed to besiege Trani; but after a month he was bought off by offer of Byzantine honours. Argyros, son of Melus went by sea to besiege Trani, though the people there had not harmed the people of Bari. He had a variety of siege-machines, including an enormously tall wooden tower. However after 36 days of siege, he received a letter from Konstantinos IX via the messenger Theodoretos, who offered him an amnesty and high Byzantine honours, probably the dignity of patrikios. He accepted the bribe, burned his siege-engines and returned to Bari
Certainty: 2 Kyrillos Phileotes joined the navy for 3 years. Kyrillos joined the navy for three years in order to learn humility and obey orders. He endured treatment as a slave or animal, and the ridicule of his comrades for his asceticism, without envying them their meat. Sometimes lack of food prevented him from climbing the mast and working above. He would take every opportunity to go ashore (to collect wood or water) to pray in secret and strike himself with wood or rope
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX persuaded Zoe to recall Maria Skleraina, at first to modest housing. Konstantinos IX, when he was raised to the peak of empire, did not forget Maria Skleraina in his good fortune, but was generous with money and honours. Against the advice of all, including his sister Euprepeia, he spoke to Zoe about her and requested that she be recalled to enjoy some prosperity. He spoke of her not as a wife or a prospective mistress, but as one who had experienced many misfortunes from the imperial family, and many on his account. Zoe did not refuse the request, since she was growing old for jealousy and had experienced misfortune herself. Letters were sent to Maria, one from Konstantinos and one from Zoe herself, promising to be kind to her and encouraging her return. She had been in despair, but now came quickly to the capital. A modest residence was thought fit for her and a not especially brilliant escort
Certainty: 2 Romanos Skleros took vengeance on Maniakes in Anatolikon, attacking his estates & his wife. Romanos Skleros was made magistros and protostrator by Konstantinos IX (whose mistress was his sister). He used his new influence to pursue his dispute with Georgios Maniakes at their neighbouring estates in Anatolikon, where Georgios had tried to murder him. Romanos now exploited Maniakes' absence to ravage his estates, defile his bed (by seduction or rape?) and have him removed from office. This pushed Maniakes towards revolt, for he felt that the emperor would never treat him fairly
Certainty: 2 Bari returned to Byzantine hands. When Argyros, son of Melus, returned from Trani to Bari, he and his fellow-citizens began to acclaim Konstantinos IX. Bari returned to the Byzantine side
Certainty: 3 William (Bras-de-fer) elected Count of Apulia. William (Bras-de-fer) was elected Count of Apulia at Matera
Certainty: 2 Peace established in Italy by Georgios Maniakes. When Georgios Maniakes was sent as magistros by Zoe (or Michael V) to Italy, which had fallen out of Byzantine control, he had no battle-worthy army yet nevertheless managed to drive out the Franks (Normans) to Capua, Benevento and Naples. He attracted many Franks to his service, appeased those who had been wronged by Michael Dokeianos and, being feared for his cruelty and courage, he established peace in the Italian themes
Certainty: 2 Pardos patrikios arrived in Italy with 2 colleagues & a large sum of gold & silver, to replace Maniakes. Konstantinos IX, who should have done all he could to court the great general Maniakes, accepted the rumours of his planned revolt and sent Pardos patrikios to replace him. Pardos' main qualification was that he was well acquainted with the emperor. He also brought money and gifts for Byzantium's new ally, Argyros. Pardos approached Maniakes at Otranto with Tubachi (?) protospatharios, and with Nikolaos, archbishop of Otranto and/or Malgerio [a Norman?]
Certainty: 3 Pardos brought a guaranteed pardon for Georgios Maniakes if he immediately gave up his rebellion. The rebellion of Georgios Maniakes threw Konstantinos IX into great confusion. He first wrote to him with a pardon, absolving him of all fear if he immediately lay down his arms. But this offer was rejected and his emissary killed, and so he prepared a large army
Certainty: 2 Army of Dyrrachion sent against Voisthlav (of Serbia), but was almost wiped out. 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
Certainty: 1 Embassies to several small Balkan rulers with money to encourage them against Voisthlav of Serbia.
Certainty: 3 Ominous comet seen travelling from east to west, visible throughout October. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 3 Georgios Maniakes rebelled in S Italy, killing Pardos & later "Tubachi" protospatharios. Georgios Maniakes was already suspected of planning rebellion, partly because of the revenge carried out by Romanos Skleros on his estates in Anatolikon. Pardos gave no advance warning of his arrival, but rode up to Maniakes on horseback. He abused him without warning, and Maniakes raised his arm, not to strike him, but to warn him to be restrained. Pardos called this an act of rebellion he called for witnesses to the audacity, adding that he would not escape after being caught in such a deed. Maniakes had little alternative but to rise in rebellion. He had Pardos killed at once and Tubachi a month later. He proclaimed himself emperor
Certainty: 3 Georgios Maniakes went to Bari, but nobody obeyed him. Georgios Maniakes, having recently proclaimed himself emperor, decided to move against Bari to play his new role. However nobody in Bari accepted his orders, and he returned in dismay to Taranto
Certainty: 2 Bari besieged for 5 days. Guaimar IV, prince of Salerno, besieged Bari with Normans for five days
Certainty: 2 Psellos, Xiphilinos & Leichoudes began Konstantinos IX's government of the talented. When Konstantinos IX came to the throne, he gathered virtue and learning around him, not relying on the aristocracy of birth but selecting his administrators on personal merit, just as he selected his generals. He examined young hopefuls with a wide range of oral and written tests, prepared and unprepared, before giving them access to the palace. Michael Psellos would be the first to succeed, while Ioannes Xiphilinos soon followed. Konstantinos Leichoudes must also have passed early
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX organised a huge army under Stephanos the eunuch against Georgios Maniakes. Konstantinos IX, when conciliatory gestures towards Maniakes failed and Pardos his envoy was killed, appointed the eunuch Stephanos Pergamenos as strategos autokrator and raised a huge army, including men from every race and city. Stephanos was chosen because of his loyalty to Konstantinos, who could not campaign himself because of his gout
Certainty: 1 Tax assessment of Iveron properties carried out by krites of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike Ioannes. Ioannes, asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike, produced a tax assessment for the monastery of Iveron (which would be revised in 1047 by his successor Andronikos, krites and anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike). He also reimposed on seven villagers of Dobrobikeia a tax of a total of five nomismata (from which Thomas the epoptes had exempted them), due from the monastery of Iveron. [Presumably these are named plots, unproductive in Thomas' time, which are now productive under the regime of Iveron]
Certainty: 1 Lazaros moved to his third pillar at Resurrection on Galesion: his dietary regime. Lazaros moved to the monastery of the Resurrection, to the third of his pillars. From that time he ate cooked food every day although without oil, did not drink anything until the evening, and often remained without food or drink when the Devil spilled them, fasting only during Lent. Gregorios the cellarer took a hot drink to Lazaros on his pillar but when the window was closed he heard the cup breaking and Lazaros accusing the Devil of scalding his feet. Gregory was then given back the cup unbroken but failed to persuade Lazaros to have another drink
Certainty: 1 The metropolitan of Ephesos sent spies to inspect the pillar of Lazaros on Galesion. The metropolitan of Ephesos sent Michael the hegoumenos to inspect Lazaros' pillar. He rode up to Lazaros, who called him by his name from the top of the pillar, and he dismounted. He then inspected his pillar, found nothing suspicious, received Lazaros' blessing, and returned to Ephesos to report to the metropolitan. Nikolaos, oikonomos at Batheia (Samos?) was also sent by the metropolitan for the same purpose. He made his way up the mountain with difficulty because of the snow, declined the invitation of Lazaros to eat in the kitchen and inspected his pillar first. Then he was persuaded to eat, and also received Lazaros' blessing. Both reported back to the metropolitan that there was nothing suspicious about the pillar, but he was not convinced, as he was constantly urged by evil and spiteful men to drive away Lazaros from the mountain
Certainty: 1 Lazaros of Galesion sought imperial protection from the clergy of Ephesos who harassed his monastery. Lazaros of Galesion was persuaded by the brothers to write to the emperor (Konstantinos IX?), seeking his protection from those who wanted to drive them out of the mountain. But the brothers he sent with letters were intercepted after the treacherous monk Kosmas went to Ephesos and notified the metropolitan
Certainty: 1 Romanos Skleros, brother of Maria Skleraina, visited Lazaros on Galesion. Romanos Skleros, the brother of Maria Skleraina, went up to the monastery to see Lazaros, but when he started ascending towards him Lazaros peeked out of his little window, appearing like a fire to Romanos. He felt dizzy and had to stop for a while before continuing
Certainty: 1 Compilation of the Peira. An anonymous redactor put together a book called "Peira" (Experience), otherwise known as "Didaskalia" (Teaching), from the works of the great Eustathios Romaios. Romaios wrote a very large number of reports of judicial verdicts, many of which the redactor summarised in the "Peira". The redactor made many interventions over details in discussion of the cases, motivating Eustathios to make his legal points precisely. [Many of the "Peira"'s verdicts are not included here, as they involve no distinct person apart from their author]
Certainty: 1 Lazaros of Galesion & the discipline of his monastic community (c. 1042). Lazaros was called on to make decisions over the actions of many individual monks, for example anonymous brothers who ate too much after holy communion and vomited or wrote a hymn about Lazaros himself. He also had to deal with the lack of humility of Germanos the parekklesiarches (who had to apologise to Esaias Kontos), the drunkenness of Kornelios (who was found unconscious by Laurentios Halmyrenos and Loukas, but repented), the rebelliousness of Kosmas Philippikos (whose criticisms Lazaros refuted, though Kosmas would pay dearly for his declaration of war), the repeated departures of Nikolaos (who was twice forgiven, but fell ill and died the third time) and the fornication of Symeon (who was forced to admit his sins by Laurentios). More general principles which arose included the obedience of a monk to his superior, decisions over the degree of infirmity of sick and elderly months (in connection with standing in church), the age and experience of new monks accepted for tonsure, eating in the trapeza rather than in individual cells, the blessing of fruit, regulating the possessions held in cells, the use of lamps for reading, crosses for private devotion and icons in church, the giving of alms to beggars and the rules governing the standard of hospitality to guests offered by the xenodochos as against the regular food of the monks. Lazaros in the last case took a preliminary decision to please the monks, but later changed it. More senior monks like Ioannes Smyrnaios were sometimes critical of Lazaros over details but supportive over more general principles
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion & women (c. 1042). When Bartholomaios and another monk went out on monastery business, they spent the night at a layman's house, but his wife seduced the other monk. Batholomaios thought he would have killed the woman if he had a knife; on their return to the monastery, Lazaros knew of these thoughts. A nun who wished to go to Jerusalem put on a man's clothes and visited Lazaros as she passed Ephesos. After speaking to her, he called her back, said he knew of her disguise and persuaded her to return to her convent. She later told the story to the monk Neophytos. As soon as a female visitor saw Lazaros on his pillar, she started beating her breast and weeping for her sins. She confessed to him, managed to kiss his face, then left in peace. A priest's wife whom her husband abused polluted his wine with blood to send him mad, on the advice of an evil woman, to have grounds for divorce. But the priest used the wine in the eucharist, thus purifying it. When the woman realised what had happened, she went to Lazaros, who advised the monastic life for both of them. Another priest's wife tried to seduce a monk who entered her house, but he saved himself by invoking Lazaros' name. He advised the mother of one of his monks to become a nun, which she did. Another woman offered the monk Esaias only bread and an egg. When she realised her stinginess, she approached Esaias and Lazaros, who taught her to practise true hospitality. A widow in Constantinople had great faith in Lazaros, and sheltered two of his monks in her house when they visited the capital. She looked after one of them when he was attacked by a demon
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion again confronted the power of demons (c. 1042). An anagnostes aged 18 arrived on Mt Galesion to become a monk. But before tonsure he was sent by the monk Ignatios to collect leeks, fell off a cliff and was killed. Ignatios felt responsible, but was comforted by Lazaros. When shown the mangled corpse, Lazaros smiled, congratulating the devil for creating yet another martyr by his demons. Lazaros told his monks of a repentent sinner who decided to join a monastery but on his way there was lured by a demon to his death, while the monastery's hegoumenos dreamt of angels and demons fighting over his soul. On business in Ephesos, a monk had evil thoughts. As he returned he was untroubled, but refused an invitation to stay with a villager named Kyriakos. As he climbed Mt Galesion he had a panic attack and asked Lazaros if demons were the cause. Though Lazaros agreed not to send him back to Ephesos, in a few days he did send him, promising God's protection. Another youth was seized by a demon as he came to Lazaros, and rushed at the pillar, banging on the window. Lazaros said nothing; the monk had convulsions in the church till a cross was placed on his heart. A vinedresser heard screams in the night from Kyrillos, monk and shoemaker, who was lured to a precipice by a demon, a small man who claimed the kellarites was looking for him. The vinedresser saved him with the help of Kyrillos the oikonomos, and they told Lazaros. Two monks, Esaias and Ioannikios, stayed in Constantinople in the house of a widow, a supporter of Lazaros. But Ioannikios confessed he had gone to the Hippodrome, and Esaias threatened to report him to Lazaros. Ioannikios was attacked by a demon, and screamed, so Esaias had to leave him in the widow's care. Before Esaias reached Galesion, he heard of Ioannikios' death. Ioannes of Sardeis, a great ascetic, needed help from his servant Gerasimos to get back to his seat when dragged around by demons. Lazaros stopped the attacks by sending brothers to sing psalms in his cell. The stylite Nikon while serving at Theotokos was often attacked by demons. Once he was blinded and helped home by Gerasimos the cellarer; he was so beaten up that for a time he was also deaf and dumb
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion & the lure of money & possessions (c. 1042). Lazaros enforced strict rules over the possessions his monks kept in their cells, but was flexible in punishing theft and giving alms. When a very poor villager begged him for a job, worked for a time in the bakery but stole flour and hides which he sent to his mother, Lazaros let him escape, to the annoyance of the kellarites. Lazaros defended the giving of money, a goat and other food to a demanding beggar. A monk who stole money from the cell of the monk Merkourios was asked by Lazaros to return it, which he did; despite pressure, Lazaros concealed the thief's identity. Another thief, Meletios, had previously left the monastery for the worldly life. He now burgled the cell of Methodios, was interrogated and threatened with violence, but finally allowed to go free. Years later, under Lazaros' successor Ignatios, he took the monastic habit again and was put in charge of the horses. Despite protests from the brothers, Lazaros always welcomed back to the monastery another monk who stole from it, insisting that he be given a last chance. Kosmas Polites was blamed for not handing over all his money and keeping some for personal alms. He shamed Kerykos for keeping a folding table, a pot, a pouch and a cloak, and confiscated them, dismissing claims that Euthymios had similar items in his cell, because Euthymios was ill. He interrogated the oikonomos Germanos, who used his position to get a double measure of oil, and made him confess. He asked Neophytos, who had been given a coin by his brother, to hand it over, and persisted, despite Neophytos' denials, forcing him in the end to give it. Theodoulos, another monk, found a tetarteron coin outside the monastery and wanted to buy a psalter with it - but was forced to lie in doing so
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion made predictions about some of his visitors (c. 1042), especially about dates of death. Theophylaktos Sagopoulos planned to visit Lazaros, and ordered his servant to buy fish, which would not be available at the monastery. Before the servant arrived, Lazaros announced that Theophylaktos would be eating fish. Ioannes Mitas had met Lazaros while serving as dioiketes of Ephesos and Artokopeion, and he told his uncle Eustathios Mitas about him. Eustathios, without meeting Lazaros, bestowed many gifts on the monastery. When Ioannes was entrusted with the episkepsis of Myrelaion in Thrakesion he visited Lazaros again, and asked him to pray for Eustathios, who was suffering from gout. However he was told that, though Lazaros had prayed for him several times, his uncle would soon die. Georgios Kyon, a flute-player, visited Lazaros with Ioannes Mitas. The holy man listed the sins he had committed and warned him that death was near; but he did not make use of the prophecy and persisted in sin. A painter who visited Lazaros told him unwillingly of his past actions. He was warned that he had twelve more years to live, and when that time had passed, he died. A solitary monk from Mt Athos revealed his thoughts in a visit to Lazaros, and learned how long he had left to live. He returned to his solitary cell, and when the time came he went down to his monastery, bad farewell to the brothers, and went to die in his cell. A sailor had been told by his son where he wanted to be buried, and that he wanted a chapel built nearby. Lazaros, when informed of this, predicted that the boy would die. The sailor returned home, found his son dead and followed his instructions. Years later, after Lazaros' death, he would tell the story at Lopadion to the new hegoumenos of Galesion and other monks. Gregorios the cellarer knew Ioannes Libanos from Constantinople, and when Ioannes visited the monastery for a blessing, Gregorios told Lazaros of his intelligent young son, whom he had decided to educate. Lazaros foretold the boy's death, which was confirmed by letter the next year
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion was profoundly admired by visitors from many different areas (c. 1042). An Arab convert from Islam was baptised by the metropolitan of Ephesos, and then asked to visit Lazaros. The metropolitan sent him with a translator, and he refused to leave till Lazaros gave him a phylactery. A party of seven Jews, then a single Jewish visitor, were equally amazed. Hieremias, a Georgian monk, lived as an ascetic in Palestine, but left the desert for Constantinople. When at Ephesos he was received by the metropolitan Euthymios. He heard of Lazaros, and was persuaded to visit him. He asked Lazaros for leave to touch him, peeked through his little window, examined him closely and confirmed to all that Lazaros was a real hermit. He stayed at the monastery for some days and then returned to Ephesos, where he told the metropolitan that he had never seen an ascetic like Lazaros, not even in the desert of Judaea. A topoteretes visited Lazaros, talked about secular affairs and complained that he said nothing. Kyrillos the oikonomos advised the man at Ephesos to go back and seek spiritual help. This he did, made his confession, and left contented. Photios, a monk from Jerusalem, was on his way to Constantinople. When in Lydia he heard of Lazaros, and inquired about him from a fellow monk from Jerusalem then in a monastery at Kouzanas. The monk slandered Lazaros. Photios was troubled and decided to see for himself. At first sight he realised he had not been told the truth. Lazaros asked the monk Elias to look after him and feed him, and he was able to learn about the holy man's angelic life, so he was deeply ashamed of his earlier doubts. Some visitors from Attaleia triedx to interpret passages from the gospels, but disagreed. Lazaros told them that the fathers, especially Chrysostom, had explained everything. A Paulician was so impressed with Lazaros that he rejected his heresy and was baptised. He was later tonsured and became a monk at Mar Saba in the Holy Land
Certainty: 0 Different patterns of Christian devotion and asceticism on Mt Galesion (c. 1042). The monk Dorotheos, despite great age and the blindness of his last six years, never missed a liturgy, coming first, singing loudest, and chanting in his cell till the next service. He surpassed many younger monks over diet and fasts. Esaias censed a cross with coals in his bare hands (reported by Lazaros' mother to Gregorios the cellarer). He too kept the monastic diet strictly, and said Psalm 50 (the only one he knew) 150 times each night. The faithful trusted him, offering gifts which beautified the three churches on the mountain. Wishing to be tonsured by Lazaros, Georgios was so ashamed at the greatness of his sins that he could say nothing, and Lazaros had to name the sins himself to allow him to confess. Ioannes of Opsikion abstained from most foods and had no money; but his ascetic lifestyle led to a sore on his leg which killed him. Kerykos tended cattle but only drank milk in emergencies, and only ate grapes blessed by Lazaros. He was allowed to ascend the column of Petra, but found it unsuitable for hesychia and nearly fell climbing down himself, only saving his life by invoking Lazaros' name. He was finally installed on the column of the Theotokos. Lazaros Kontos and Pantoleon were both very demonstative in their faith, weeping, beating their breasts and performing many genuflections. Nikon the ascetic gave himself 200 lashes a day, ate what was given him, refused new clothes, and when issued one would give it away, claiming he had lost it. Though his clothes and person were infested with lice he would not clean them. An ulcer on his leg was full of maggots: Lazaros told Gregorios the cellarer to clean it, but after he succeeded once, Nikon ran away and would only return if left alone. He made Lazaros order him to offer his cheek to be struck by others, but the blows proved too violent. Nikon the stylite had begun ascetic practices as a boy, becoming stricter when tonsured. To prove himself he did manual work and was silent for three years, making other monks deride and bully him. When he finally ascended a pillar, he remained there only briefly before dying
Certainty: 2 Quarrel with Rus' merchants in Constantinople: murder of a distinguished man. Jaroslav, ruler of the Rus', son of Vladimir I, had been preparing a huge fleet to attack Constantinople. The trigger for the beginning of the expedition was the death of a prominent Scythian (Rus') merchant in Constantinople, one of those who died in a violent quarrel between Rus' traders and Romans. Jaroslav gathered all his forces immediately, including his allies from the islands of the northern ocean, and sailed against Constantinople with 100,000 men in monoxyla
Certainty: 3 Basilieos Theodorokanos arrived in Italy as katepano to capture Maniakes with local aid: but he had left. Basilieos Theodorokanos arrived in Italy as katepano to capture Maniakes with the aid of Argyros. They moved on Otranto, Theodorokanos by sea and Argyros by land. But Maniakes had already crossed the Adriatic and was in Bulgaria
Certainty: 3 Maniakes crossed to Dyrrachion & won a first battle. 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
Certainty: 2 Battle of Ostrobos: sudden death of Georgios Maniakes at moment of victory. Georgios Maniakes pitched his camp two days away from Thessalonike and attacked the great imperial camp at Ostrobos late in the afternoon. He had a battle-hardened army. The enemy ranks were more spectators than opponents. He fought at the head of his troops and whoever was injured by his sword escaped with half or more of their body maimed, for he was known to be invincible and firm. He caused great harm to the emperor's soldiers, terrified them with his irrestistible attacks and blows, and had almost won the battle, acclaimed by most of the enemy soldiers, but in the end fell off his horse. He remained lying on the ground. His opponents thought this was a trick until they realised the truth, approached and found him covered in blood and injured, and thus he lost the battle. As his squire was not there, his horse ran free between the armies. His head was removed and sent to Stephanos Pergamenos, who sent it on to Konstantinos IX. There were many stories claiming that his death was the result of divine intervention; the identity of the man who killed him was still unknown as Psellos wrote
Certainty: 2 Collapse of Maniakes' rebellion after his death; triumph of Konstantinos IX (& Stephanos Pergamenos). When Maniakes' men realised their leader had fallen, they were seized by terror and scattered. Parts of his army departed for their own homelands unnoticed, but the greatest number went over to the imperial side. Konstantinos IX fixed his enemy's head high up in the great hippodrome, so that all might see it even from far off in the open air. Stephanos Pergamenos, having in effect defeated and killed Maniakes, entered the agora (at Constantinople) in triumph on a white horse, and was splendidly honoured by Konstantinos IX, thus causing the envy of many. His light-armed troops in front of the procession, fully armed but not in formation, were followed by picked cavalry in full armour and in military order. Maniakes' troops were not ordered, but seated backwards on asses, their heads shaved, wearing a shameful necklet of refuse. After them came his head, paraded a second time, and other belongings. The empresses Zoe and Theodora watched the triumph, sitting high in front of the Chalke, on each side of Konstantinos IX
Certainty: 1 Epitaph in the persona of the dead Georgios Maniakes. Georgios Maniakes' hexameter epitaph stated that his prowess lay in the tomb with him, as it lived on in his sinews and refused to revive as a separate body from his
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX began Mangana monastery near Skleraina's house. Konstantinos IX was said to have begun building the Mangana monastery because of his beloved Skleraina, so that he might visit her continually on the pretext of the construction of the sanctuary, since she was then residing in the nearby house of the Kynegion. At first his visits were furtive, but later he became shameless. Even Zoe's supporters, when they realised what was happening, helped in the charade. He pulled down the previous structure on the Mangana site and built on the ruins, at first modestly, but later on an excessive scale
Certainty: 3 Death of patriarch Alexios Stoudites; gold found at his monastery. The patriarch Alexios Stoudites died, after enjoying the patriarchal throne for eighteen years. He was succeeded by Michael Keroularios. In his monastery there were found twenty-five kentenaria of gold, stored in the treasuries there. It was appropriated by the emperor Konstantinos IX
Certainty: 3 Sending of imperial instruction to concentrate troops against Russian invasion. The Rus' had planned to attack Michael IV, but were ready, after two changes of emperor, in the time of Konstantinos IX. Jaroslav, their ruler, constructed a huge fleet of small boats, which arrived immediately after the defeat of Maniakes. Konstantinos had a makeshift fleet, made up of warships and merchantmen, which he prepared with quantities of Greek fire
Certainty: 3 Appointment of Michael Keroularios as patriarch. Konstantinos IX had given Michael Keroularios full access to the palace, made him synkellos (?), and restored him and his family to the social and financial position which they had lost, making him one of his most admired courtiers. At the death of Alexios Stoudites, he had Keroularios appointed patriarch of Constantinople; while others had other candidates, his thoughts were immediately and unchangeably set in this direction, and he overcome Michaels initial reluctance. Keroularios was enthroned brilliantly, found his own unique way of subduing himself to the demands of his position, and felt that he had been chosen by God, so that he had no need to show favour to Konstantinos IX but to reform him
Certainty: 3 Encomium of patriarch Michael Keroularios, the day after his election. Christopher of Mytilene wrote an encomium of the patriarch Michael Keroularios, the day after his election [It is so lacunose that it is hard to understand]
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote Orationes panegyricae 2 for Konstantinos IX, with summary of recent history. As soon as Konstantinos IX became emperor, Psellos was recommended to him, though they had not met. All Konstantinos' bodyguard knew of his eloquence. He became his servant in all things, was ranked in the higher order and entrusted with the most honoured tasks. Psellos was ignorant of nothing, neither of things done openly nor secretly. He was employed in the palace at the age of 25. An early task (perhaps an application piece?) was Orationes panegyricae 2, a summary of recent history, from Basileios II to the defeat of Georgios Maniakes
Certainty: 3 Blinding of Ioannes orphanotrophos (by men of Theodora?). Ioannes orphanotrophos was blinded at the village of Marykaton. Skylitzes is uncertain who was responsible: some say Theodora without the consent of Konstantinos IX, or as other claim, the emperor himself, who bore a grudge against him for having banished him
Certainty: 3 Death of Ioannes orphanotrophos. The blinding of Ioannes orphanotrophos was particularly violent and he died a few days afterwards
Certainty: 2 Psellos took over a house vacated by Konstantinos (X): beginning of their friendship. Psellos needed a more brilliant way of life and a better house, like that of Konstantinos (X). Konstantinos IX was energetic on Psellos' behalf and arranged an exchange of houses, which united Psellos and Konstantinos (X) in friendship. This was increased by their mutual love of eloquence. They met often, and Psellos praised Konstantinos.
Certainty: 2 Reluctant entry of Ioannes Mauropous to court of Konstantinos IX. Pellos wanted to introduce all his learned friends to imperial service. Ioannes Mauropous was the most reluctant, but eventually he had a successful interview with Konstantinos IX and Zoe. Mauropous wrote epigrams to commemorate the occasion
Certainty: 2 Rus' ships on way to Constantinople tried foraging near Varna: Katakalon Kekaumenos drove them off. Katakalon Kekaumenos drove away the Rus' who ravaged the territory under his authority near Varna on their way to Constantinople, and forced them to return to their ships. He watched over the coast (and on their way back he would attack them again)
Certainty: 2 Onset of Konstantinos IX's gout. Within a year of his succession, Konstantinos IX became crippled with gout, from which he would suffer for the rest of his life. Gout had stopped him taking the field against Maniakes. At times his hands and feet were almost useless, as was plain to close confidants like Psellos. He had to be supported by grooms on horseback in public processions, which he performed out of a sense of duty. He was also at times afflicted by crippling diarroea. But he was careful not to make the extent of his distress visible to others
Certainty: 3 Failed plot of Stephanos Pergamenos in favour of Leon, strategos of Melitene. Konstantinos IX feared that Stephanos Pergamenos, the leader of the army which defeated Georgios Maniakes, might use the success against himself, who had sent him. He would potentially be a more serious usurper than Maniakes, given his vast army and probable immediate success. Stephanos was accused of plotting against Konstantinos IX and planning to place on the throne Leon, strategos of Melitene. He had his properties confiscated, was tonsured and banished. Lambros, father of Leon, was accused of being an accomplice: he was tortured cruelly, had his eyes gouged out, and was paraded through the agora
Certainty: 3 Rus' naval attack on Constantinople: failure to reach a diplomatic solution. Men were sent as emissaries to Jaroslav of Rus' with a message from Konstantinos IX asking him to lay down his arms, promising to make amends for the murder of the prominent trader, and urging him not to break the long-lasting peace. But they were received arrogantly and dismissed dishonourably. They were sent again when Jaroslav's fleet had anchored at Pharos. They were once again dismissed, with Jaroslav's envoys requesting 3 pounds of gold for each of his men (and/or a thousand staters for each of his ships) in order to lay down their arms. These proposals were simply aimed at justifying the war. They were not even given a reply and the two sides prepared for war
Certainty: 3 Rus' naval attack on Constantinople: battle of Pharos. Konstantinos IX, when some 400 Russian ships arrived in the Sea of Marmara, gathered all the fighting ships and other war vessels, established infantry positions along the nearby coastline, and on a Sunday he sent out his forces. Psellos stood near him as the Rus' lined up their ships, watching from a distance what was going on, from a hill which sloped gently towards the sea. Jaroslav ranged his ships in a continuous line from one coast to the other, ready to attack or defend, a sight which terrified all who saw it. When much of the day had passed and the Rus remained quiet and did not break their formation, the emperor ordered Basileios Theodorokanos to take three of the warships and launch missiles against them, in order to draw them into battle. Basileios advanced into their midst instead, burnt seven ships with Greek fire, and sunk three with their crews. He jumped onto a Russian ship, captured it, and slew or overpowered its crew, overawed by his courage. Since the attack was so successful with three warships, the emperor signalled to some of the others to put out. Seeing them approach the barbarians abandoned the fight and broke formation, backed water and began to flee. A storm completed the rout. The Byzantine fleet remained there for two days before returning to the capital
Certainty: 2 Rus' naval attack on Constantinople: events following battle at Pharos. Basileios Theodorokanos was left together with Nikolaos, domestikos of the scholai and parakoimomenos by Konstantinos IX, in command of two tagmata and the hetaireiai, in order to protect the coast and prevent a landing of barbarians. Further away, Katakalon Kekaumenos met the Rus' along the coast of Varna, returning from their failed attack. He defeated them, killed many, captured 800 and sent them to the emperor in fetters
Certainty: 3 Violent storm destroyed vineyards. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX persuaded Zoe to let Skleraina move into palace. Konstantinos IX wanted to put aside the concealment and live with Maria Skleraina as his wife, and so he asked Zoe to let her move to the palace. He even made a contract of friendship and organised an imperial pavilion for it, where uneasy senators came as witnesses. Konstantinos sent continual gifts to Maria, and provided her with the means to make gifts to others. She knew of Zoe's passion for money and Theodora's passion for her darics. When the people saw her for the first time walking together with Zoe and Theodora, a great flatterer quietly quoted the Homeric phrase 'No cause for anger', without completing the line (a reference to the first appearance of Helen in Troy). Maria noted the comment, asked its significance, and rewarded the speaker. Psellos was captivated by Maria, who asked him mythological questions, and took an intelligent interest in his answers
Certainty: 2 Maria Skleraina was given the title "sebaste" by Zoe, at Konstantinos' suggestion. Since Konstantinos IX wished it, Zoe and Theodora honoured Maria Skleraina with the new dignity of 'sebaste', which before had had an exclusively imperial reference
Certainty: 1 Rise of Konstantinos Leichoudes to become the mesazon of Konstantinos IX. When Konstantinos IX became emperor, he felt that it was time to relax from the pressures of his exile. He was very willing to pass the imperial duties to others, especially Konstantinos Leichoudes, in whose hands the empire prospered. Leichoudes gradually became prominent and was elevated to the most conspicuous position in the empire (mesazon). He would often give the impression in public that he was consulting the emperor, when in fact he was not. But then Monomachos became jealous and, as if the empire had been transferred to Leichoudes, was unable to bear it
Certainty: 1 List of Iveron chrysobulls prepared by the local krites Ioannes. Ioannes asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, issued an act referring to a chrysobull of Basileios II, whereby Iveron had been granted 40 paroikoi and 60 households exempt from taxes. He also made a list of the chrysobulls (of Iveron) with a description of each donation
Certainty: 1 Local krites Ioannes issued an act about tax obligations of Saviour at Hierissos. Ioannes asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, issued an act concerning the tax obligations of the metochion of the Saviour belonging to the monastery of Kaliourgou, in the territory of the kastron of Hierissos
Certainty: 1 Pechenegs under Kegen defeated the Uzes (Oghuz) near Danube. The Pechenegs were attacked by the Uzes (Oghuz) near the Danube, and their leader Tyrach would not face them. He hid in the marshes near the Danube. Another Pecheneg leader, Kegen, defeated the Uzes in several ambushes
Certainty: 1 Leon Tornikios adopted as a candidate for the throne by the army of Macedonia. Leon Tornikios was a relative of the imperial family. When he reached maturity and showed some strength of character, the army of Macedonia became firm in his support, looking for opportunities to revolt. They missed chances, through his absence or lack of specific motivation
Certainty: 0 Christodoulos (later of Patmos) visited Jerusalem & settled for a time in Palestine. Christodoulos moved from place to place, looking for somewhere to settle, looking for more complete isolation. He visited Palestine in pilgrimage to the Holy Places and spoke with the luminaries there, and then moved to the most desolate areas of the country and settled for a time
Certainty: 1 Disagreements on Mt Galesion, especially over building work. Kosmas, the monk who had betrayed to the metropolitan of Ephesos the measures Lazaros was taking against him, was aware of Lazaros' benevolence, and so won forgiveness. He returned to the monastery, but continued to spread rumours against Lazaros. Eventually he would die unrepentant away from the monastery. Lazaros directed from his pillar the construction of a refectory, and when the monk Matthaios protested that it was unnecessary, and that they would be chased away anyway after his death by the villagers of Galesion, he predicted that the community would survive. Lazaros also planned to add more cells on the western side of the monastery. This was opposed by many of the brothers, who asked Matthaios to speak to him about it. He managed to persuade Lazaros to give up the plan, though it would be carried out after his death
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Konstantinos IX for Nea Mone (Chios) confirming purchase of an estate. Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull confirming the purchase by Nea Mone of the estate of Kalothekia from the sons of Katakalon, together with its fields, klasma and the chorion of Eucheia, and granting its paroikoi an exkousseia as well as an additional exkousseia on 24 more paroikoi
Certainty: 3 Riot against Skleraina during a procession was stopped by appearance of Zoe & Theodora. On the feast day of the 40 martyrs Konstantinos IX was almost overpowered by the crowd when he came out of the palace with a large retinue, and proceeded on foot to the church of the Saviour at Chalke, intending to ride to the martyrs' shrine. He was forced to turn round when angry crowds started protesting against his mistress Skleraina. He gave up his plan to venerate the 40 martyrs in the confusion that followed, which subsided only when Zoe and Theodora appeared to the crowds
Certainty: 3 Kyparissiou ceded to Iveron by its hegoumenos Markos. Markos, hegoumenos of Kyparissiou on Athos, nurtured the monks of his monastery but they all proved unsuitable as successors, so in old age he decided to save it by ceding it with all its land, rights and property to the neighbouring brothers of Iveron. He received a confirmation from Iveron of an allowance, and requested that the church be kept in use in order to be commemorated there with other deceased monks. Other stipulations made the bequest irreversible. The document setting out the conditions of his resignation was written by the monk and scribe Basileios. It was signed by 22 monks, 10 in Georgian: it is unclear whether they are restricted to Iveron or Kyparissiou or come from various monasteries
Certainty: 2 Wide unpopularity of Skleraina: Niketas Stethatos failed to break her hold over Konstantinos . Niketas Stethatos, an ascetic who went 40 days without taking any food whatever, tried without success to relieve the frustration caused to the people, the senate, and the empresses (Zoe and Theodora) by the affair of the emperor Konstantinos IX with the daughter of Skleros
Certainty: 2 William, son of Tancred, arrived in Calabria with prince Guaimar, building castle of Stridula. The Norman count William Bras de fer of Hauteville arrived in Calabria with Guaimar IV of Salerno. They built the castle of Stridula (Scribla? Squillace?)
Certainty: 2 ?Argyros directed the fleet to Asta. ?Argyros, son of Melus, sent the fleet to Asta (?), where Alefantus Nacteri (?) was killed
Certainty: 2 Kutulmush (?) attacked Mutamid ad-Daula Qirwas b. Muqallad, prince of Mosul, but was defeated. Tughrul Beg, the Seljuk Sultan, sent his cousin Kutulmush to attack Mutamid ad-Daula Qirwas b. Muqallad (Karbeses), prince of Mosul. He was defeated and fled in disgrace. Kutulmush returned to Tughrul Beg, defended himself and blamed others for his defeat, and offered to march again against the same prince, if given adequate forces, and to capture Arabia for the sultan
Certainty: 1 Turkish request to cross Vaspurakan; capture of Stephanos Leichoudes by Kutulmush. Kutulmush, returning from defeat at the hands of Mutamid ad-Daula Qirwas b. Muqallad and wishing to traverse Media-Vaspurakan, sent envoys to its governor Stephanos Leichoudes, requesting to be allowed through, promising to leave the land untouched and unharmed. Leichoudes thought that this request was motivated by fear, so he refused it, and prepared to attack the Turkish army. Kutulmush's vanquished army was ill-equipped, but he engaged in a victorious battle, captured Stephanos, and on his way through Tabriz sold him to the local ruler
Certainty: 1 Death of Maria Skleraina's father, a first terrible blow to her mother. He died before Maria, the first blow to her mother. Maria's death was to be a second
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos & Nikephoros, nephews of Keroularios, sent to Psellos for simple education. Michael Keroularios had respect for his nephews Nikephoros and Konstantinos before they grew up, and admired them later. He sent them to Psellos for grammatical and some philosophical education, and they did well
Certainty: 0 Michael Psellos dreamed of his mother, who introduced him to St Basileios. Psellos had a dream of his recently-deceased mother Theodote in heaven, encouraging him to follow the narrow road of faith and introducing him to St Basileios
Certainty: 1 Michael Psellos' daughter Styliane gratified her parents as a baby. Styliane derived her nobility from her mother, and as a baby showed it by precocious behaviour with her nurses and maids. She was charming, beautiful and a delight to her parents, being taught good manners by the formality of her mother
Certainty: 1 Accomodation arrangements for the emperor, two empresses & sebaste in the palace. In the allocation of apartments in the palace, Konstantinos IX had the central one and Maria, Zoe and Theodora resided round about: but Maria had the inner sanctum. This cohabitation proved harmonious. Zoe never went to the emperor without ascertaining whether he was alone, or being visited by Maria
Certainty: 0 Zoe's superstitions & perfume-making increase. Zoe made a very accurate image of her Jesus (called the Antiphonetes) and embellished it with a bright substance. She created a likeness that all but breathed. Its tones gave an answer to questions and its colour indicated the future. Pellos saw her hugging it and reacting to it with great emotion. She was also involved in perfume-making, with her bedroom resembling a perfumier's market booth. She lit many braziers around her room and one of her attendants divided up the bulk perfumes, others blended them. In winter the work of perfume-making seemed to her advantage, since the great fires heated the cold air. But in summer others found it trying to come near, while she, as if oblivious to the heat, had a bodyguard of many fires
Certainty: 1 Maria Skleraina sent money to Lazaros of Galesion. Maria Skleraina was told by her brother Romanos about Lazaros, and she sent him one of the imperial furnishings and 720 nomismata which were used for the construction of the (church? monastery?) of Pausolype
Certainty: 1 Delimitation of the property of Hagios Demetrios Phouskoulou at Kassandra. The anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike Ioannnes established the periorismos and set the taxes due from the proasteion of Hagios Demetrios Phouskoulou at Kassandra, belonging to the monastery of Hagios Panteleemon tou Sphrentze
Certainty: 0 Marriage of Anna Dalassene to Ioannes Komnenos. Ioannes Komnenos married Anna Dalassene, daughter of Alexios Charon. They would become parents of remarkable children, five sons (Manuel, Isaakios, Alexios, Adrianos, Nikephoros) and three daughters (Maria, Eudokia, Theodora)
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous defended his decision to abandon seclusion for the court of Konstantinos IX.
Certainty: 3 Pittakion of Konstantinos IX establishing an annual grant of 72 nomismata for Nea Mone (Chios). Konstantinos IX Monomachos established an annual grant of 72 nomismata for the monastery of Nea Mone on Chios and ordered the eidikos Eustathios to prepare a copy of the relevant pittakion for the monastery. It was signed by nine significant bureaucrats
Certainty: 2 Two regulations for hegemon & monks of monastery tou Stylou on Latros.
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull removing Nea Mone from jurisdiction of regular judges & placing it under imperial authority. Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull protecting Nea Mone on Chios from interference by all officials and putting it under direct imperial control
Certainty: 2 Kyrillos Phileotes started living as an ascetic. Kyrillos Phileotes, a holy man at Derkos in Thrace, returned home and announced to his wife his decision either to abandon her and their children to retire to a monastery or to remain with them but abstain from all work in order to mortify his body. She persuaded him to stay. He built a small cell for prayer in his house, lived with his family fasting, praying, and mending fishing nets without reward. He also tied his body with heavy irons causing him wounds which smelt. He went out at night to the lake (of Derkos) to pray for up to a week without food, before returning home to his wife and children. He visited the sick and dying, gave alms and encouraged his wife to do the same, discussed religious issues, and was accused of insensitivity when he stayed in his cell as his daughter lost an eye. He visited the Thotokos at Blachernai weekly and was once arrested as a spy on his way home. He was finally persuaded to replace his fetters with ropes
Certainty: 2 Earthquake in Ekeleac province.
Certainty: 2 Three Turkish generals approached Mosul, were defeated by the Arabs & went to Byzantine lands.
Certainty: 2 Embassy to Gagik II to hand over Ani & Armenia according to his father's promise. Konstantinos IX found in the palace the agreement between Ioannes/John Smbat of Armenia and Basileios II, and demanded the return of Ani and Great Armenia as the successor of Basileios, as John Smbat had now died. But Gagik II refused. Konstantinos decided to declare war and sent an army under Michael Iasites
Certainty: 2 After failure of embassy, war against Gagik II to win Armenia. When Gagik II refused to abide by the agreement to hand over Ani and Armenia to the Byzantines, he was attacked by the forces of Konstantinos IX. Michael Iasites, katepano of Iberia, tried a swift attack, but Gagik organised his defences. Later Nikolaos, domestikos of the scholai and parakoimomenos, arrived with superior forces. Nikolaos carried letters from the emperor for the ruler of Dvin Abu'l-Aswar, urging him to attack Gagik's lands. Nikolaos wrote himself too, promising gifts to Abu'l-Aswar. Attacked by Nikolaos and with his territory ravaged by Abu'l-Aswar, Gagik came to an agreement with Nikolaos to hand Ani to the emperor
Certainty: 2 To enlist Abu'l-Aswar of Dvin against Gagik, Konstantinos IX let him keep any Armenian forts he captured. Abu'l-Aswar, ruler of Dvin and Persarmenia, requested from Konstantinos IX and was granted a chrysobull confirming ownership of all the forts and villages that he would capture from Gagik II, and started besieging and occupying the latter's territory
Certainty: 2 Gagik was invited to Constantinople, & was later made magistros with estates in central Anatolia. Konstantinos IX, having failed to capture Ani, promised to recognize Gagik II as ruler of his country if only he were to see him in person. Gagik did not heed the advice of Vahram Pahlavuni and the 'azats', but was convinced by Sergios/Sarkis Haykazn to visit the emperor. He left Ani, giving the key to the katholikos Peter Getadarj, and went to the Byzantines, who did not allow him to go back to Armenia. He refused the emperor's offer of Melitene in exchange for Ani. He was made magistros, was given villages yielding a high income in Cappadocia, Charsianon and Lykandos (though not so rich as Ani?), and from then on led a quiet life
Certainty: 2 Surrender of Ani by the katholikos Peter Getadarj to Konstantinos IX: it became seat of a doux. Realising that Ani would be handed by its leaders to either Bagrat IV of Georgia or David of Dvin, brother-in-law of Gagik II, the katholikos Peter wrote to the governor of the eastern region at Samosata to enquire about his reward if he were to surrender to the emperor. He was awarded by the emperor expensive gifts and a court dignity in exchange for surrendering Ani, and was also given many honours by Asit (Michael Iasites, sent as governor). When Iasites was replaced by Kamenas (Katakalon Kekaumenos) his honours were reduced and he was accused in official letters to the emperor. He was ordered to move to Artzn by Kekaumenos who pretended he had received imperial orders to that effect. His arrival filled the inhabitants with joy, and they celebrated Epiphany by the river. However he cut his hand - a bad omen - when baptising a Muslim. He was soon arrested, taken to the fort of Xaghtoy Arhich where he remained till Easter, and then sent to Constantinople together with his nephew Gagik. Gagik's brother Ananias was also taken to the capital by a powerful eunuch. Konstantinos IX received Peter with great honours, ordered that he should be treated generously, but kept him for three years, fearing that if he returned (to Ani) he might incite the city to revolt
Certainty: 2 Surrender of Bjni by Grigor Pahlawuni to Konstantinos IX. Grigor Pahlawuni went to Konstantinos IX and, seeing that Gagik II was not allowed back to his own country (Armenia), he handed to the emperor the keys of Bjni. He rendered all his hereditary lands to the emperor and was rewarded with the dignity of magistros and with hereditary estates including villages and towns in Mesopotamia, confirmed by a chrysobull
Certainty: 2 Maraldi, son of Ioannes Hikanatos of Bari, was drowned in the Aegean; he was coming from Tarsos. Maraldi, son of Ioannes Hikanatos of Bari, was drowned in the Aegean, on his way from Tarsos
Certainty: 2 In Taranto fire descended from the sky & burned most of the city. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Chages & Palatinos the katepano came to Bari. Eustathios Palatinos was conducted to Bari as katepano by Konstantinos Chage. Palatinos remained when Chage returned to the capital with Argyros and his people
Certainty: 2 Argyros, son of Melus, went with his people to Constantinople with Chages. Argyros the patrikios and his people accompanied Konstantinos Chage on his return journey from Bari to Constantinople
Certainty: 2 Byzantine attempt to recover forts from Abu'l-Aswar by capturing Dvin ended in defeat & failure . Abu'l-Aswar refused to surrender to Konstantinos IX the forts and villages of Ani he had captured from Gagik II, following the chrysobull granted by the emperor. Konstantinos ordered the parakoimomenos Nikolaos to attack him with the Roman army and the forces of Iberia and Great Armenia. Nikolaos sent forces to Dvin under Michael Iasites and his own slave Konstantinos the Alan. Abu'l-Aswar, seeing his forces were inferior to the Romans, shut himself up within the walls of Dvin, diverted the nearby river to flood the plain, and placed archers in the surrounding vineyards ordering them to wait for his trumpet signal to attack. When the Romans advanced through the vineyards to attack Dvin, he gave the trumpet signal for the assault to begin, and the enemy forces under Iasites and Konstantinos the Alan were routed. When the emperor heard of the disaster, he removed Nikolaos and Iasites from office and replaced them with Konstantinos as strategos autokrator and Katakalon Kekaumenos as doux of Iberia
Certainty: 3 Typikon of Konstantinos IX issued by Kosmas Tzintziloukes regulating monasteries of Mt Athos. Konstantinos IX received a delegation of monks from Athos who requested his help in having their typika and chrysobulls respected. They asked for the dispatch of an experienced monk: he issued a decree ordering Kosmas Tzintziloukes to go there and investigate. Kosmas arrived on the holy mountain, summoned the protos Theophylaktos, the monks and hegoumenoi at Karyes, and had the typikon of Tzimiskes and the imperial chrysobulls read before the assembly. He settled with the agreement of the monks problems concerning the possession of ships and animals, timber resources, movement of monks, wills and authority of hegoumenoi, rights of protoi, competences of assemblies, activities at Karyes and the numbers of attendants at meetings. He requested the assembly of monks to respect prohibitions on the possession of animals by the monasteries. When Neophytos of Lavra disagreed, he allowed the Lavra to keep its cows but not its sheep. Following complaints about age limits, he ordered that the minimum age for deacons should be 25 and for priests and hegoumenoi 30, according to the rules. It was agreed that eunuchs and beardless youths should be banished from Athos. 32 monks and hegoumenoi signed the document as having attended. The document was drafted by five of them: Athanasios, hegoumenos of Vatopedi; Georgios III Hagiorites/Mtacmindeli, hegoumenos of Iveron; Ioannes, hegoumenos of Zygos; Neophytos, hegoumenos of Lavra; and Theophylaktos, protos of Mount Athos
Certainty: 2 Renewal for 10 years of Byzantine-Fatimid treaty.
Certainty: 1 Illness & death of Skleraina. Maria Skleraina, who had risen to such a height was suddenly brought low by disease, which was resistant to all treatment. She had chest pains and terrible difficulty in breathing and finally died, causing inexpressible grief for the emperor Konstantinos IX. His emotion is shown in the tomb he had made for her. Konstantinos was perhaps planning to make Maria empress, though it is was not easy for Psellos to see how. Psellos recommended Zoe and Theodora as consolation for the emperor
Certainty: 1 Struggle between Pechenegs Tyrach & Kegen; Kegen, defeated, was welcomed in Byzantium. A Pecheneg leader Kegen found that the supreme leader Tyrach planned to kill him, making several unsuccessful attempts, as he realised that Kegen's military success was more popular than his own high birth. So Kegen won the backing of two tribes (Belemarnis and Pagoumanis) and rebelled. However he was vanquished by Tyrach and his eleven tribes. Kegen wandered in the marshes, decided to defect to the emperor, reached Dristra and retreated to a river island with his 20,000 supporters. He sent messages to the local governor Michael, informing him of his wish to defect and promising to be very useful. He was received by the governor, who provided everything necessary, and reached Constantinople. He was received kindly by Konstantinos IX, he promised to accept baptism and to persuade his people to follow him; he was made patrikios, with three forts on the banks of the Danube and much land, and became an ally of the Romans. He kept his promise and was baptized along with his people by Euthymios, a monk sent to perform the rite by the Danube
Certainty: 1 Fleet sent to bar crossing of Danube against Pechenegs of Tyrach.
Certainty: 1 Kyrillos Phileotes went on pilgrimage to Chonai. Kyrillos Phileotes, wishing to venerate the miracle of the archangel Michael at Chonai, stopped at an inn along the way and had 3 nomismata and 1 miliaresion as well as his garments stolen by the inn-keeper. But the man, amazed at Kyrillos' wounds, returned what he had stolen. Kyrillos reached the church of the archangel Michael (at Chonai), fell on his knees before the saint's icon praying for his protection, and returned home
Certainty: 1 Kyrillos Phileotes visited Rome with his brother Michael to venerate the tombs of the Apostles. Michael/Matthaios, brother of Kyrillos Phileotes, wished to visit Rome in order to venerate the apostles and subject his body to more hardship, and was joined by his brother. They set out with no walking sticks, luggage, second garments or sandals, eating bread, vegetables and soaked pulses, and resolved not to mix with any other travellers in order to avoid bad company. Kyrillos fell ill as a result of the hardships of travel, remained lying under an oak tree near a village for two months enduring hot weather and fever, and refused his brother's pleas to eat some cooked food and drink wine. He asked his brother to anoint him with oil from the lamp burning before his icon of Christ, and after a few days he gained strength and they continued their journey, reached Rome, venerated the tombs of the holy apostles and returned home
Certainty: 1 Foundation of monastery of Christ near Derkos on family property by brother of Kyrillos Phileotes Michael. Michael, brother of Kyrillos Phileotes. moved to the derelict church of Christ which belonged to his family, was tonsured there, changed his name to Matthaios, gathered several brothers and founded a monastery there, and was often visited by his brother Kyrillos. Kyrillos took charge of the monks' chanting, their prayers, food and monastic regime, before returning to his own cell to continue his ascetic lifestyle with his wife and children
Certainty: 0 Michael Psellos recommended some friends of his father to a krites. Psellos wrote to a krites (?) recommending friends and relations of his father, not for that reason but as good men. If Psellos' word was enough, let them be helped. If not, let them be tested, and Psellos' judgment would be vindicated
Certainty: 1 Lazaros bishop of Philippopolis tried for treason. Lazaros, bishop of Philippopolis quarreled with some people of his diocese, apparently over money. He claimed he prevented them from enriching themselves at the expense of the poor and so gained imperial favour. His opponents feared they would be reported to the emperor. They struck first, accusing him of making treasonable statements about Konstantinos IX; he was summoned to court - on the financial issue, he thought - but was amazed to face a treason trial, with witnesses recruited by his opponents, at least one of whom was a heretic; these had had contact with him and claimed to have heard him speak treasonably (the easiest accusation with which to have him deposed). His opponents put their case very convincingly, while he, dumbfounded by the unexpected charge (he was the only person present who did not know of it), was unable to answer; this made the accusation even more believable to Konstantinos IX, the president of the court. Keroularios the patriarch and other members of the Synod defended Lazaros. He was eventually convicted in this first trial, but only by the intervention of armed soldiers who howled at the members of the Synod and silenced them. He was deposed and exiled. Soon after the first trial there was a double change: Konstantinos IX (as often) showed his merciful side and recalled him, while the Synod (including Keroularios) refused to accept his reinstatement, claiming that deposition, like execution, was irreversible
Certainty: 0 Psellos may have witten three letters to Michael patrikios on a commentary on Hermogenes & a visit fom a great man. Three letters were written to Michael patrikios, perhaps by Psellos. The two of them had been long apart, then they were parted for a further two weeks, which seemed a long time. The letters are dominated by the impending visit of a magistros known to the writer of the letters, who asks repeatedly whether the magistros had arrived. A difficult winter journey was involved. Michael patrikios also received a commentary on Hermogenes written by the teacher of the letter-writer, who sent it immediately when asked. [The situation is unclear]
Certainty: 2 New Byzantine generals captured Hagia Marina, Ampier & Hagios Gregorios (forts near Ani). Katakalon Kekaumenos and Konstantinos, appointed to replace previous Byzantine generals after the failed campaign against Dvin, captured the Hagia Maria, Ampier, and Hagios Gregorios (forts near Ani), defeating Abu'l-Aswar who tried to assist the besieged
Certainty: 2 The katepano of Italy recalled exiles to Bari. Eustathios Palatinos the katepano of Italy, gathered all the exiles at Bari and went on to Taranto
Certainty: 3 Eustathios Palatinos, defeated in battle with Normans at Taranto (?), returned to Bari. Eustathios Palatinos was defeated in battle with Normans at Taranto (or Trani?). In the defeat, many Antiopi (?) were killed by the sword and by drowning. Palatinos returned to Bari
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull offering lodging in the capital to monks of Nea Mone. Konstantinos IX issued a chrysobull granting rights of residence (?) to the monks of Nea Mone in the xenodocheion at Constantinople where the monks of Olympus (in Bithynia) also resided. The grant was backed up by supplies of food and money
Certainty: 2 Consecration of St Sophia at Kiev.
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Konstantinos IX confirming Athos typikon of September 1045. Konstantinos IX was presented with the typikon setting out the decisions reached by the assembly of monks and hegoumenoi (at Karyes) summoned by Kosmas Tzintziloukes, and confirmed it with his seal and with a chrysobull which he signed
Certainty: 2 Negotiations of the people of Bari with Humphrey of Hauteville. When Eustathios the katepano returned to Bari, he found that the people of the city were in negotiation with the Norman Humphrey of Hauteville
Certainty: 2 Baptised Byzantine ally Kegen fought Pechenegs of Tyrach across Danube. Kegen opposed the marauding Pechenegs, crossing the Danube several times with 1000 men, then again with 2000. He caused much damage, attacking Tyrach and his forces, killing men and enslaving women and children and selling them to the Romans. These raids led to an embassy from Tyrach which reminded Konstantinos IX of their alliance and threatened all-out war unless he restrained the defector. But the envoys returnd empty-handed, as the emperor decided to help Kegen, whom he had accepted as a wronged fugitive. Konstantinos sent letters to Michael the governor and to Kegen ordering them to guard the banks of the Danube diligently, and to tell him of any enemy attack so that he might send some of the western tagmata to help prevent the Pechenegs crossing the river. He also sent a hundred ships to defend the crossing
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX, annoyed that his sister Euprepia was cultivating Leon Tornikios, sent him to govern Iberia. Euprepeia, sister of Konstantinos IX, was disappointed in her brother's rule, and had few sisterly feelings towards him. Their conversations often ended with anger on both sides. Partly for this reason she cultivated a cousin, Leon Tornikios, whom Konstantinos did not like, making Konstantinos furiously angry; but at first he had no justification for action. However, when rumours began to circulate about Leon's loyalty and slanderous statements were made against him as a candidate for the throne supported by the army of Macedonia, he promoted Leon and sent him into a glorious exile - to govern Iberia
Certainty: 2 Henry III king of the Germans came to Rome to solve the problem of three popes. The holy Roman emperor Henry III [called Conrad by LP] came to Rome to solve the problem of three simultaneous popes. Silvester III was in St Peter's, Gregory VI in the Lateran and Benedict IX at Tusculum. Henry deposed all three, and imposed a choice of his own, Clement II
Certainty: 2 Conrad II of Germany had Clemens II elected, but met resistance at Benevento. The emperor Henry III, having imposed pope Clement II, moved south to Benevento. There the gates of the city were shut to him and the bridle of his horse was cut (?)
Certainty: 2 Death of William (Bras-de-fer); replaced as count by his brother Drogo. After the death of William Bras-de-fer of Hauteville, his brother Drogo became count of Apulia in his stead
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Raphael the katepano of Italy arrived with Varangians & captured a town. Ioannes Raphael arrived with Varangians in Southern Italy as katepano and captured a town (unnamed)
Certainty: 3 Town of Stira captured by the Varangians. The Varangians (with Raphael the katepano?) captured Scyra (?) in October, then went on to lay waste Lecce in December [though one source implies a year's gap before the destruction of Lecce]
Certainty: 3 Tens of thousands of Pechenegs under Tyrach crossed the frozen Danube. Tyrach was annoyed at the negative response brought back by his envoys. That winter was very cold, so that the Danube froze over and the banks were left unguarded, allowing [800,000] Pechenegs to cross, Tyrach's whole nation. When they reached the Roman side of the river, they ravaged everything to hand
Certainty: 1 Peace with Rus': release of Rus' prisoners from 1043, marriage of Jaroslav's son to Byzantine princess.
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous dedicated a church of St Theodoros in his native city, with a typikon. Ioannes Mauropous, before he could use the resources of Euchaita, showed his public spirit by building a magnificent church and monastery of Hagios Theodoros in his (unidentified) native city in Paphlagonia, using strong male arms and subtle female fingers, with a firm typikon
Certainty: 1 Second trial of Lazaros of Philippopolis sought to overturn the verdict of the first. In his second trial (for which Psellos wrote his speech), Lazaros of Philippopolis tried to persuade the Synod to return to the views they expressed at the first, to accept the imperial annulment of his deposition and banishment, and to reinstate him in his see. He was suffering spiritual and ecclesiastical death because of a false trial and a legal quibble over deposition, at the hands of old colleagues. He refused the compensation of a pronoia and thanked Konstantinos IX, Zoe and Theodora. He compared the care with which a bishop was appointed to the hasty and illegal way in which he had been deposed, with credence given to false accusers (including a heretic) and total neglect of the canons
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote in the persona of Konstantinos IX welcoming a new convert & claiming a part in his baptism. Konstantinos IX (by Psellos' pen) replied to a letter (?) from a convert to the Orthodox faith, rejoicing at his conversion and eager to be godfather at the baptism. Michael Keroularios would answer questions on doctinal matters and an anonymous proedros would join the ceremony
Certainty: 1 Psellos' daughter Styliane had developed from a baby into a beautiful & talented young girl. As Styliane grew out of babyhood, her beauty increased with her age, her solemn manner developed some reserve, and her intelligence became plain - like a baby bird developing new feathers
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Xiphilinos, praising his disdain for the trivial, but demanding a letter. Psellos wrote to praise Ioannes Xiphilinos' disdain for the trivial, but refused that category for himself, having had no letter. Silence suited the mind, but the body needed speech. Xiphilinos might ignore his servants, but should compromise by a two-line letter to Psellos
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX was praised by Psellos for some success in Koile-Syria (Antioch?). Konstantinos IX acheived some success in Koile-Syria (probably the Antioch area) gained by peaceful methods, which enabled Psellos to include it in an encomium. Konstantinos was also praised for deferring, despite his imperial rank, to Zoe and Theodora
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote a panegyric for Konstantinos IX, apparently delivered before his pupils. Psellos wrote a panegyric (Oratio Panegyrica 6) to Konstantinos IX, praising him for building work in the religious sphere and stressing philosophy and education. The speech was apparently delivered before his pupils, whom he recommended to the emperor at the end
Certainty: 1 Death of Maria Skleraina: Michael Psellos wrote poem XVII. Psellos wrote an iambic poem after the death of Maria Skleraina, beginning with general anguish over the event. He then included formal laments from Maria's mother (the second such blow she had received, after the death of her husband), Romanos her brother (he glory of the senate, a man who was young in body but old in intelligence), and Konstantinos IX. He ended with his own consolation for the bereaved emperor, including an apostrophe in the persona of the dead Maria for imperial benefactions to wipe away her sins
Certainty: 1 Death of Maria Skleraina: Christophoros Mitylenaios wrote poem LXX. Christopher of Mytilene in a hexameter epitaph claimed that Elegance had left the world at her death, not wishing to survive her, since she was the reason for its existence
Certainty: 2 Byzantine generals of the Balkans asked to unite to deal with the Pecheneg danger. Konstantinos IX received urgent requests for help against the Pechenegs, and ordered Konstantinos Arianites the doux of Adrianople and Basileios the governor of Bulgaria to summon their forces and join Kegen and Michael, doux of Dyrrachion, who had received Kegen. They should unite their forces against the invasion. He also prepared to recall troops from the east
Certainty: 2 Pecheneg hordes defeated by sickness, Byzantine ally Kegen & a miraculous battle. As the Byzantine armies co-operated in what seemed an impossible task against huge numbers, a Pecheneg deserter brought the news that the Pechenegs were dying in large numbers. It is unknown whether the reason was sickness, or the consumption of unaccustomed food and drink [a cliché for barbarian deaths]. Kegen began attacking them, and his success encouraged the Roman generals to do the same. In the end, thousands of Pechenegs were killed or taken prisoner in a victory which could easily be presented as a miracle
Certainty: 2 Defeated Pechenegs not slaughtered, but settled as taxpayers & potential soldiers in Bulgaria. The advice of Kegen was that all adult Pecheneg captives should be killed, citing a barbarian proverb according to which it is better to kill a serpent in winter while it cannot move its tail. Those he held personally were either sold into slavery or slaughtered. This proposal was rejected as barbaric, unholy, and unworthy of Roman clemency. The emperor and generals decided that the captives would be useful to the Romans if, after putting aside their weapons, they were settled in the Bulgarian land, which was largely depopulated after long periods of war. Basileios the doux (?) of Bulgaria took the lead in this, settling them particularly in the the plains of Serdica, Nis and Eutzapolis
Certainty: 2 Tyrach & 140 Pecheneg notables taken to Constantinople for baptism & integration into Byzantine elite. The Pecheneg leader Tyrach and 140 of his chief subordinates were taken as hostages to Constantinople. They were baptised and given great honours and dignities [the process of integration into the Byzantine elite]
Certainty: 2 Raphael the katepano went to Bari, then made peace with its people. Ioannes Raphael the katapano went to Bari with the Varangians and spent one day in the court of the katepano. He left there and then camped for 11 days on the pinna (?). After that he returned to the port and made peace with the people of Bari
Certainty: 2 Raphael sent away Eustathios the (ex-?)katepano & returned to Otranto. Ioannes Raphael relieved Palatinos the (ex-?)katepano of his duties. The army returned to Otranto
Certainty: 2 At Bari, Adralistus fought & captured the Alfaraniti, destroying the house of Ioannes Hikanatos. Adralestos fought against the Alfaraniti in Bari and captured them. They destroyed the house of Ioannes Hikanatos
Certainty: 3 Arsenios was recognised as hegoumenos of Hagios Antonios (Neakitou). Having long served the late monk Blasios, Arsenios asked Theophylaktos, protos of Mount Athos, the hegoumenoi (of the gathering at Karyai) and Nikephoros, hegoumenos of Xerokastron, to be granted ownership of the field of Neaki(t)ou. He was granted control of Neaki(t)ou and recognized as hegoumenos of Hagios Antonios (Neakitou), in full ownership of the monastery and its properties, in exchange for 50 gold coins to be paid to Nikephoros of Xerokastron, on condition that Nikephoros' name be commemorated in the monastery. Nikephoros, having acceded to the request of Arsenios and been paid by him following according to the agreement, should not in the future challenge it, thus relinquishing all rights to the monastery of Neakitou. The emperor Konstantinos IX issued a letter over the cession of Neaki(t)ou by Nikephoros to Arsenios, which was read before the agreement between them was ratified. Nikephoros and Theophylaktos the protos asked Athanasios, monk of kyr Sisoe, to draft a document setting out the terms of the agreement. This document was signed by around fifteen persons, several using a cross verified by another's signature
Certainty: 3 Leon Tornikios, accused of plotting, was removed from office, tonsured & brought to the capital. Leon Tornikios, having first been sent off to govern Iberia, was now apparetly in Melitene. Everywhere the rumours of his plots to gain the empire followed him. Konstantinos IX, tried to change the situation with good advice, but met disdain. So he decided to destroy his ambitions by dismissing him from office and tonsuring him. Leon, who once had dressed splendidly, was brought back to the capital in a monk's habit. Even then Konstantinos treated him with hostility and derision, and because he had been neutralised he had contempt for his supporters
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Xiphilinos & Psellos polarised intellectual life in the city, & ancient chairs were revived. Ioannes Xiphilinos and Michael Psellos polarised the intellectual world of Byzantium, the former specialising in Law and the latter in Rhetoric and Philosophy. This led to the establishment by Konstantinos IX of public chairs, presented as ancient institutions which had had fallen into disuse
Certainty: 3 Western armies in Macedonia gave first signs of revolt: Konstantinos IX quelled them by generosity. The army in Macedonia was hostile to Konstantinos IX and broke into revolt. The emperor did not punish the rebels but pardoned them and granted them gifts and dignities, defeating them with generosity. This success was to prove temporary
Certainty: 3 Ioannes Mavropous composed an epigram on the Theotokos' role in defeating the Pechenegs. The invading Pechenegs had been defeated miraculously: Mauropous gave a major role to the Theotokos
Certainty: 3 Dedication of monastery & hospital at Mangana by Konstantinos IX. Among all the building projects of Konstantinos IX the one he preferred most was the monastery in which the church of Hagios Georgios (of Mangana) was built. It was augmented by the construction of imperial apartments, to which he also added a hospital. He spent unsparingly from the public purse on its construction, building and pulling down parts and building them again, so that he ran out of resources and had to invent all sorts of fraudulent ways to exact money. Konstantinos Leichoudes had (perhaps only later?) a role in the management of the complex
Certainty: 3 Ioannes Mauropous delivered oration 182 in the newly-dedicated Mangana church, suppressing 181 . Ioannes Mauropous delivered a speech on the feast day of Saint Georgios in the church erected in his honour at the Mangana at the time of its dedication. This was the brief and inoffensive oration no. 182, which he describes elsewhere as a bastard speech written in one evening. It is clear that he had written no. 181 for the purpose, a text referring to the Pecheneg invasion and likely to cause dissension in military circles: it was probably suppressed as a result of trouble in the western army at Adrianople. Mauropous delivered other speeches around the same time
Certainty: 2 Michael Psellos appointed proedros of the philosophers by Konstantinos IX. At a similar time to the foundation of the school of law with a nomophylax, Psellos was appointed as proedros of the philosophers. He was congratulated by Ioannes Mauropous
Certainty: 2 Foundation by Konstantinos IX of School of Law: appointment of Ioannes Xiphilinos as nomophylax. After his victory over the Rus', Konstantinos IX turned to care of the state. At the suggestion of Ioannes Mauropous, he founded a school of Law and appointed a nomophylax (guardian of the law) at its head. The emperor issued a decree appointing Ioannes Xiphilinos as nomophylax, and made him proedros and senator. The new school was founded within the compound of Saint Georgios at Mangana
Certainty: 2 Publication of Neara on legal education, written for Konstantinos IX by Ioannes Mauropous. Ioannes Mauropous convinced Konstantinos IX of the need for a school of law. He drafted the relevant imperial edict, as well as an epigram about it
Certainty: 2 Ophrydas launched an attack on Ioannes Xiphilinos as nomophylax; Xiphilinos took it to heart. An anonymous man (probably Ophrydas) made a jealous and cowardly attack on Psellos and Ioannes Xiphilinos (name of attacker and details of attack suppressed). Psellos disregarded it, but Ioannes took it to heart, claiming that Konstantinos IX gave it too much credence. This blow added to Ioannes' motivation for tonsure
Certainty: 3 Pope Benedictus poisoned pope Clemens. Pope Benedict IX poisoned pope Clement II [a rumour not known from other sources]
Certainty: 3 Leon Tornikios escaped from Constantinople to Adrianople & was soon proclaimed emperor there. There was rebellion in the air among the Macedonian army in Adrianople, partly in expectation of punishment for their insubordination earlier in the year. They were attached to Leon Tornikios as their leader. They encouraged him to escape secretly from Constantinople and, changing horses frequently and killing those not used, so as to prevent pursuit, he reached Adrianople. By sending propagandists in all directions to recruit soldiers on the rumour that Monomachos was dead, he and his supporters soon gathered a worthy army of men of fighting age. He put on the imperial insignia (being raised on a shield), was proclaimed emperor, appointed subordinates, and two days later marched confidently on Constantinople. [Attaleiates described Tornikios living (under loose surveillance?) in Constantinople, while Skylitzes already had him under house arrest in Adrianople]
Certainty: 3 Two days after revolt, Tornikios left for Constantinople: opponents rushed to the city for safety. Tornikios, rather than allying himself with the Pechenegs or building siege engines, moved immediately, to forestall Konstantinos IX's plans by attacking before the eastern army could come to his defence. On the way to the city he gathered new strength, by allowing tax remissions and plundering. His opponents hardly had the chance to get into the city before he camped outside
Certainty: 3 Siege of Chelidonion (near Dvin) lifted at last moment because of rebellion of Tornikios. Konstantinos and Katakalon Kekaumenos were pursuing the war against Dvin. They had reached the fort of Chelidonion near Dvin, encircled it with a ditch and palisades, and were attempting to force it to surrender by blockade. They would have succeeded had the rebellion of Tornikios not broken out in the west
Certainty: 2 Army of the East summnoned back fast to defend Konstantinos IX from Tornikios. Konstantinos IX, lacking adequate local forces to oppose the advance of Leon Tornikios and aware that the loyalty of the capital was uncertain, sent a messenger to Iberia with letters for his general Konstantinos ordering him to abandon everything and return at once to Constantinople with his army. Konstantinos had to break off the siege of Chelidonion. He made a treaty with Abu'l-Aswar of Dvin binding him with oaths to remain loyal to the emperor and never contemplate anything against the Romans
Certainty: 2 Siege of Constantinople by Leon Tornikios, who won several skirmishes. Leon Tornikios reached the city, hoping to take it at once, and camped opposite Blachernai near the monastery of Hagioi Anargyroi. He began with promises to the citizens, but failed, so he turned to action. The emperor had installed machines on the walls and brought in ammunition. He gathered and paid troops to man the walls. He had stationed outside the Blachernai gate fewer than 1000 soldiers, armed by the senate on his orders, protected by a ditch. Tornikios attacked and forced them to retreat so that the gates were thrown open for them. Had his men got inside, he would have been victorious, but luck failed him: the defenders re-occupied the gates. Some onlookers began to flee, but the emperor was steadfast, furious at the defeatism of his sister Helena (Euprepeia had been exiled before). Konstantinos Leichoudes supported the plan to fight Tornikios outside the walls (at Blachernai), opposing Argyros, who implored the emperor not to pit small forces against the experienced army of the rebel. To be seen alive by friend and foe, the emperor watched from the wall, clad in imperial robes, on a balcony of the palace with Theodora and Zoe. He endured fierce mockery from the Macedonians outside. He was grazed by an arrow which lodged in the conical helmet of a servant, terrifying bystanders, including Psellos. It was rumoured Konstantinos was dead, Theodora had taken over and chosen Tornikios as emperor. At the end of the day Konstantinos prophecied to Psellos that Tornikios' fortunes would decline from then on, though when he saw Tornikios stopping the killing he worried about the loss of divine favour
Certainty: 2 Argyros made a sally at night, doing Tornikios much harm. Argyros the magistros made a successful sortie at night with French and Byzantine troops, and did considerable damage to Tornikios' army [The only operation outside the city mentioned elsewhere is the inglorious attempt on the first morning, which Argyros is explicitly said to have opposed. Is this episode an encomiastic reflection of that, or a more successful later sortie?]
Certainty: 2 Tornikios had the city at his mercy, but did not take it; fortune turned against him. Konstantinos IX was energetic during the night after the first day of the siege. He gathered men who had dispersed, fortified the gates and equipped the battlements with all kinds of arms, machines and stone-throwing instruments. Tornikios, finding the walls better fortified than the day before, and their defenders insulting him when he asked them to open the gates, blamed himself for not pressing the attack the previous day. He walked around the walls, parading prisoners and threatening to execute them if not allowed into the city, but retreated when he realised it was all in vain. Zoe and Theodora encouraged the people to honour the holy shrines during Tornikios' siege. The patriarch Keroularios summoned the faithful, together with the bishops and monks who had sought refuge in the city, and led a procession praying for deliverance. Tornikios' men lost heart and did not return to the walls, but after staying in camp for a few days, returned whence they had come, most in disorder like fugitives, many leaving baggage behind. Tornikios, when he saw some of his men going over to the emperor and others dispersing, lifted his blockade of the city. Konstantinos IX made no attempt at pursuit: his past fright prevented him from taking the opportunity for action
Certainty: 2 Failure of attempt by rebels of Leon Tornikios to capture Raidestos. Leon Tornikios moved to the west away from Constantinople and towards Raidestos, the only city of Macedonia and Thrace he did not control. He encamped for a few days at Thermopolis but, when his men started defecting to the emperor, he left at night towards the west. He then pitched camp with Ioannes Batatzes at Arkadiopolis and remained there while sending the commanders of the western tagmata, Theodoros Strabomytes, Polys and Marianos Branas to besiege Raidestos. When they were unsuccessful he attacked Raidestos himself, but the defence was determined, inspired by the metropolitan and a magnate called Batatzes. He moved inland to await developments
Certainty: 2 Struggle between Bagrat IV of Georgia & Liparit IV; Liparit victorious. Bagrat IV of Georgia defiled the bed of Liparit, thus compelling him to attack him. Bagrat was defeated in battle, and fled to inner Abasgia in the Caucasus. Liparit returned to the palace, had intercourse with his own queen, Bagrat's mother, and became master of Iberia
Certainty: 2 Alliance concluded between victorious Liparit of Iberia & Byzantium. Liparit of Iberia, having defeated Bagrat IV, sent letters to Konstantinos IX requesting an alliance, which was granted
Certainty: 2 Collapse of rebellion of Leon Tornikios as his men deserted & allied forces closed in. Leon Tornikios was abandoned by his soldiers after the failed siege of Raidestos. He entrusted Ioannes Batatzes with much of his army, and he vanquished a Bulgarian force which had appeared at the rear of the army, near Kypsella, killed many and returned boasting about his success to find Leon had lost all power, since Marianos Branas, Polys, Theodoros Strabomytes, the Gabades and other commanders had defected. The army of the east had returned and crossed from Chrysopolis and Abydos. Their leader, Michael Iasites, avoided fighting, but secretly sent letters to the rebel leaders promising an amnesty and lavish gifts. When winter arrived and there was little food, they slowly started defecting to him. Tornikios and Ioannes Batatzes fled to a sanctuary at Boulgarophygon, where they were removed by force from the altar by Iasites and his troops and led in chains to the emperor
Certainty: 2 Psellos made a dismissive reply to Ophrydas' attack on Xiphilinos. Psellos replied after a time to Ophrydas' attack on the appointment of Ioannes Xiphilinos as nomophylax. Xiphilinos' all-round ability and achievement, and the precocious age at which he achieved it, are stressed throughout Psellos' text, which often contrasts him with Ophrydas. The latter's limited career and the poor quality of his attack were compared unfavourably by Psellos with Ioannes' splendid exploits. His strictures on youthful promotions were shown to be unhistorical (especially among the admired ancients) and generally ridiculous. Konstantinos IX was praised by most legal experts when he appointed Xiphilinos as nomophylax. Ophrydas, in attacking the choice, was in fact attacking the emperor who made it. Psellos hints that behind the elderly nonentity Ophrydas there may lurk a man of greater education and legal knowledge [Eustratios Romaios? - but he is unlikely to have lived so long]
Certainty: 3 Ioannes Mauropous pleaded with Konstantinos IX to spare the soldiers of Tornikios. Ioannes Mauropous wrote a letter to Konstantinos IX, urging him to control his wrath and show magnanimity to the captured supporters of the defeated rebel Leon Tornikios
Certainty: 2 Keroularios intervened to save the life, but not the sight, of Tornikios & Batatzes. During the rebellion of Leon Tornikios he counselled the emperor at desperate moments. After the rebellion he saved the lives of its leaders Leon and Ioannes Batatzes, with a last-minute intervention, but could not stop them being blinded
Certainty: 3 Leon Tornikios & his lieutenant Ioannes Batatzes blinded at Christmas. Leon Tornikios and Ioannes Batatzes were arrested in a church by Michael Iasites. Tornikios took refuge in the sanctuary, drew his sword and threatened to kill himself should anyone drag him from there by force. After receiving a sworn pledge he went out and handed himself over to the one who had pledged. They were sent to Konstantinos IX in fetters. When they reached the walls of the city (where their attack had been made), the emperor hardened his heart, and had them blinded on Christmas Eve, though he wept afterwards. Batatzes said that the Roman empire was losing a fine soldier, lay down and bore the punishment nobly. Tornikios uttered ignoble cries and entreaties. Their less prominent accomplices, after making emotional appeals, suffered no physical punishments, but were exiled and their property confiscated
Certainty: 3 Panegyric of Ioannes Mauropous giving thanks for salvation from Tornikios & suggesting mercy. Ioannes Mauropous composed and delivered a speech of thanks after Christmas for the defeat by Konstantinos IX of the rebel Leon Tornikios. He was upset by the blinding of the rebel and his commander-in-chief Ioannes Batatzes, but considered their punishment necessary to prevent evil. He himself saw Konstantinos weeping for the same reason. He recommended mercy for their followers. An epigram of thanks for deliverance was also dedicated to the Theotokos
Certainty: 1 Introduction of office of epi ton kriseon. Konstantinos IX urged young men to practice in wise discourse and study under their teachers, rewarded their public speeches with imperial honours, and founded an office for private law with at its head an epi ton kriseon
Certainty: 1 Embassy to Nasr ad-Dawla of Mayyafariqin, asking him to stop Arab breakers of the peace.
Certainty: 1 Christophoros Mitylenaios wrote two poems on St Georgios at Mangana (perhaps for its dedication?).
Certainty: 0 Keroularios sent Psellos an edible snake (?), tasty enough to seduce Adam & Eve. Keroularios sent Psellos an edible snake (?), and received in return praise in terms of the Song of Songs for a gift tasty enough to seduce Adam and Eve. While Keroularios wondered if other exotic foods were as good, Psellos for the moment just enjoyed the snake
Certainty: 0 Pellos wrote to Keroularios on behalf of the maïstor of the school of ta Diakonisses, asking for help to escape poverty. Psellos wrote to Michael Keroularios on behalf of the maïstor of the school of ta Diakonisses, who after a life of study was condemned to poverty. His current school was far from home, in the middle of the city, so he needed promotion to the excellent school of Hagios Petros
Certainty: 1 Andronikos the krites issued an act about Iveron properties & paroikoi. Andronikos, the krites and anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, revised the tax assessment for the monastery of Iveron produced by his predecessor Ioannes. He set out the tax payable on each property, and signed and sealed the document. He also issued an act explaining the nature of the chrysobulls of Iveron, referring to the list established by his predecessor.
Certainty: 0 Local krites Ioannes issued an act about tax obligations of Saviour at Hierissos. Andronikos, krites and anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, issued an act about the tax obligations of the metochion of the Saviour belonging to the monastery of Kaliourgou in the territory of the kastron of Hierissos
Certainty: 1 Tax due by Lavra on its properties assessed by Andronikos the krites. Andronikos, krites and anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike set the tax obligation of Lavra on its properties at 46 nomismata, 1/4 and 1/24
Certainty: 0 Donations to Hagios Michael of Sosthenion by Konstantinos IX & Zoe. The empress Zoe gave several donations to the monastery of Saint Michael at Sosthenion, whose monks, as a sign of gratitude, painted an image of Christ crowning her and Konstantinos IX. On this Ioannes Mauropous wrote an epigram. Theodora dedicated an image of Saint Michael to the shrine of the Archangel at Sosthenion, for which Mauropous also wrote two epigrams
Certainty: 0 Donation to Mangana by Konstantinos IX & Zoe. Konstantinos IX, Zoe and Theodora made a donation to Mangana, which was recorded in the book of the confraternity (diakonia) and about which Ioannes Mauropous wrote two epigrams
Certainty: 1 Monastery of Theotokos at Bessai (founded by Lazaros) endowed by Konstantinos IX in memory of Skleraina. The emperor Konstantinos IX granted to Lazaros some land at Bessai (near Mt Galesios) for the erection of a monastery of the Theotokos in remembrance of both himself and Maria Skleraina. Lazaros was sent one of the imperial furnishings and 720 nomismata. One of Lazaros' motives in founding a second monastery was to calm the fears of his monks over their future after his death
Certainty: 1 Mauropous appeased Konstantinos IX with gospels in uncial letters (over Tornikios?). Ioannes Mauropous offered Konstantinos IX in appeasement an illuminated gospels in uncial letters (perhaps because of his stance over Tornikios?). He composed an epigram about the book
Certainty: 0 Recovery of Ignatios, a young monk on Mt Galesion, from an attack by a demon. While the monk Ignatios was still a child, he entered the cave of Paphnoutios with another child, to draw water from the cistern. But he was attacked there by a demon in the form of a terrifying man holding a stick with an iron tip. Ignatios fell to the ground as if dead. The monk who lived in the cave said a trisagion before the icon of Paphnoutios, anointed the boy with oil from the lamp and filled his water jar. He recovered enough to get back to the Theotokos monastery, but spent the next 18 months seriously ill, unable to get out of bed to look after himself. Lazaros asked after him and had him brought to see him at the pillar of Resurrection: he persuaded him to eat cooked pulses without oil and dried bread, and to drink wine, and sent him back to the Theotokos. This was the beginning of his full recovery
Certainty: 0 Unsuccessful appeal of two monks from Galesion to the bishop of Magnesia on the Maiander. Barnabas, who had become an insolent member of the monastic community, persuaded Methodios, who was known as a rebel, to leave Mt Galesion for Magnesia on the Maiander. There they made many malicious accusations to the bishop of the town against Lazaros and his brother (and designated successor) Ignatios. Lazaros wrote to entreat them to return, and with the aid of the bishop he succeeded. However the two disaffected monks after their return caused much trouble to the monastery and its leaders
Certainty: 2 Protos of Athos asked by Konstantinos IX to adjudicate between two laurai over destruction of a barn.
Certainty: 3 Agreement between the monasteries of kyr Dometiou & Xylourgou over the latter's anchorage. When the monks of kyr Dometiou destroyed the anchorage and ships of Xylourgou, situated on a site granted by Gregorios of kyr Dometiou to Theodoulos of Xylourgou, the latter's hegoumenos Ioannikios complained to Konstantinos IX, who issued a pittakion condemning the culprits. The synaxis on Athos under the protos Theophylaktos decided not to impose a punishment. They reached an amicable agreement between the parties, whereby kyr Dometiou ceded to Xylourgou a property for 6 nomismata. The relevant document was signed by 24 hegoumenoi
Certainty: 1 Foundation of Evergetis monastery by the monk Paul.
Certainty: 3 Extra provision for monks of Nea Mone visiting Constantinople. Niketas, the hegoumenos of Nea Mone, and his fellow monk Ioannes requested and were granted by Konstantinos IX Monomachos a two-story building at the monastery of Tropariou in the neighbourhood of Angouria as a residence for the monks in Constantinople, and had their earlier annual allowances confirmed
Certainty: 2 Huge band of Turcoman soldiers from beyond the Oxus was used by Tughrul Beg against the Byzantines. Tughrul Beg, the Seljuk Sultan sent a huge band of Turcomans from beyond the Oxus to raid Byzantine territory, reaching Mantzikert, Erzerum, Trebizond and even the outskirts of Costantinople; they gathered a huge quantity of booty and took many noble prisoners on the way
Certainty: 2 Tughrul Beg sent troops under Asan the Deaf against Vaspurakan. While Tughrul Beg was occupied with the siege of Pasar, he decided to respond to the attractive description of Media (Vaspurakan) given by Kutulmush when he returned from his failed campaign against Mosul. He sent his nephew Asan the Deaf against Media with an army of some 20,000 men, with orders to advance as quickly as possible
Certainty: 2 The men of Asan the Deaf carried out terrible massacres in the Armenian lands. Asan the Deaf and his men marched past Tabriz and reached Vaspurakan, burning down everything, killing whole populations and not sparing even children
Certainty: 2 Asan was tricked into defeat by Aaron of Vaspurakan & Katakalon Kekaumenos of Ani. Tughrul Beg sent Asan with a large army to occupy Media. Aaron in Vaspurakan realised that his forces were inadequate to deal with Asan so he wrote to Katakalon Kekaumenos in Ani, who soon joind him. Kekaumenos rejected proposals for direct attacks on the Turks either at night or during the day, and proposed a ruse. They should leave their camp, abandoning tents, animals and equipment, hide in strategic places, and wait to attack when the Turks came to loot the camp. When Asan reached their camp and found no one there, thinking the Romans had fled he ordered its looting, then was attacked by the Romans from ambush, vanquished and killed
Certainty: 2 Foundation of the confraternity of Thebes. A confraternity was founded in Thebes for devotion to the Theotokos Nepaktitissa and mutual assistance among the members. A major role in its founding was played by Theodoros Leobachos
Certainty: 2 Huge army of Ibrahim Yinal sent by Tughrul Beg against the Byzantines. Tughrul Beg, the Seljuk Sultan, was disheartened when he learned of the defeat of Asan, but eager to retrieve the situation. He gave an army numbering 100,000 to Ibrahim Yinal, a half-brother of his, and sent him against the Byzantines. Katakalon Kekaumenos proposed to face the Turks, weary after their long march, beyond the Byzantine borders with the forces at hand, but Aaron disagreed and his view prevailed. Aaron's plan was to fortify cities and castles and barricade themselves within their walls, waiting for the emperor's orders. He wrote to Konstantinos IX, left for Iberia with the army, reached the plain of Ourtrou with Kekaumenos, and sent the rural population and all valuables to fortified places. Fearing he might have to fight the huge Turkish army before the arrival of reinforcements, he retreated to rough and precipitous terrain protected by ravines
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX ordered defensive strategy till arrival of Liparit of Georgia, whom he summoned. Konstantinos IX received letters from Aaron and Katakalon Kekaumenos informing him of the imminent attack by a 100,000-strong army under Ibrahim Yinal. He ordered them to wait for reinforcements from Liparit with Iberian troops. He also wrote to Liparit, asking him to take his entire army and, if he considered himself an ally and friend of the Romans, to join their generals immediately. The defensive strategy of the Roman generals and their Armenian ally Grigor seemed to show a lack of confidence, or dissension. Liparit, having received imperial orders and generous gifts, gathered his forces and marched to help
Certainty: 2 Capture, burning & looting of commercial city of Artzn by Ibrahim Yinal. Ibrahim Yinal was unable to attack the Roman army, so he turned against the populous commercial centre of Artzn. Katakalon Kekaumenos told its people to take refuge behind its walls. They put up a stiff resistance, and after six days Kekaumenos wished to attack the besiegers rather than waste more time waiting for Liparit. But he was opposed by Aaron, who reminded him of the imperial order. Ibrahim Yinal tired of the siege and decided to try fire. He succeeded in burning the city, despite the riches it contained, and so captured it, finding gold, weapons and iron tools with which to re-equip his forces. He left in pursuit of the Roman army
Certainty: 2 Theodosioupolis fortified when nearby Artze was captured by Turks. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 3 Battle of Kapetru: Aaron & Kekaumenos were victorious, but Liparit was unluckily captured. Liparit now joined the Roman forces, but refused to follow the advice of Katakalon Kekaumenos to attack the Turks while they were still dispersed, considering Saturday an unlucky day for fighting. In the battle of Kapetru which followed, Aaron led the left wing of the army facing the Turkish general Chorosantes, while Kekaumenos led the right wing facing Ibrahim Yinal himself. Both drove back and pursued throughout the night the enemy forces set against them. Liparit in the centre of the Roman position faced Aspan Salarios, Ibrahim's brother. He was surrounded by the Turks (perhaps through lack of support from Aaron), and when his nephew was hit and his own horse was struck and fell, he was captured. His captors made off quickly with their prize. The two victorious Roman generals were disappointed when told of this by a soldier from Liparit's forces. After a sleepless night they decided to leave, Aaron for Iban and Kekaumenos for Ani. Ibrahim Yinal went quickly to announce his success to Tughrul Beg, whose jealousy of his half-brother was inflamed still further
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX, approached by Bagrat IV, recognised him as ruler of Iberia & Abasgia. In response to the alliance between his conqueror Liparit and Byzantium, Bagrat crossed the river Phasis, went through Svanetia and Colchis, reached Trebizond, and sent envoys from there to Konstantinos IX saying he wished to visit Constantinople to meet him. His request was granted. Bagrat complained to the emperor that in Liparit he was allying himself with a rebel slave, and Konstantinos agreed to recognize Liparit only as ruler for life of part of Meschia under Bagrat
Certainty: 1 Petros katholikos of Armenia was housed by Atom Arcruni in his monastery of the Holy Cross at Sebasteia. Peter the katholikos of Armenia was sent to the monastery of the Holy Cross at Sebasteia, where he was provided with a dwelling by Atom Arcruni. Atom had founded the monastery at great expense. Peter spent two years there before dying
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 5 for Konstantinos IX. Psellos wrote an encomium for Konstantinos IX with conventional praise shading into clear but brief allusions to specific events, leaving a more complete treatment to other writers. There are references to victories over Georgios Maniakes (1043), Leon Tornikios (1047), the Russians (1043) and the Pechenegs (1047), to the organisation of Armenia (1045) and the voluntary subjection of the Arabs. The perfect harmony of Konstantinos' common rule with Zoe increased imperial lustre and benefits conferred on their subjects. Psellos included reference to Konstantinos' generosity to himself
Certainty: 1 Plot of Konstantinos Barys against Konstantinos IX uncovered, rebel banished. Konstantinos Barys, suspected of plotting, was banished by Konstantinos IX with the loss of his tongue. When Barys heard of Lazaros of Galesion he sent him much gold in a bag with a lead seal, a skaramangion, and a sealed letter, asking for clues on whether he would seize the throne. Lazaros returned the gifts and sent back the emissary with two nomismata for his trouble
Certainty: 1 Psellos, Mavropous & Xiphilinos agreed that if one was forced into a monastery, the rest would follow. Psellos, Xiphilinos and Mauropous all felt out of place in the worldly splendour of the court, but hesitated to express their feelings. They were impelled to speak out by the inconsistency of Konstantinos IX, which caused the sudden downfall of many and left everybody feeling insecure. All three made a pact that if any one of them were to retreat to a monastery, the rest would follow
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX instituted daily services at Hagia Sophia. Konstantinos IX provided the money to institute daily services at the Great Church (Hagia Sophia) where previously services were held only on major feastdays, Saturdays and Sundays. He also offered sacred vessels made of gold, pearls and precious stones. Ioannes Mauropous composed two epigrams on this innovation
Certainty: 1 Psellos sent Keroularios four letters thanking him for a fish he had sent him, & describing the meal. Keroularios sent Psellos a potamios hys, the best of fishes, which was received with paroxysms of joy and descriptions of the feast, in four letters. He had given his cook the most precise instructions. He asked Keroularios for more such fish, with advice on catching them, based on Christ's miracles. A subsequent gift of cheese was greeted with much less rapture
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Boukellarion to examine decisions of previous kritai (one of them himself). He told the krites of Boukellarion about an inhabitant of the theme, who said he had received a positive judgement from Psellos as krites of the theme, but a negative decision on the same case from his successor, Morocharzanes: both verdicts survived. Psellos had forgotten his own decision in the case, but would be surprised if Morocharzanes, a sensible man, had contradicted him; the current krites should investigate and decide on facts, not previous judgements
Certainty: 0 The maïstor of the school of Chalkoprateia refused money from Psellos deriving from an invitation to the imperial table. The maistor of the school of Chalkoprateia refused money sent him by Psellos ultimately deriving from an invitation to the imperial table, claiming it was not enough. Psellos' letter examined this decision on the axis from philosophy to greed, concluding that the maistor must beware of penury
Certainty: 1 Visit of Nikolaos of Horaia Pege to his kinsman Konstantinos IX. Nikolaos of Horaia Pege was a kinsman of Konstantinos IX, but concealed the fact, even when Konstantinos became emperor. Konstantinos took the initiative, asking Psellos, the most skilled of his learned men, to write a letter of invitation to the capital. Nikolaos came, the two relatives met, and Psellos too had an opportunity for conversation and the development of mutual respect and admiration with Nikolaos. He would go to Nikolaos' monastery after its founders death
Certainty: 2 Liparit IV magnanimously set free by Tughrul Beg after embassy of Georgios Drosos. Liparit was taken to Tughrul Beg the sultan like some hunting trophy. Konstantinos IX requested that he be set free, sending an embassy under Georgios Drosos with gifts and a large ransom, and also proposing a truce. The sultan questioned Liparit about his background, asking how he would like to be treated, and he replied "royally". He was therefore given all the ransom which the Byzantines paid for him and sent as a gift to Konstantinos IX, with instructions not to fight again against the Turks. Liparit was feted and given more presents in Constantinople. Diplomatic contacts with the Turks continued
Certainty: 0 Niketas, maïstor of the school of Hagios Petros, reorganised & systematised study of grammar. Niketas, maïstor of the school of Hagios Petros, reorganised and systematised the study of grammar, making it a logical progression from one subject to another, consistent and attractive
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos IX sent gifts to church of Sergios & Bakchos. Konstantinos IX sent gifts to the church of Saints Sergios and Bakchos on their feast day, celebrated by an epigram of Ioannes Mauropous
Certainty: 2 Tughrul Beg sent an embassy replying to that of Drosos; its rejection made him declare war. Tughrul Beg sent an ambassador with greetings to Konstantinos IX to renew their friendship, but claimed that the Turks still raiding the empire were wild wolves unknown to him. He sent to Konstantinos IX as ambassador the man whom they called "seriph". Konstantinos rejected the seriph's demand for tribute to be paid to the sultan, and sent him away. The sultan at once declared war: Konstantinos fortified as far as possible his lands bordering Turkish territory
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX granted a solemnion of 80 nomismata to Vatopedi. Konstantinos IX granted a solemnion of 80 nomismata to the monastery of Vatopedi on Athos
Certainty: 0 Restoration by Konstantinos IX of church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous, before becoming metropolitan of Euchaïta, built a church of St Theodoros in his native city. Ioannes Mauropous, before accessing the resources of Euchaita, showed his public spirit by building a magnificent church and monastery of St Theodoros in his (unidentified) native city in Paphlagonia. He used strong male arms and subtle female fingers, with a firm typikon. He also wrote epigrams for the church's typikon and chrysobull
Certainty: 1 Psellos' daughter Styliane (aged 6) was learning to read, & asking her teachers about the bible. When Styliane was six she became quite eloquent, speaking with unusual clarity. She began to read and write, learning to spell and read the Psalms, which she could recite accurately, doing easily what for other children was a burden. She approached her teachers for lessons on the Bible, gaining by her natural love of learning knowledge which in others needed threats and even punishment. She became the best student of her group. She learned very quickly how to work at the loom and embroidery, carefully dividing her time between literary education and women's work. She was very affectionate to her parents, kissing, embracing, sitting on their laps and sharing food. Her religious education and observance did not lag behind other aspects: she went to services of every kind, singing hymns with devotion, learning texts easily, dressing and behaving in a suitable way for a girl of her age
Certainty: 0 Psellos heard two readings, much preferring the first; he wrote an encomium of the reader. Psellos marvelled at the crowds filling the church of the Hagia Soros (Theotokos at Ta Kyrou). When he asked why, he was told that they were listening to the monk Ioannes Kroustalas. Psellos too heard him read (saints' lives?), was most impressed, and wrote an encomium. He went again to the same church to listen to the famous bishop called Taurenos, also recommended for his reading skills, but was disappointed by his poor performance
Certainty: 0 The story of Iakobos on Mt Galesion and the death of the stylite Kerykos. Iakobos the monk abandoned the monastery of Lazaros on Mt Galesion, but later changed his mind and decided to return. On the way he met a demon in the form of an old man, who advised him to go to Bessai instead. When Iakobos insisted on going to Lazaros first, he lost his sight. Each time he turned towards Bessai his sight was restored, but when he turned back to Lazaros he was again blinded. Finally he decided to wait by the river for a passer-by to help him across, then he regained his sight and went to Lazaros. The stylite Kerykos moved from pillar to pillar, seeking an ideal place for hesychia and sometimes running great risks as he climbed up and down. Towards the end of his life, he suffered from a sore on his leg which exposed the bone. On Lazaros' instructions he was brought down from his pillar to the Resurrection, laid on a stone bed in a cell and given wine, oil and fish. But he refused to move him to a proper bed, citing the story of Pachomios and the angel. Lazaros sent all the brothers to receive the dying stylite's blessing, which he willingly gave. Last to be blessed was Philippikos, who begged him in tears to intercede on his behalf with Christ, and received Kerykos' assurance that he would not forget. Later that day Lazaros sent a monk to bring whatever was under Kerykos' pillow; he found 60 folles and took them away, whereupon the old man died. Lazaros showed the money to all, explaining that it had delayed Kerykos' death
Certainty: 2 Tughrul Beg planned expedition to avenge rejection of his envoy's proposals.
Certainty: 2 Fifteen thousand Pechenegs equipped & sent to face Tughrul Beg's attack in the east. Tughrul Beg, when the tribute demanded by his ambassador was refused, threatened to attack. As a short-term response, Konstantinos chose 15,000 Pechenegs and gave them four leaders from among the Pechenegs of Constantinople: Soultzous, Selte, Karamas and Kataleimon. He gave them gifts, chariots and horses, and Konstantinos Hadrobalanos as a guide on the route to Iberia
Certainty: 2 Pecheneg troops soon rebelled, voted not to go east, & settled by the Danube. The 15,000 Pechenegs, with their four leaders mounted horses provided by the Byzantines and set off for Iberia to fight Tughrul-Beg. However they had only reached Damatrys, under the guidance of Konstantinos Hadrobalanos, when they held a discussion over what they were to do. They decided not to travel so far to fight their fellow-Turks for Byzantine masters they did not really trust. On the proposal of Kataleim they decided to return to their comrades in Bulgaria. They failed to kill Hadrobalanos, who took refuge on the upper stories of the palace of Damatrys. They made their way to the coast. Standing before the sea with his men, wondering how to cross it, Kataleim asked those who wished to save themselves and their fellow Pechenegs to follow him, spurred his horse and entered the water, crossed to Hagios Tarasios, and reached Triaditza (Serdica). [This fantastic event throws doubt over the intention of the narration]. Konstantinos Arianites gathered his Macedonian forces and pursued them, reached Lobitzos, pillaged the encampment of Selte who managed to escape, and returned
Certainty: 2 Expedition of raiktor Nikephoros did not engage Turks but imposed terms on Abu'l-Aswar of Dvin. When Abu'l-Aswar of Dvin broke the peace and attacked the Romans, Konstantinos IX sent the eastern tagmata against him under Nikephoros, whom he made raiktor and stratopedarches, not because of his military qualities but because of his goodwill towards the emperor. Nikephoros reached the Sidera bridge and Kantzakion without coming across any Turks (who remained encamped in Persarmenia under Abimelech, brother of Kutulmush, nervous of the Roman approach). However Nikephoros' army forced Abu'l-Aswar to renew the peace he had broken, and give his nephew Artaseiras as a hostage to be taken to the capital
Certainty: 2 Conclusion of peace with Tughrul Beg.
Certainty: 2 Embassy (content unknown) to German emperor Henry III at Mainz.
Certainty: 2 Trial over the Vivarion estate: Ioannes Iveritzes v. Basileios Pikrides (whose speech was written by Psellos). Psellos wrote a speech for Basileios Pikrides defending his ownership of the Vivarion estate against Ioannes Iberitzes. The estate had left the family of Stephanos, grandfather of the plaintiff, during his ownership or that of his wife, and should return. Ioannes observed acutely that the date of the documented sale (999) was earlier than the chrysobull apparently conferring Vivarion on Stephanos (1006), suggesting forgery. But a careful reading of the texts showed that Vivarion was in fact conferred on Stephanos by a pittakion of 995, while the chrysobull only confirmed this: the sale was valid. A later owner, Maria, daughter of Michael (brother of the kouboukleisios Leon), tried without success to cast doubt on the sale to Basileios' father. Intervention by the metropolitan of Ankyra added nothing. Though Ioannes' documentation was poor and his arguments invalid, he was very persistent in harassing Basileios. But the latter showed that Stephanos was given Vivarion but sold it; his son, Ioannes' father, made no claim on it; Vivarion was passed on as dowry and was then subject to three deeds of sale, one decided by a court and another confirmed by a court. Defeated by this meticulous work, Ioannes finally called for direct testimony either of his grandfather's sale or his grandmother's confirmation of it, the two disputed documents. Even in winter, Basileios found one direct and two indirect witnesses to events half a century earlier, humiliating Ioannes and ensuring he could never re-open the case
Certainty: 3 Memorandum on decision over award of a suburban estate (Vivarion) between two litigants. Psellos wrote a hypomnema on the case between Ioannes Iberitzes and Basileios Pikrides over possession of an estate called Vivarion. Ioannes produced, during the trial, a long series of assertions over the history of Vivarion, Basileios replied with an equally long list of counter-arguments (in a speech prepared by Psellos), supported by consistent documentation. Psellos listed the many documents produced in the case, discussing identity of authorship by analysis of handwriting and orthography, and rebutting criticism based on comparison of dates. He said that Ioannes' father throughout his life had never questioned the validity of the sale of Vivarion. He ended the hypomnema by addressing the defeated claimant Ioannes Iberitzes, who challenged Basileios Pikrides to swear an oath while refusing to swear himself; he proclaimed that this would stop Ioannes ever reopening the case
Certainty: 2 Pechenegs settled at Hekaton Bounoi in Bulgaria & carried out raids. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX summoned Kegen for consultation: other Pechenegs tried vainly to kill him. Konstantinos IX summoned Kegen to Constantinople to confer about the Pechenegs who made destructive raids from Hekaton Bounoi, where they had settled after crossing the Haimos. Kegen reached the capital, camped with his army at the plain of Maitas, and that night was attacked in his sleep by three Pechenegs with swords, but was only slightly injured. Kegen's son Baltzar cried for help when his father was attacked and next morning he tied the captured attackers behind the chariot carrying his father, not daring to punish them because they invoked the emperor's name. He and his brother Goulinos on foot with the entire cavalry followed the four-wheel chariot, pulled by two horses and dragging the conspirators. They appeared before the emperor in the Hippodrome
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX imprisoned Kegen & his sons. The three Pecheneg conspirators who had failed to murder Kegen were brought before Konstantinos IX. When asked the reason for their attack, they said Kegen was plotting to enter Constantinople at dawn, massacre and pillage, and then return to the Pechenegs. He released the three to live where they wished. Konstantinos asked Kegen's son Baltzar why he did not punish the conspirators immediately after their capture. He protested that they kept invoking the emperor's name. The emperor did not believe nor did he investigate the claims of the conspirators, but he took Kegen to the palace, allegedly to heal his wounds, but jailed him in the Elephantine, and banished Baltzar and his brother Goulinos/Koulinos to two other places. The emperor provided Kegen's Pecheneg army with abundant supplies, but confiscated their chariots and horses. He was acclaimed by the Pechenegs
Certainty: 2 Kegen's people near Constantinople felt threatened by his arrest & fled to join the raiders. No individuals mentioned
Certainty: 2 Pecheneg victory over Konstantinos Areianites at Dampolis. Konstantinos Arianites was informed that the Pechenegs of Kegen (imprisoned by Konstantinos IX) had joined those across the Haimos and carried out raids from their encampent at Aule. He left Adrianople with his army and marched against them but was defeated at Dampolis. Polys and Theodoros Strabomytes, famous from the Tornikios campaigns, were killed
Certainty: 2 Tyrach & baptised Pecheneg leaders, sent from Constantinople to pacify the others, joined their raids. After the defeat of Konstantinos Arianites at the battle of Dampolis, Konstantinos IX gave gifts and favours to the baptised Pecheneg leaders, Karamas, Kataleim, Selte, Soultzous and Tyrach. In this way he persuaded them to undertake to pacify their fellow Pechenegs. In fact, they simply swelled their numbers in the raids
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX sent an army against Pechenegs, but battle was inconclusive, without flight or pursuit.
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull regulating Nea Mone & its income from the Jews of Chios. Konstantinos IX Monomachos in a chrysobull set out rules for the life of the monastic community at Nea Mone and attached to the monastery 15 formerly free Jewish families living on the island, exempting them from all tax charges
Certainty: 3 Rejection of complaint concerning estate assigned to Nea Mone. When the sons of Katakalon caused trouble to the monks of Nea Mone to whom they had sold their estate of Kalothekia, Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued another chrysobull confirming the estates ownership
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX sent an envoy to Cairo, troops to Syria & money to amir of Aleppo; Fatimid defeat near Aleppo.
Certainty: 2 ? A castle on Monte Gargano ?. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 3 Arrival at Evergetes monastery of Timotheos, the second founder.
Certainty: 2 Collection of a large army from east & west under raiktor Nikephoros. Konstantinos IX appointed Nikephoros raiktor strategos autokrator over the eastern tagmata when they crossed from Abydos and Chrysopolis. He sent him against the Pechenegs with Katakalon Kekaumenos, whom he made stratelates of the East, and Herve Phrangopoulos, ordering them both to obey Nikephoros
Certainty: 2 Battle of Diakene (Bulgaria): careful battle-plan designed to prevent Pechenegs from escaping. The raiktor Nikephoros crossed the Haimos mountains at the Sidera pass with his forces, camped at Diakene, and planned to leave the baggage train there and march unencumbered against the Pechenegs, thinking, unwisely, that he could overcome them without a blow. Before the battle, Katakalon Kekaumenos shouted out loud begging to engage in battle with the Pechenegs while they were still dispersed, but the Roman army did not agree. The raiktor Nikephoros ridiculed him, saying that the enemy would flee into the thickets where it would be difficult to capture them, and asked him not to interfere with his orders
Certainty: 2 Diakene: Byzantine overconfidence (of eastern troops?) & dissension turned to defeat, with some losses. Nikephoros, a courtier of Konstantinos IX, was made raiktor. He took the Roman troops out of their camp to face the Pechenegs when they had joined together all their forces. Herve Phrangopoulos led the left wing of the army and Nikephoros himself the centre. When the Romans were defeated these two were among the first to turn back and flee. Katakalon Kekeumenos led the right wing of the army. Despite the flight of his colleagues he kept fighting with a few men till he fell, badly injured. The defeat was complete
Certainty: 2 (Diakene phase 2): Pechenegs routed eastern Byzantine army with heavy losses: westerners held off, feeling insulted. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Katakalon Kekaumenos terribly wounded at Diakene, but saved by a son of Kegen. Katakalon Kekaumenos received two serious wounds during the battle against the Pechenegs at Diakene, one on his skull - his helmet having been dislodged - from the top of his head to his eyebrows, and another on the neck cutting across his mouth. He bled heavily. Goulinos/Koulinos, the son of Kegen, after the Pecheneg victory over the Romans, found the injured Kekaumenos (whom he knew from the time when the latter commanded the forts along the Danube) still breathing among the dead. He turned him over and recognised him, placed him on a horse, took him to his tent, and cared for his wounds
Certainty: 2 Constant military success with rich booty gave the Pechenegs an air of invincibility. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 1 Success of Romanos Boilas as a court buffoon. Romanos Boilas used his inventiveness and his speech impediment to worm his way into the affections of Konstantinos IX. At first there were special times for fun with him, but later he could appear at any moment of imperial business. Later Konstantinos wanted his company all the time. He liked what Romanos did, and Romanos did what Konstantinos liked. Some elaborate charades are recorded, particularly one about a lost polo horse. He also charmed Zoe and Theodora, pretending to be the child of each in turn, remembering details of the pregnancy. He gained freedom (and keys) to go everywhere in the palace, and eventually became head of Konstantinos' bodyguard
Certainty: 1 Marriage of Konstantinos (X) & Eudokia Makrembolitissa. Konstantinos (X) had been married to the daughter of Konstantinos Dalassenos, and had proved a respectable husband. After her death, he thought to take another wife, so as to avoid calumny from the malicious. Michael Keroularios, foreseeing Konstantinos' rise to imperial power (being his mentor), married to him his niece Eudokia, by whom he had male and female offspring before and after his accession
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous was removed from Constantinople by appointment as metropolitan of Euchaita. Konstantinos IX regarded Ioannes Mavropous as a father and teacher, and thought him worthy of a high position in the church. Eventually, on the advice of Michael Psellos and with the backing of Michael Keroularios, he made Mavropous metropolitan of Euchaita [this has been seen less as well-merited promotion, and more as a comfortable kind of exile]
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous & Michael Psellos exchanged letters over Mavropous' appointment to Euchaita.
Certainty: 1 Poems written by Ioannes Mauropous around time of his appointment as metropolitan of Euchaita.
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX invited katholikos Peter to Constantinople, kept him four years, then let him go to Sebasteia.
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Italos came from Rome to Constantinople & had a good Greek education with Psellos. Ioannes Italos made his way somehow to Constantinople. There, education was still at a fairly primitive level, and he was taught by some rough teachers before he fell under the influence of the great Michael Psellos. Despite the excellent example of his master, his progress was more apparent than real, because of his barbaric temperament: he took part in public disputations, and even set himself up against his master
Certainty: 1 Psellos, largely responsible for religious eduction at the time, wrote hundreds of small texts for his pupils. Psellos, largely responsible for religious eduction in Constantinople at the time, wrote hundreds of small texts for his pupils. Many were inspired by their questions and those of others, on the Bible and other theological issues
Certainty: 1 Dispute over ownership of metochion of Melissourgeion between Iveron & monk Kosmas Kontoleon (Tornikios). Tornikos Kontoleon, now the monk Kosmas Kontoleon, had a dispute with the monks of Iveron over the metochion of Melissourgeion, which the monks claimed they had acquired following an exchange with the late monk Gomatos, and that they then granted it to Kosmas' father for his lifetime only
Certainty: 1 Psellos & his old friend Niketas found themselves teaching at the same school (Hagios Petros). Psellos and his old friend Niketas Maistor ended up teaching at the same school of Hagios Petros. Niketas taught grammar and Psellos added philosophy at a higher level
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX insisted on sleeping without guards, despite Psellos' warnings. Konstantinos IX slept with open doors and with no guard to keep watch outside, and often all his valets went away. A man might easily have got in to see him and and out again with no obstruction. When people reproached him for laxity over guards, he was not annoyed, but he rejected his critic's judgement about God as misguided. Konstantinos felt himself emperor through God and guarded by Him alone. With this perfect guard, he said, he scorned a more imperfect human one. Michael Psellos often tried to change his mind. He made comparisons between an emperor and helmsmen, builders or soldiers, all of whom trust God but also use other safeguards. Such precautions were even more appropriate for an emperor. But Konstantinos was not to be persuaded by any argument
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion and the ascetic Ioannes of Sardis. The ascetic Ioannes of Sardis had putrid saliva dribbling out of his mouth, constantly soaking his tunic, where there were festering maggots. When Lazaros was told about his state by the monk Gerasimos, he sent him a cloth to wipe his mouth, but Ioannes sent it back, asking for Lazaros' prayers instead. Lazaros then sent him some leather which kept him dry. Lazaros would send visitors to see him, as he lay like a new Job on a stone couch, his legs down to his feet having putrefied and infested with maggots while a sore on his shoulder exuded an unbearable stench. During a violent rainstorm he refused to be moved out of his cell when the monk Gerasimos asked him, and remained bed-ridden for three years, but for six months before his death (just after Lazaros himself), he experienced periods of ecstasy during which he would lie unconscious
Certainty: 2 Death of Zoe at age of 72, after heavy expenditure during her illness. When Zoe's appointed time was complete and she was about to die, her physical constitution showed small preliminary signs. Her desire for food faded and this kindled a fatal fever in her. The wasting of her body was a sign that death was near. She immediately thought of good works: helped prisoners, remitted debts, released from misfortune those condemned, opened the imperial treasuries and let the gold in them flow out like a river. But after a short struggle with death and a slight change in her appearance she relinquished this life, after living seventy-two years. With her three imperial husbands, she had reigned a total of 22 years. She died before Konstantinos IX, and before her sister Theodora gained the throne
Certainty: 2 Zoe was buried in a most beautiful tomb. Konstantinos' devotion to Zoe can best be seen in the beautiful tomb he built for her. One of the little silver-plated columns round her tomb took in moisture at a point where the metal had split and in accordance with natural laws produced a little mushroom. Konstantinos, full of enthusiasm, filled the palace with the cry that the Lord had wrought a miracle at her tomb, so that all might know that her soul was numbered among the angels. Everyone realised the truth, but all encouraged his fervour, some in fear and others making the lie a chance to enrich themselves
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX was deeply moved by Zoe's death. The death of Zoe inspired deep emotions in Konstantinos IX, connected with her tomb and with memories of her imprisonment on Prinkipo. Not only did he mourn her, pour libations of tears on her tomb and propitiate heaven on her behalf, but he wished to accord her God-like honours. He mourned her more like a boy than a man. Psellos was impressed by Konstantinos' profound grief at the time of her death
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos openly recognised his mistress (an Alan princess), naming her sebaste. After the death of Skleraina, Konstantinos IX fell under the spell of a girl who lived in Constantinople as a hostage from Alania. She was not beautiful, but had white skin and flashing eyes. He named her sebaste and made her very wealthy. When her kin from Alania visited the capital, two or three times a year, Konstantinos showed her off almost as an empress, and gifts were given on all sides. Before the death of Zoe, he kept his passion secret; later, he moved her into the palace and recognised her openly. But for the disapproval of Theodora and extreme canonical condemnation of fourth marriages, he would have married her and made her empress
Certainty: 2 Synod at Siponto. Pope Leo IX came to Siponto and held a synod
Certainty: 3 Pechenegs attacked Adrianople; Byzantines under Konstantinos hetaireiarches debated tactics. Konstantinos IX was upset at the news of the annihilation of his troops at the hands of the Pechenegs. He again gathered an army and planned to make amends in the following year, when he appointed Konstantinos hetaireiarches as strategos autokrator and sent him against them. The hetaireiarches took the troops recently arrived from the east, gathered those wintering in the west, and encamped at Adrianople to plan his campaign. Informed by his guards of an imminent attack by Pechenegs marching on Adrianople, he met his commanders in his tent to decide whether to engage in battle or not. But Samuel Bourtzes took matters into his own hands
Certainty: 2 Basilike Libas: tactics pre-empted by Samuel Bourtzes, who attacked, then demanded aid when in difficulty. Basilike Libas: After discussions on how to fight the Pechenegs, Roman tactics were pre-empted by Samuel Bourtzes, who took his foot-soldiers, went out of the encampment (at Adrianople), and attacked. Then, when in difficulties, he persistently demanded aid. As Bourtzes' troops were growing weary, Konstantinos the hetaireiarches was unwillingly compelled to join battle with the Pechenegs on adverse terms at Basilike Libas
Certainty: 2 Basilike Libas: Bourtzes lost battle for Byzantines; they ended shamefully besieged in their camp. ******
Certainty: 2 (Basilike Libas): Byzantines were too defensive in highly cultivated area, nearly losing their camp. ******
Certainty: 2 Losses on both sides at Basilike Libas were few but prominent: Areianites, Dokeianos, Soultzous. Among the comparatively few losses at the battle of Basilike Libas were Konstantinos Arianites, who was seriously injiured in the lungs and died three days later; Michael Dokeianos, who was captured and taken before the Pecheneg leader, whom he suddenly wounded badly, then was cut to pieces and died a horrible but heroic death; on the Pecheneg side, Soultzos was killed by a catapult bolt, along with his horse, a blow to the Pechenegs which stopped them capturing the Roman camp
Certainty: 2 Basilike Libas: next day Byzantines were only saved by reinforcements, some at hand, some expected.
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX dismissed Konstantinos Leichoudes in favour of Ioannes logothetes. Konstantinos IX had appointed Konstantinos Leichoudes as his mesazon, giving him supreme power. But he gradually came to envy and resent him. Leichoudes often refused to do what he wanted, especially if it was unjust or improper. Psellos warned Leichoudes of the signs of imperial jealousy, but Leichoudes refused to compromise. The emperor, equally uncompromising, turned a deaf ear to all opposition and removed him. Psellos, though a supporter of Konstantinos IX, could not approve of his dismissal of Leichoudes. Ioannes the logothetes was appointed paradynasteuon by the emperor to replace Leichoudes, and designated foremost of all those in the senate. Konstantinos behaved in a puerile way towards him, calling him his 'sweetest boy', and admiring everything he did as nearly divine
Certainty: 2 Basilike Libas: next day minor Pecheneg defeats & losses led to a general retreat of their forces. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Failed plot of Nikephoros & Michael, sons of Euthymios, against Konstantinos IX. Nikephoros and Michael, sons of Euthymios, were accused, along with other relatives, of leading a plot to rise in rebellion against Konstantinos IX. Nikephoros was condemned and banished without proper investigation and his property was confiscated, although charges against Michael and the other accused were dismissed. Nikephoros had met Lazaros of Galesion while serving as krites of Thrakesion and when banished by the emperor he sent word to him to pray for a pardon. Soon, as Lazaros predicted, he was recalled by Konstantinos. He sent Lazaros three pounds of nomismata with a copy of the letter announcing his recall
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX made an annual grant of 1000 modioi of wheat to Nea Mone . Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull granting annually to Nea Mone 1000 modioi of wheat from the estates of Helos
Certainty: 2 Lazaros of Galesion fell ill & requested a grave to be dug. Lazaros fell gravely ill, his body having been weakened by old age and mortification. He lost nearly all his teeth and had problems eating. But when the brothers brought him a cushion, he refused to use it and sent them away, keeping only a leather tunic and a woollen cloak on his pillar. He was afflicted by a painful discharge and had an incision made on his neck from which flowed pus instead of blood. He lost all his teeth save two, and could no longer eat. He asked Pantoleon to dig a grave behind the apse, causing consternation to the monks
Certainty: 2 New tactics in Pecheneg war: scattered garrisons under Latin general posted to act together against raiders.
Certainty: 3 Sigillion in favour of Nea Mone, providing tax exemptions for named group of peasants. Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull for Nea Mone giving the names of the monastery's 24 paroikoi at its estate of Kalothekia (in Thrakesion) and exempting them from all fiscal charges
Certainty: 0 An unknown judge refused to accept as valid a marriage & payments which should have arisen from it. Andronikos Balantes made an agreement with Melias, protospatharios and strategos, to marry his own son to the other's daughter, with stipulated dowry, hypobolon and theoretron. But, soon after, the son died, and plans changed. After the death of Andronikos' son, he and Melias married off two others of their children, his daughter to Melias' son. This was illegal, as as he bride's brother had been betrothed to her groom's sister. The groom died soon after the wedding. Andronikos demanded payment of the epibolon and theoretron of his daughter, a widow soon after marriage. Melias refused, claiming the marriage was unlawful. When the matter came to court, the unknown judge agreed on the illegality and refused to order payment
Certainty: 1 Pardon (by Konstantinos IX) of a man caught stealing military funds. A man caught stealing military funds was punished with a large fine, many times what he owned. The exactor of fines was implacable, since both imperial and public treasuries were involved. The man demanded an audience with Konstantinos IX, to get a verdict from him and prevent the public tribunal having complete power over him. When he and the exactor of fines appeared before the emperor, many people were present, above all Psellos, as secretary to record the words of justice. The guilty man spoke in a straighforward and most pathetic way, ready to give up all his property but begging the emperor not to put his children in debt. He began to strip, to maximise his personal contribution. The emperor asked, with tears in his eyes, if he was not ashamed to reduce himself to such poverty that he could not feed and clothe himself. The man replied that he had no choice: he would never be able to pay the fine. Konstantinos then began to remit parts of his debt, gradually reducing the sum he had to pay. The man was amazed at his unexpected salvation, and his gratitude each time persuaded the emperor to increase his generosity, till the whole debt was remitted. The man felt he had won a victory, dressed splendidly and gave thanks to God
Certainty: 1 Plot against Konstantinos IX of anonymous low-born ex-barbarian. A man who arrived in Byzantium as a barbarian did a service for Konstantinos IX, then insinuated himself among the senators. Psellos found his boasting insufferable. The man thought of becoming emperor, regarding Konstantinos' disregard for security as a godsend. Following a secret plan, he joined the rear of an imperial procession from the theatre to the palace, and so got inside the imperial quarters and lay in wait near the kitchens. Onlookers assumed he had been told to wait there. He later revealed that he planned to attack the emperor when sleeping, kill him with a concealed dagger and transfer power to himself. When the emperor went to bed, he set to work. But he lost his nerve, became dizzy and ran all over the place. The guards arrested him and woke the emperor, who was very angry. The next day, the emperor questioned him about co-conspirators, having him severely tortured when he did not reply. Under torture he denounced various magistrates as accomplices, implicating upright men in his barbarian madness. Konstantinos was overcome with remorse, kissed him and restored him to his previous position
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous wrote about Euchaita soon after arrival there. Ioannes Mauropous wrote several speeches and letters about his (reluctant) appointment to the metropolitan see of Euchaita, his journey there, and the difficulties faced in the first months
Certainty: 0 Privileges restored to see of Euchaita. When Konstantinos IX restored to the metropolitan see of Euchaita the privileges granted by his predecessors, his image was set up in the local church. Ioannes Mauropous composed an epigram about it
Certainty: 1 Argyros in Constantinople was reproved by Keroularios over the azymes. Michael Keroularios would later remember his contacts with Argyros while the latter was in Constantinople. He would often speak to Michael about the azymes, and Michael repeatedly refused him communion (because of his views)
Certainty: 0 Laurentios Paximadas founded a monastery at Meleai on Athos. Laurentios Paximadas founded a monastery in the area of Meleai (on Athos). It was subsequently abandoned and granted to Neophytos, hegoumenos of the monastery of Hagios Konstantinos on condition that Laurentios would be commemorated
Certainty: 0 Chrysobull of Konstantinos IX granting to Nea Mone (Chios) 1000 modioi of wheat from the estates of Helos.
Certainty: 0 Hieropator gave Vatopedi a forest on Athos in return for permission to settle at the monastery. Hieropator granted through a written act a forest to Vatopedi for the salvation of his soul and in exchange for permission to settle at the monastery
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked Romanos, once a fellow-student, for schedographia exercises, as two of his pupils had finished all his own. Two enthusiastic students of Psellos had nearly finished the schedographia exercises of their teacher, and demanded more. Psellos applied for help to Romanos, the schedographia expert who had been a fellow-student. He hoped he would remember the connection and send some of his exercises
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Komnenos, when on a raid, captured the father of Tatikios. Ioannes Komnenos, father of Alexios I, when on a raid, captured the father of Tatikios. This gave Tatikios servile ancestry
Certainty: 1 Nikolaos of Horaia Pege died in his monastery, surrounded by his many monks. Nikolaos, founder of the monastery of Horaia Pege, died in his beloved monastery, surrounded by his many monks and with an angelic escort to heaven, just before Ioannes Xiphilinos and later Psellos arrived at Horaia Pege
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos Leichoudes swore to rebuild the Church where his father would be buried. The father of Konstantinos Leichoudes decided to rebuild the Church of the Martyr Kallinikos (Constantinople) as a Church of the Saviour (?), so as to be buried there. He bound his son on oath, before he became patriarch, to complete the work
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote simple verse text-books on various subjects for Konstantinos IX. Psellos wrote simple introductions in verse for Konstantinos IX on the inscriptions of the psalms, the Song of Songs, the Christian faith, the councils and grammar. They would be revived for later emperors, especially Michael VII
Certainty: 0 When Keroularios appeared in Church of the Holy Apostles (having inspected the icons), a man shamelessly refused to stand. The patriarch Keroularios, after admiring the technique and spiritual power of the paintings at the Church of the Holy Apostles, suddenly appeared to those present at a vigil there; all but one rose to acknowledge him with respect. The man remained seated to make it clear that this was not oversight. He was summoned by Keroularios and his furious subordinates, but instead of being sternly reprimanded, as he expected, he received a calm handshake and was given a job
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 3 for Konstantinos IX.
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX wrote to eastern commanders to bring troops to Europe to face the Pechenegs.
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion: towards the end of his life. Around the year 1050, Lazaros was still living as an ascetic, wearing the same leather tunic for twelve years, going without food for long periods and eating bread only once a year. He also still faced many of the problems of the past. An old woman appearing on his pillar turned out to be the devil in disguise. Quarrelsome monks refused each other forgiveness. Demons prevented monks from confessing, and could cause a crash as they were expelled and might take the form of a cat. But fear of demons could also cause reconciliation. The prediction of dates of death was now used about Lazaros as much as by him over others. Monks were still influenced by the devil to embezzle money and comit sexual sins. One such sinner, Esaias, died, and was heard by Loukas the holy fool calling for help from Lazaros and the brothers. Lazaros ordered a vigil, wrote a pardon to be placed on the altar, and the folowing day had the monks go to his tomb and read out the pardon and pray for him
Certainty: 2 Count Drogo was murdered: Humphrey became count in his stead. Count Drogo of Hauteville was murdered at Montoglio: the killer is reported in different sources as a local or a fellow-Norman. Drogo was succeeded as count by his brother Humphrey
Certainty: 3 Argyros arrived at Otranto after a time in Constantinople, with money from Konstantinos IX. Argyros arrived at Otranto in March with money from Konstantinos IX. In April he entered Bari, causing the deaths of two persons, the burning of the Jewish quarter and the houses of Adralestos
Certainty: 2 Rulers of Bari refused entry to Argyros, but were undermined by citizens; Adralistus escaped to Normans. When Argyros, son of Melus, arrived at Bari, the gates were closed against him by Adralestos and the brothers Romuald and Petros [leaders of the anti-Byzantine party]. But soon after the people of Bari welcomed Argyros, against the wishes of Adralestos and his colleagues, whose houses were burned, and who were forced to flee or be imprisoned. Mele Malapezza and Liboni were killed, and the Jewish quarter burned
Certainty: 2 Romoald & Petros, rulers of Bari, & Adralistus' family were sent to Constantinople in chains. With the collapse of opposition at Bari to Argyros, Adralestos succeeded in escaping to the new Norman count Humphrey. But his wife Rodia, his son and the brothers Romuald and Petros were sent in chains to Constantinople
Certainty: 2 A ship loaded with oil for Constantinople was destroyed by fire at Penna. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Pechenegs ravaged Macedonia & Thrace; Bryennios (&/or Michael the akolouthos) sent to fight them. With the Pechenegs ravaging Macedonia and Thrace, Konstantinos IX joined his Frankish and Varangian allies to 20,000 horse-archers whom he summoned from Telouch, the Black Mountain and Karkaros. He appointed commanders under Bryennios, whom he made ethnarches, and sent him against the Pecheneg raids, to join Michael the akolouthos, whom he instructed to avoid a major battle
Certainty: 2 Kegen released from prison & sent to pacify Pechenegs; he was murdered by them. Kegen was released from prison by Konstantinos IX, and was sent to divide the Pechenegs attacking the Roman empire, in order to bring them over to the emperor's side. When given assurances on oath, he went on an embassy to the Pechenegs but was immediately murdered and cut to pieces
Certainty: 2 Pecheneg detachment at Katasyrtai near Constantinople killed by patrikios Ioannes Philosophos. Ioannes, called the philosopher, one of the eunuch bedchamber attendants of the late empress Zoe, was appointed by Konstantinos IX to lead an army against the Pechenegs, who had advanced as far as Katasyrtai. He attacked them at night while they were asleep after drinking, massacred them, and took their heads on farm carts to the emperor
Certainty: 2 Bryennios & Michael akolouthos won skirmishes, then massacred Pecheneg army at Charioupolis. Michael the akolouthos was sent against the Pechenegs with orders to fight cautiously. He annihilated some Pechenegs at Goloe, then defeated a detachment he met at Toplitzos, and joined Bryennios the ethnarches, who was at the head of Frankish and Varangian mercenaries and 20,000 horse-archers summoned from the East, and had also been sent to defend against Pecheneg raids. Aware that the Pechenegs, fearing this army, had moved from Thrace to Macedonia, Michael and Bryennios left Adrianople quietly at night, and reached Charioupolis with their troops. They decided to take this opportunity for a battle, in spite of the cautious imperial orders. They charged and surprised the unsuspecting Pechenegs when they approached, pursuing them, causing heavy losses, as far as Mt. Rentakion [There is confusion whether Bryennios or Michael was in charge - but the location, Charioupolis, guarantees that we are reading of the same battle]
Certainty: 2 After another victory of Michael the akolouthos, whole area souith of Sidera pass was peaceful. Michael the akolouthos fought several victorious battles against the Pechenegs south of the Sidera and cleared the land from barbarian raids
Certainty: 2 After their defeat at Charioupolis, Pecheneg raids subsided. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 2 Beginning of anti-thondrakian (?) crusade of Gregorios magistros.
Certainty: 2 Conflict in Palin between the Âsons of Abel & the katepano Peros, who examined charges against them.
Certainty: 1 Embassy from Aleppo sent to Constantinople with annual tribute.
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 7 for Konstantinos IX.
Certainty: 1 Death of Helena, sister of Konstantinos IX. When Helena, sister of Konstantinos IX, died, he felt no sorrow or grief when people spoke of the event
Certainty: 1 Styliane, Psellos' beautiful daughter, first lost her complexion & then slowly died, to her parents' great distress. By the age of 9, the beauty of Psellos' daughter Styliane was complete, all imperfections removed, filling his heart with pride and affection. He described her in detail. Being very tall and beautiful, with graceful movements and simple clothing, he expected her to be talked about and admired, with marriage proposals from noble families. He listed situations in which she appeared charming, asking each time how anybody could fail to be moved by her. When admired by the noble and rich, she behaved with artless perfection, without tricks unworthy of her virgin modesty, no boasting or cosmetics. Perhaps to save perfection from inevitable pollution, she suddenly fell sick with an untreatable, plague-like illness, bringing fever and eruptions all over her, ruining her appearance. For 20 days she lay in pain from countless sores, especially on her face; they improved, and her parents hoped for recovery: but the fever worsened, and she had no reserves to fight it. She could no longer eat or speak; on the thirty-first day she raised her hands to her mother's in a gesture of farewell; all who knew her filled the house as mourners. At her funeral, she was unrecognisable, ugly and covered in sores. Some ten days before death, she saw a vision of a woman who gave her the shorter of two branches - the Theotokos indicating she had little time left to live. In a second dream, she was with difficulty let into a garden like heaven by a male key-holder, interpreted as St Petros. When she told her parents of the dreams, they despaired. After the agony of watching Styliane die, Psellos and his wife are shown making a long lament of grief as to why such a dreadful event could occur
Certainty: 1 Romanos Boilas conspired to kill Konstantinos IX; no significant punishment. When the death of Zoe brough his games with the empresses to an end, Romanos Boilas plotted to murder Konstantinos IX and seize rule for himself. He would have succeeded had he not been betrayed by an associate. Romanos was deceived into thinking he was popular by flatterers and the power of some of his friends, including the commander of the mercenaries. He also held keys to all the private doors. He at first kept the plan secret, but later he could not maintain this, and approached many senators thought to be disaffected, pretending, if they refused him, that he was testing their loyalty to the emperor. One of his confidants rushed in to Konstantinos, who was asleep, less than an hour before the crime was due to occur, crying that his best friend was about to kill him and demanding that he protect himself. Konstantinos was annoyed at the informant, who caused Romanos to be caught in the act. Romanos sought asylum but was arrested. Konstantinos, as news of the plot became known, had to try him, but he wept at the sight of Romanos in chains, saying that one so simple could not be guilty, and dismissed charges against him, while other conspirators were tortured, deprived of their properties and banished. When Theodora and his sister Euprepeia rebuked him for his stupidity, he felt shame and condemned Romanos to comfortable exile on one of the Princes' Islands. But after ten days he returned to as privileged a position as before
Certainty: 1 Suggestive links between Romanos Boilas & Konstantinos IX's Alan mistress. Romanos Boilas conceived a terrible passion for Konstantinos IX's Alan mistress. Psellos was unable to say if she surrendered herself to him, but she seemed to some extent to respond to his love. This feeling may have contributed to his attempt at rebellion: after his exile he returned more violently in love. Psellos was once scandalised to realise that Konstantinos was aware of the fact. When Psellos and Romanos were escorting the emperor to his mistress, Romanos gazed at her with shameless openness. Konstantinos muttered to Psellos, "You see that Romanos is still in love and nothing that has happened to him has checked him"
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX used advanced engineering to build &/or restore aqueducts. Michael IX's inventiveness and imperial generosity was seen in his construction of aqueducts to quench the thirst of the people during summer, bringing water to the desert and moving the course of whole rivers
Certainty: 1 Dispute over properties at Ezoba between local bishop & Iveron investigated by Georgios Hexamilites. Georgios III Hagiorites/Mtacmindeli, hegoumenos of Iveron, and his fellow monks asked for a survey of the boundaries of the lands of the metochion of Iveron at Ezova, which were disputed with the local bishop. The task was undertaken by Georgios Hexamilites, krites of the hippodrome, who sent his spatharios Theodoros to do the work. The resultant praktikon confirmed that the lands belonged to Iveron, and would be used in later stages of the dispute
Certainty: 1 Kyrillos Phileotes was tonsured at his brother's monastery of Christ. Kyrillos Phileotes, during a barbarian raid in Thrace when his brother Michael fled with his monks to the fort of Derkos, did not follow but went to a deserted part of the lake of Derkos and built a small hut where he remained till the enemy left. He then refused to return home and went to the monastery of Christ where he was tonsured, rebaptised as Kyrillos, and remained there with his brother and the other monks. He enquired about a column standing among thorns at the monastery where he wanted to build his cell. Finding no answer he considered it a miraculous sign, erected a small cell and sang and prayed with the brothers there. He sat with the brothers in the trapeza but did not eat, explaining to them the lives of saints instead, and for three years he attended church with them on Saturdays, Sundays and major feast days, until he withdrew completely to his cell
Certainty: 0 Plans for the monastery & the monks after Lazaros' death. There was a great anxiety among the monks about the future of the monastery once it lost its charismatic leader. Lazaros always replied in a very positive way to these concerns, and tried to keep the monks together, though he allowed some of them to leave. In general, he claimed that the monks would suffer nothing as the result of his death
Certainty: 3 Imperial document on Nea Mone entered in sekreton tou eidikou (details unknown).
Certainty: 2 Death of Romanos, son of Eustathios Boilas; entry of Anna, Eustathios' wife, into a monastery. The homeland of Eustathios Boilas was Cappadocia, where his mother founded a church. Later, with his wife Anna, two daughters Eirene and Maria, son Romanos and all his possessions, he left Cappadocia, engulfed in troubles and violence, and travelled a week and a half to a new land, where he settled among foreign nations of a different faith and tongue (perhaps near Edessa?). When he first arrived the land he was given was wooded and uncultivated, full of snakes, scorpions and wild beasts, so that the Armenians living opposite were never left in peace. He built a house and shrine, created meadows and gardens, vineyards, aqueducts, gedia, water-mills, brought in all necessaries, and did the same at great expense for his estates of Bouzina, Isaiou, Ouzike, Chouspakrate, Kopteriou, Ophidobouni and Kousneria. He gave dowries for his daughters and land for a servant (Laskaris) and a freed slave (Kyriakos). His relationship to his lords, Michael Apokapes and his sons Basileios and Pharasmanes, was ambiguous: he served them loyally, but they made him loan them money they did not repay and cede them lands for which he received no compensation. They listened to slander against him and repeated it. Eustathios founded a church dedicated to the Theotokos (at Tantzouten/Salem), to which he gave sacred vessels worth 300 nomismata, liturgical vestments, icons, and some 90 books (listed). His son Romanos died at the age of three and was buried in the church of St Barbara, thn his wife Anna became a nun
Certainty: 2 Taxation suddenly enforced on rich, & grants to religious foundations cut off by Konstantinos IX. Two years before his death, Konstantinos IX changed completely the way he ruled, becoming one of the most terrible tax-collectors commonly called sekretikoi. He caused damage to all and appropriated the property of the rich, instigating unjust trials and filling the prisons with those accused. He sent edicts to holy shrines and monasteries in all provinces, ordering assessment of their grants and interrogation of the servants of the temples. He was to cut off grants allegedly given without good reason, but he died before the investigation was started
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Konstantinos IX entrusting the epi tou kanikleiou Ioannes with the protection of Lavra. Ioannes, the hegoumenos of Lavra, informed Konstantinos IX of problems his monastery had faced since the death of Nikephoros Ouranos (half a century before), to whose protection it had been entrusted by St Athanasios, the founder. Konstantinos issued a chrysobull entrusting Lavra to the care of Ioannes, praipositos, epi tou koitonos and epi tou kanikleiou, and exempting it in perpetuity from any demands made by local office-holders of any kind. The monks were later to ask Michael VII to confirm the chrysobull
Certainty: 2 Famine on Mount Galesion alleviated by miracles of feeding. During a famine on the mountain, there was a dispute over the eucharistic loaves between Germanos the ekklesiarches and Gregorios the cellarer. When it threatened to become acute, two monks appeared with two mules laden with oil, wine and bread sent from Limnai by its hegoumenos and Pachomios, the ekklesiarches. Later, miracles occurred on Mt Galesion reminiscent of the miracles of Christ. Small quantities of cheese and pulses expanded to feed all the monasteries and the xenodocheion, with many scraps left over. Rather than use communion wine, a shortage was solved by mixing the little wine remaining with water. A whole basket of leftovers was returned mysteriously from the trapeza. Gregorios the cellarer, author of Lazaros' vita, was direct or indirect witness of the miracles, together with Iakobos the monk and cook, Nikolaos the monk and coppersmith, and the trapezopoios
Certainty: 2 Guaimar prince of Salerno was killed. Guaimar IV, prince of Salerno, was killed
Certainty: 2 Robert Guiscard siezed Petros of Bisignano by a trick. Robert Guiscard became a local ruler in Southern Italy. Later he increased the area he controlled by luring his neighbour, Petros of Bisignano (Teras), to meet him for an important discussion. Petros came with an escort, but Guiscard pretended to be frightened of them, so Petros sent them back. When the two were alone, three of Guiscard's men galloped up and carried Petros off to slavery and torture
Certainty: 2 Petros III, appointed patriarch of Antioch, reviewed his career to that date.
Petros, patriarch of Antioch, wrote to the Antiochenes. After warmly greeting them and their clergy, he explained how he chose to be a monk [at a date which can hardly even be guessed], then rose through the hierarchy before being nominated by the emperor as patriarch, approved by his fellows and God, elevated to the see through chrism and the laying on of hands by Michael Keroularios. He was delighted that his elevation was said to be the Antiochenes' own wish. He urged them to be positive that a real Antiochene was becoming their patriarch - the choice of Konstantinos IX, for whom they should give thanks. There is a little more information at the beginning of the synodical letters he sent to the patriarchs of Alexandria and Jerusalem: he was from pious Antiochene families on both sides, educated first in Antioch, where he attracted the attention of the patriarch Ioannes III (before 1021), then sent for secondary education to Constantinople. This education fitted him for a secular career an imperial secretary of Romanos III (before 1034), then as a krites in more than one theme in turn, finally in a position of reponsibility over other kritai. When he was allowed to retire and join the church, he was appointed to care for the Church of the Holy Apostles, then became skeuophylax of Hagia Sophia
Certainty: 2 Petros III appointed patriarch of Antioch by Konstantinos IX. Petros also wrote to pope Leo IX and other patriarchs, reviving the old custom of the synodical letter. He regretted that Rome was no longer in step with the other patriarchates, a situation which church leaders should remedy. He wrote a profession of faith, asking Leo to reciprocate, stressing differences between the churches. If these proved small, and did not affect orthodoxy, all practical measures should be taken to restore church unity. But if differences were fundamental, they must be addressed by both sides via the bible, and a decision reached to stop any dispute. He began with a list of Trinitarian and Christological beliefs, the metaphysical relationships within the Trinity as a background to key events of salvation history. He claimed adherence to the 7 ecumenical councils and reverence for icons, he anathematised all heretics, their writings and followers, and accepted everything taught by the apostles and fathers and confirmed by the whole church. He told Leo that, on receiving Leo's explanations, he would either accept them and set the problems right, or reject them and require the pope to correct his own side; church unity was the goal. Unfortunately he received no reply. He wrote similar letters to the patriarchs of Alexandria and Jerusalem, with similar professions of faith, but with more on his pious family, education and lay and ecclesiatical careers, and less on likely disagreements
Certainty: 1 Psellos addressed criticism & praise to Ioannes Italos. Psellos wrote a speech and an encomium for Ioannes Italos, not long after his arrival in Constantinople. He criticised him and praised him at the same time: the criticism was of his attempts to progress too fast in his lessons, as a recent migrant from Italy, and preferring speculation to truth. The praise, before all Psellos' students, was because he made up for his lack of linguistic grace in Greek by powerful use of argumentation - a good example of how barbarians had overtaken Greeks in the study of philosophy
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Aristenos his son spent too long at the spoonfeeders, afraid of his demanding teaching. Psellos wrote to Aristenos about his son. His fathers letters were not the only reason why Psellos looked after the hard-working boy, but he should continue writing, by his concern keeping up Psellos' interest. The young Aristenos, nervous of Psellos' teaching, went off to spoonfeeders, where he (like many others) spent most of his time at simple levels, not knowing what proficiency meant
Certainty: 1 His pupil Kyritzes said that in criticising Psellos he roused a wasp; Psellos waspishly denied this. Kyritzes, a pupil of Psellos, said he would provoke a wasp by criticising him. Despite attacks by Psellos, he felt he was emerging from his master's shadow, particularly in his speciality of law. Psellos, furious at Kyritzes' letter, attacked it for plagiarism, imprecise wording and inappropriate images; he told Kyritzes to return as his pupil, but claimed to have taken his words seriously and given a model reply. In another letter, he first compared his own art with painting - e.g. under-drawing in his logoi. Then he criticised Kyritzes' antilogia: in philosophy, why oppose Psellos? Law was Kyritzes' best subject. In rhetoric he followed Demosthenes, whom Psellos disliked. In a third letter, after speaking of antilogia, a long complaint (not without bitterness) that Kyritzes called him a wasp; links between pupil, teacher and wasps were explored, concluding that Kyritzes had roused against himself not a wasp but a lion
Certainty: 1 Death of Ioannes Mauropous' brother; Psellos wrote a letter of consolation. Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous about his waning creativity and the death of Mauropous' brother. Psellos ascribed his failing powers to Ioannes' brief letters coming at unpredictable moments, as times grew less propitious. Why was Ioannes so inconsistent? Why did he change his mind so often? Events like the death of Mavropous' brother refined the soul, the holiness of the departed marking the survivors. Psellos knew little of the brother, but he seemed a straightforward man whose virtues were visible in Ioannes himself
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to console his old friend, Leon Paraspondylos, who had recently lost power & wealth. Psellos fulfilled an old philosophical friendship by telling Leon Paraspondylos, in a letter over a recent dramatic loss of power and wealth, that his new life was better than the old. He proposed at the same time to praise Leon to Konstantinos IX
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX after dismissing Konstantinos Leichoudes, completed his reign in sickness & failure. In a eulogy of Konstantinos Leichoudes, Psellos was very critical of Konstantinos IX for dismissing him. He said that the rest of the emperor's reign after the dismissal was a story of sickness and failure. Leichoudes succeded in keeping his independence, in spite of pressures to return
Certainty: 1 Romanos Boilas probably published a dreadful libel on Konstantinos IX; but he was pardoned. Romanos Boilas (or an anonymous person?) composed a totally false libel against Konstantinos IX, and by publishing it gained a degree of notoriety. The case came to court, and even the patriarch Keroularios did not intervene to save him. But Konstantinos IX found a way, by carefully-crafted argument, to pardon him
Certainty: 1 Psellos, at times of crisis, liked to visit beautiful memorials, like the Mangana wih the tomb of Zoe. Psellos praised Konstantinos IX for widening the boundaries of Byzantium, and for his wonderful constructions, especially buildings devoted to martyrs. He himself had been helped, at times of crisis, by visiting beautiful memorials, like the Mangana wih the tomb of Zoe
Certainty: 1 Psellos sarirised Iakovos, a monk who was over-fond of wine, using canon form. Psellos wrote a parody of a canon satirising the monk Iakobos of the monastery of Synkellos for his consumption of wine [in one ms. it is connected to the 4-line version of the Sabbaites poem, which seems wrong]
Certainty: 1 Death of Ioannes metropolitan of Melitene: Psellos composed a monody. Psellos wrote a monody for the death of Ioannes, metropolitan of Melitene, largely a genre exercise showing little knowledge of the deceased. He had defended Orthodoxy with passion, taught the faithful right doctrines and was a fervent opponent of the Jacobites, some of whom he was responsible for driving out after they had shown themselves disloyal to the emperors. He died at a great age, probably in Constantinople, without having previously suffered illness
Certainty: 0 A young Nikephoros (Nikephoritzes) taken into the palace by Konstantinos IX. A young man called Nikephoros was taken into the palace by Konstantinos IX and affectionately called Nikephoritzes on account of his youth
Certainty: 2 Story of Gilielmos Maskabeles reflects Petros of Bisignano, defeated by Guiscard at time of battle of Civitate.
Certainty: 2 Engagement of Michael Psellos' adopted daughter (c. 9 years old) to Elpidios Kenchres (c. 18). Psellos, having years before adopted a daughter (Euphemia?), began to feel a true parental bond with her, having now no other child; in view of the unpredictability of life, he wanted to set her up well in the present and for the future. Thus before she reached puberty and marriageable age, he betrothed her to Elpidios, son of Ioannes Kenchres, protospatharios, a teenager twice her age [e.g. 16-8]; this was a common practice. He betrothed her not only out of general forethought, but because he was close to the emperor Konstantinos IX, and wanted to use his position to help her before a change in circumstances made this impossible. He chose Elpidios as son-in-law after researching many other aristocratic sons
Certainty: 2 Elpidios Kenchres became protospatharios & was appointed to various offices. Psellos had Elpidios Kenchres appointed protospatharios, enrolled among the minor imperial notaries in the sekreton of the Antiphonetes, and promoted a krites of the hippodrome. He gave his adopted daughter as dowry 50 litrai, 10 in gold coins, 20 in various kinds of objects and 20 through the cost of the protospathariat: through promotions and the dowry, the salary of Elpidios was raised from 12 to 72 nomismata
Certainty: 2 Leon of Ohrid wrote to Ioannes of Trani, attacking western eucharistic practices.
Certainty: 2 Argyros was attacked at Siponto by Duke Humphrey & Normans, was defeated, & just escaped to Viesti. Argyros, son of Melus, went by sea to Siponto. There he was attacked by count Humphrey, count Petrone and their Normans; he was defeated, and escaped half-dead to Viesti
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX's Alan mistress outshone all rivals to dominate the court. Konstantinos IX's Alan mistress now dominated the capital (according to Psellos) and outshone Zoe (deceased) and Theodora
Certainty: 3 Battle of Civitate: Normans massacred Germans brought to Italy by pope Leo IX, who was captured. Pope Leo IX brought German troops to fight the Norman domination, but they were massacred by the Normans at the battle of Civitate. The pope himself was captured and taken to Benevento, but accorded due honours. He received a letter of consolation from Konstantinos IX
Certainty: 2 Severe famine in Italy. No individuals mentioned, but this may have added to pressures for a quick Norman attack at the Battle of Civitate
Certainty: 2 Argyros sent the archbishop of Trani as an intermediary to Constantinople. Argyros, son of Melus, sent the archbishop of Trani as a messenger to Constantinople
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX ordered Lazaros out of Galesion to Bessai. Konstantinos IX was persuaded by the monk Gabriel to order Lazaros to leave the mountain of Galesion, which belonged to the metropolitan of Ephesos, and move to Bessai where the emperor had granted some land. Gabriel wrote to Lazaros about the imperial decision. When Lazaros received the letter, he refused, and reassured Esaias Makros, Kyrillos the oikonomos (who reported the views of the bishop of Tralleis) and Nikolaos the scribe and monk, who expressed fears about the monastery's fate. Nikolaos asked Lazaros why he had founded Bessai, if there was no danger to Galesion, only to be told that there was no harm in glorifying God at both monasteries
Certainty: 2 Delegation of monks from Mount Galesion to Konstantinos IX, who confirmed the rule of their monastery. Lazaros sent Kosmas Hierosolymites to Constantinople with a letter for Konstantinos IX, telling him to take along Lazaros' brother Ignatios and ask the emperor to appoint him hegoumenos, assuring him he would not die while he was away. When Kosmas later asked Lazaros if Ignatios would accompany him to the capital as planned, Lazaros responded that this was not necessary for if God wished him to become hegoumenos then he would. Although initially upset by the content of the letter (Lazaros refused to move to Bessai), the emperor then acquiesced in all the demands of the monks and confirmed their rule with his seal
Certainty: 2 Omen in Antioch: after Chalcedonian patriarch burnt Syrian gospel, earthquake targetted Chalcedonians.
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX ordered Michael akolouthos & Basileios the synkellos to attack north of the Sidera. Konstantinos IX wished to finish with the Pechenegs once and for all. He summoned forces from everywhere, both east and west, placed them under Michael akolouthos, and ordered the synkellos Basileios to gather his Bulgarian troops, and sent them both against the Pechenegs
Certainty: 2 Byzantines advanced & camped at Great Preslav, where they discussed preparations for battle. Michael akolouthos, ordered by Konstantinos IX to attack the Pecheneg camp, gathered all his forces, crossed Mount Zygos (Haimos) and spent a day preparing for war near great Presthlava (Preslav), where he set up a council to debate further action
Certainty: 2 Since Byzantines were besieged & running short of supplies, they all decided to retreat. Michael the akolouthos and Basileios the synkellos, instead of attacking at once, postponed and delayed the attack until supplies had run out, and the army dispersed and was defeated
Certainty: 2 Michael Psellos congratulated Michael Keroularios for showing a more human side. Psellos now knew that Michael Keroularios could, when necessary, discard strict legalism for higher human feeling - an ideal patriarch. He reported that an ex-hegoumenos (Leon Paraspondylos?), still Keroularios' man, extolled him as innocent and condemned himself. Psellos also thanked Keroularios for a favour
Certainty: 1 Galesion, Bessai and other monastic houses around the time of Lazaros' death. In the last years of Lazaros' life and around the time of his death there was much confusion over the attachment of the monks to one or the other monastic house in or around the mountain. Gregorios the cellarer despaired when Lazaros himself wished to leave for Bessai, only to be told by Lazaros that they would both end their lives at Galesion. Some monks found it difficult to accept eunuchs like the monk Stephanos in positions of authority. Lazaros was at pains to explain his vision of the econonic links between Bessai and Galesion. His other decisions were clearly influenced by the need to keep the community together after his death
Certainty: 2 Basileios the synkellos, jealous of Michael akolouthos, refused to fight, quoting the emperor himself. Basileios the synkellos, jealous of Michael, used as a pretext Konstantinos IX's orders to Michael akolouthos not to attack the Pechenegs. He put his own plans above the common good, and kept suggesting flight in disorder. Basil admitted secretly that he did not wish to see Michael, the emperor's man, benefit from his own armed forces. He feared that Michael, if successful, might win the praise and triumph
Certainty: 2 Byzantines retreated from Preslav; Pechenegs controlled all the roads & massacred them, including Basileios. Basileios the governor of Bulgaria persuaded Michael the akolouthos to abandon plans for a battle and to withdraw, partly because he feared that Michael might steal a common victory. Tyrach, the Pecheneg commander, realising that the Romans had decided to lift their siege of Great Preslav and withdraw, sent troops to the passes they were going to march through, ambushed them, and most were annihilated. Basileios paid with his life, falling from his horse into a ditch and being killed by some Pechenegs. Michael escaped with other survivors to Adrianople
Certainty: 2 Nikephoros (III) Botaneiates excelled, fighting 11 days & nights & extricating his men from Pecheneg attack. Encomiastic material for Atteleiates' emperor Nikephoros III. Complaining of the leaders who had decided not to fight a battle, he ordered an orderly retreat of his division of the army (from Great Preslav to Adrianople). He marched down a river, taking prudent defensive precautions. When their horses were incapacitated, they continued on foot with swords and shields. When three horses were found, he cut off their legs rather than escaping himself, remaining with his men and fighting to the end. They fought and marched heroically for eleven days, his endurance and bravery winning the admiration of the Pechenegs themselves as he reached Adrianople
Certainty: 2 30-year peace treaty concluded with Pechenegs (at Byzantine or Pecheneg suggestion?). Konstantinos IX was upset at the defeat of his army under Michael the akolouthos and Basileios synkellos by the Pechenegs of Tyrach. He gathered fresh troops and mercenaries, and would not calm down until he wiped out the Pecheneg race. The news was taken to them by a renegade. The Pechenegs may also have been impressed by Botaneiates' spectacular escape. The result was a 30-year peace. Attaleiates gives the initiative to Konstantinos, who decided not to send any troops to fight the enemy, made agreements with them to put an end to the war, and granted them gifts and honours. Skylitzes, who emphasises the story of Konstantinos' determination reported by a renegade, speaks of an embassy from the Pechenegs seeking peace
Certainty: 3 Nea Mone freed from obligation to receive within its walls exiles from prominent families. Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull protecting Nea Mone from the annoyance caused to the monastic community by the arrival at the monastery of exiles from prominent families
Certainty: 2 Domenico of Grado wrote to Peter of Antioch, claiming the title of patriarch & supporting the use of azymes. Domenico of Grado wrote to Petros of Antioch. Domenico claimed the status of patriarch as archbishop of Venice, founded by St Mark and confirmed by St Petros, sitting on the right of the pope in the Roman synod. He protested to Petros that Constantinople insulted Rome for celebrating the Eucharist with azymes, claiming it broke the unity of the church. He told Petros to rebuke such attacks, which implied that the west was cut off from the eucharist and eternal life. He told Petros the use of azymes came from Christ himself; but the west regarded the eastern use of leavened bread as also valid
Certainty: 2 Leo IX wrote a letter (probably never sent) addressed to Keroularios. Pope Leo IX wrote to Michael Keroularios a long letter full of righteous indignation: it was probably never sent, as a shorter and more conciliatory form of this letter is preserved (Leo IX, Ep. II to Keroularios), probably replying to an unexpectedly friendly letter received from Keroularios. Leo attacked Keroularios and Leon of Ohrid for trying to divide Christ's body over the azymes. He contrasted the unshakable Petrine authority of the papacy with the Greek church, which had always been riven with heresy. Peter and his Roman see, in the Gospels, in Acts, in the early church and in the empire via the donation of Constantine (quoted at length), had always had a special authority and mission, which Keroularios should respect, and stop his attacks. Rome, as mother of the church of Constantinople, had struggled hard to give her daughter a privileged position: the claims of Antioch and Alexandria had only been overlooked out of respect for Constantine. The arrogance and disrespect now shown by Constantinople could be contrasted with the tolerance of Rome towards the Greeks. Keroularios should accept his due place in Christ's body, or might find himself cut off. Attacks on Rome were attcks on the whole church, and ultimately on God. Leo would send Michael patristic proofs in favour of the azymes, which he hoped would lead to peace
Certainty: 3 Rule of Lazaros of Galesion. Lazaros spoke earlier of a rule for the community in his monasteries, and just before his death he asked Nikolaos, scribe and monk, to write it under his guidance. Lazaros was pleased with it. It included narrative of his travels to the Holy Land and his foundation of the three monasteries on Mt. Galesion, and stipulated that the Resurrection should have 40 brothers, and the Saviour and the Theotokos 12 each. He added various rules on the administration of his monasteries and the daily life of the monks, and asked that his body be thrown down the gorge after his death, to be eaten by animals and birds. Lazaros reassured Kyrillos the oikonomos, who expressed doubts about the future of the community, that if they followed his stipulations then the brothers would not lack anything. Because of his illness he could only sign his rule on the day of his death. When the brothers gathered thinking he was dead, he opened his eyes, granted them forgiveness, signed his rule (with Kyrillos guiding his hand), received communion, then delivered his soul to the Lord
Certainty: 3 Death of Lazaros of Galesion.
Lazaros was aware of his impending death at the age of 86, having been away from his homeland for 20 years, then spending 7 years at Hagia Marina and 41 on Mount Galesion. Out of humility he did not tell anyone openly. The weather in the week before his death was very wet, and allowed him to mortify his flesh to the utmost, despite the attempts of his monks to make him comfortable. A few days before his death, he asked Laurentios the stylite whether the area near a rosemary bush by his cell would make a good grave site. Three days before his death he summoned the monk Neophytos, and handed over to him nomismata brought recently by the brothers. He asked him to distribute them to the monks after his death, for he had been accused of hoarding gold in his pillar. None was subsequently found. He delivered his soul to the Lord and became a star in the constellation of great ascetics. His body was taken down from the pillar into the church before being buried the following day in the narthex
Certainty: 1 Events at the time of the death of Lazaros of Galesion. At the end of his life, Lazaros was so frail that his death was expected, and more than one visitor found him sleeping and concluded that he was dead. After his death, it was easier to examine and admire his tunic and the irons he had worn. The rebellious monk Methodios used the occasion to try to poison Lazaros' brother and successor Ignatios, but the victim escaped with only a small amount of pain. Methodios fled to Magnesia, where he was killed by swineherds. Ioannes of Sardis died soon after Lazaros, having told Gregorios the cellarer not to leave the mountain, because this might lead to the dissolution of Lazaros' community
Certainty: 1 Peace treaty with Mihailo (son of Voisthlav of Serbia). Konstantinos IX concluded a peace-treaty with Mihailo, son of Voisthlav of Serbia, soon after his accession. Mihailo became a Byzantine ally and was made protospatharios
Certainty: 1 Tughrul Beg overpowered Ibrahim Yinal & Kutulmush at Pasar (Khurasan). The sultan Tughrul Beg, enraged by the disgrace and defeat of the army he sent with Kutulmush, had decided to have him arrested and murdered. However he had not made up his mind before Kutulmush fled, captured Pasar, and became his enemy. He was joined there by Ibrahim Yinal, Tughrul Beg's own estranged half-brother. Tughrul Beg attacked Pasar, but the siege lasted a long time. The defenders threw open the city gates on several occasions and attacked the sultan's men, causing them much harm. Finally Pasar fell, Ibrahim Yinal was captured and executed, while Kutulmush fled with Melech, son of Ibrahim Inal, and 6,000 men
Certainty: 0 Kutulmush fled from Tughrul Beg, captured Kars & requested alliance with Byzantium. After the capture of Pasar by Tughrul Beg, Kutulmush fled and sent embassies to Konstantinos IX requesting an alliance. He awaited the emperor's response to his embassy at Kars, besieged and captured the city apart from its acropolis, then left for Saba and Arabia Felix when he learnt that the sultan was pursuing him
Certainty: 1 Elaborate letter sent to Caliph of Baghdad seeking friendship.
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX was congratulated for improving situation in Italy. The general success of the reign of Konstantinos IX had an exception in Italian affairs. But even there he had been more effective than his predecessors, who had let Italy slip through their fingers
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Orationes panegyricae 1 & 4 for Konstantinos IX, the latter for delivery in a large theatre. Psellos wrote two encomia towards the end of the reign of Konstantinos IX, listing his achievements and virtues. He respected the patriarch Michael Keroularios, grieved for Zoe, and honoured Theodora. He built amd/or repaired aqueducts. He was wooed by Arab rulers with many embassies, bringing exotic animals, like the elephant and giraffe just received. In a second encomium, delivered in a large theatre, he tried to keep up with the emperor's deeds, with wise men to his left and right to criticise and join the praise. Egypt and Babylon sent diplomatic missions, abandoning pride and acknowledging their place in his empire. The elephant became quiet as it reached his dais and did obeisance. He met mass crossing of the Danube by Pechenegs not by fighting and heavy losses, but by allowing them to choose Christian baptism, to become Byzantines. Even Italian affairs were better than under his predecessors. Before, Byzantine defences were military, but permeable; now the government was so just that violence was no longer needed; witness the failure of plots against him, by the defence of generosity. One plotter was detected and had confessed, with the names of fellow-conspirators. Konstantinos tried him fiercely, but was overcome with remorse, kissed him and restored him to his old position. A libellous text was written against him. When the case came to court, even the patriarch was for condemnation. but Konstantinos issued a pardon. His personal devotion was shown by the tomb of Zoe, where wonders were worked, and by Theodora, last survivor of the imperial line
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Xiphilinos became a monk, reminding Psellos that he had promised to follow him. Ioannes Xiphilinos and Michael Psellos had agreed both to become monks once one of them had accepted tonsure. Xiphilinos received a blow (from Ophrydas), then suffered several other blows, direct and indirect, which made him think again of departing from the world, and remind Psellos of their plan. They delayed, out of repect for Konstantinos IX. Eventually, afraid of Konstantinos' unpredictable behaviour, Xiphilinos decided to depart and took an oath on it. Having decided, he claimed physical infirmity as a pretext: with much panting, he gradually revealed his illness to Konstantinos IX and asked to retire. The emperor was thunderstruck; mistrusting his own ability to change the man's mind, he asked Psellos for aid, only to suffer another shock when he declined, citing his own similar plans. The emperor spoke of treachery and conspiracy, but, bearing no grudge, begged Psellos to stay and try to replace Xiphilinos, to whom he reluctantly granted permission to retire. Claiming that as he donned the monastic habit he would obtain a cure from God, Xiphilinos immediately departed to the holy mountain of Olympos. Psellos saw him as he left and poured out streams of tears, hoping to follow him at once. He was deeply troubled about the right moment for his own retirement
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote three letters to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, to organise & improve his monasteries in the theme.
Psellos wrote to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, declaring his plan to improve his monastery of Medikion, sending his associate (a monk). He asked Zomas to waive his rights to yearly entertainment - a change Psellos wanted before moving to Olympos. In a second letter Psellos asked Zomas for more aid for Medikion, again requesting that his annual stay be without food. In the trial over water, Zomas had judged the monks as long-term owners, but without title, mildly rebuking a neighbour (a minor), who was plainly in the wrong. Psellos asked him to reconsider his verdict. Psellos sent Zomas a third letter, with thanks for help in acquiring Kellia (unencumbered, he hoped, and protected by imperial decree). Kathara, Medikion and Kellia were put in Zomas' care - if they made a loss now, what would happen without him?
Certainty: 1 Michael Psellos by chrysobull received rights at Madytos. Psellos received from Konstantinos IX by chrysobull the perpetual right to appoint the basilikos of Madytos
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Georgios the aktouarios about improving his unproductive monasteries. Objects annoyed him (said Psellos), unless they let him write to Georgios the aktouarios. Most started as matter and became objects, but estates started as objects and dissolved into horses and elephants (?). To upgrade them, he asked Georgios to help his servant (his "usual monk"?)
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous on behalf of an old man, & mocked Ioannes for wanting to return to the capital. A persistent old man's petition to Ioannes Mauropous was supported by a letter from Psellos, though Ioannes' kindness was such that no letter was needed. Ioannes and Psellos were both happy and unhappy, Ioannes in a good place far from home, Psellos at home suffering humiliation. A similar point was made in another letter. Ioannes' suffering produced amazing letters, like a dweller in heaven envying those in Hades. Ioannes wanted to exchange happiness in Euchaïta for instability in the capital, maybe changing places (but not offices) with Psellos. But (he asked) had not Ioannes just left the Eden of the City? It was now under the sway of the Alan princess (a sight to make Ioannes forget Euchaïta) who outshone the old pair of Zoe (now deceased) and Theodora. As for Ioannes' nephew, his studies were going well with several teachers, especially Psellos
Certainty: 1 Psellos claimed to a suppliant that he had worked hard to support him with Konstantinos IX. Psellos wrote to a suppliant detailing successes in a campaign on his behalf. The other might think Psellos lax in helping him, but eyewitnesses disagreed, as a monk who was friend to both of them would write. As a result, Konstantinos IX was increasingly favourable, Ioannes the logothetes was his supporter and other courtiers joined in his praise. Psellos did not cause changes of heart at court, he just made the contacts. But he needed to hear more from the suppliant - not better letters, just more - and it was no excuse that he lacked skill in philosophy or rhetoric
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to a monk on Mt Olympos whose character attracted him to retreat there. The letter of a monk from Mt Olympos made Psellos reply and long to join him soon in his monastery. His words were pure, brief and rich in ideas, not loud preaching but modest teaching of virtue. Psellos, who taught everyone, studied secular books, which were second-rate and cloudy, as well as spiritual works. If he were freed from the capital, he would rush to the monk. His mountain was hard to climb, but his voice was audible from the foothills
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Xiphilinos, promising to use no excuses to avoid following him to Olympos. Psellos wrote to Ioannes Xiphilinos about following him to Olympos. He felt both present with and absent from his friend in epistolary terms. He would soon follow him to the monastery, at the third (not eleventh) hour by the parable of the vineyard, using neither his wife nor newly-purchased estate as an excuse. He authorised the monk bringing the letter to take over (Megala) Kellia, a monastery just given to Psellos
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous that Konstantinos IX would recall him - subject to a favourable interview. Ioannes Mauropous wrote a grim letter to Psellos, showing their mutual understanding was faulty. Why (Psellos asked) was he so unhappy, when about to be recalled? Psellos feared he would come to the capital and complain, so spoiling everything. He wanted to coach his actor before he reached the emperor's stage
Certainty: 1 In an encomium of his mother, Psellos said Konstantinos IX's praise of his learning stopped him following her monastic vocation. Psellos wrote a long encomium of his dead mother Theodote, stressing her uncompromising religious faith and the ways in which she prepared him for educational and literary success. He began with praise for writing about those you know best for an audience which also knows them, rather than writing of those long dead. Theodote still affected him even after her death, as her wish for his tonsure pushed him towards the monastery. But before that he had to fulfil a wide-ranging project of ancient learning, theoretical and practical, which he listed in detail. His devotion to classical learning was still dominant, supported by the interests of Konstantinos IX and distinctions received from him. Life as a monk was in store for the future
Certainty: 1 Contact between Psellos & Keroularios via the latter's nephew Konstantinos did not make up for denial of direct access. Psellos complained to Michael Keroularios of losing access to him and his fish, of being suspect in all his actions. He could not forget him, because of good memories. He was not formally excluded, but this made it harder to find a solution. He was disconsolate and needed his old sincere friendship. Even the indefinite way of rejection increased his frustration. In a subsequent letter he said that access to him had only slightly increased. Keroularios' nephew Konstantinos had done a little to ease the estrangement; but second-hand contact did not compensate for the almost complete lack of direct access. Psellos behaved better than many of those who were allowed access. Why was he still shut out?
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Leon Paraspondylos accepting that he was a great ascetic & deciding it was time to help him. Psellos wrote to Leon Paraspondylos, promising that it was now time to help him. Leon still suffered from the storm, his mind, marked by it, struggling to escape the body. Psellos had postponed help, by good medical practice, to ensure Leon was ready, but would now apply a cure, paying the large debt he owed. Leon had responded well to his previous letter, accepting sufferings philosophically, rising heavenwards, but thinking of the descent. Psellos, widely suspected of flattery in Leon's case, now opened his heart to show no trace of insincerity. In another letter Psellos said that he was now convinced of Leon's great asceticism and philosophical superiority, with total contempt for this world reflected in his soul, allowing Psellos to believe in the great ascetics of the past.
Certainty: 0 Leon ho ton Patron, the epi ton deeseon, refused to correspond with Psellos. Psellos complained that Leon ho ton Patron, the epi ton deeseon, refused to reply, even after enjoying letters from him. Psellos would accept a brief, natural response, like exhalations of the earth falling as rain. Leon should write boldly, not terrified by Psellos' complexities
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX's over-humble letters to the Fatimid ruler were spiced up by Michael Psellos. Konstantinos IX was too humble in dealing with the Fatimid ruler of Egypt (al-Mustansir). The latter exulted in the emperor's submissiveness and exerted his authority arrogantly. Konstantinos used Psellos for this correspondence, telling him diplomatic secrets and dictating the letters to him, knowing his strong pro-Byzantine feelings. He told him to praise the Egyptian leader and denigrate Byzantium and its emperor. But Psellos was able to reverse these policies: he secretly gave an opposite impression from the emperor, laying hidden snares and covertly humiliating the Egyptian in his reasoning
Certainty: 1 The Fatimid ruler sent an elephant & a giraffe. The ruler of Egypt (al-Mustansir?) sent to Konstantinos IX an elephant and a giraffe. The emperor brought from foreign lands strange animals for his subjects, including the largest quadruped, an elephant, greatly admired by the Constantinopolitans and other Romans who saw it passing by, and a giraffe
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX, out of false economy, disbanded he powerful army of Iberia. Konstantinos IX removed from the worthy troops of Iberia the public domains whose revenues they enjoyed, thus alienating his own allies. He sent Leon Serblias to disband the 50,000-strong army of Iberia by collecting taxes instead of soldiers from those regions, and invented even more unlawful ways of exacting money for dubious projects like the Mangana buildings. He turned allies into adversaries and benefited the Turks, his greediness leading to troubles in the east
Certainty: 1 Tughrul Beg drove Kutulmush out of Iberia, which he ravaged before withdrawing. Tughrul Beg pursued Kutulmush (who had fled towards Kars) through Iberia. He raided and set fire to the region. But when he heard of the approach of an army sent by Konstantinos IX under Michael the akolouthos, he took his entire army and left for Tabriz
Certainty: 2 Confrontational behaviour towards the western church associated with Michael Keroularios. In the course of 1054 a number of western criticisms were expressed against the patriarch of Constantinople Michael Keroularios, some of which he admitted in his own writings. With the support of Peter III, patriarch of Antioch, the archbishop of Bulgaria Leon of Ohrid and the most erudite among the clergy, he removed pope Leo IX's name from the diptychs over the issue of the azymes. He refused communion to Argyros. He tried to subject the patriarchates of Antioch and Alexandreia to himself. He challenged papal supremacy by signing himself "ecumenical patriarch", and attacked the pope by anathematising his legates, having refused them access to churches to celebrate mass. He closed Latin churches in Constantinople and persecuted their congregations, calling then "azymites". A sakellarios in his entourage trampled on the Catholic host (the azymes). He refused to admit men without beards to communion, and rebaptised Latins who became orthodox
Certainty: 2 Petros of Antioch wrote a second synodical letter to Leo IX, as the first brought no reply. Petros' second synodical letter to the pope was written because he received no reply to the first. It was largely a summary of the former letter, mentioning his family and career, the creed and conciliar statements to which he adhered and the heretics and the views which he rejected. He explained why he was sending a synodical letter, and hoped that he and Leo could be united in worship
Certainty: 3 Leo IX wrote to Michael Keroularios, in a comparatively conciliatory tone. Leo IX wrote to Michael Keroularios, welcoming his initiative for peace, but still making many criticisms. The tone is less angry than in Leo IX, Ep. to Keroularios I (a longer version which was probably not sent), and there are more brotherly references. It was recognised that Keroularios had begun co-operation, that this should continue, with a shared goal in peace and the avoidance of heresy and schism. But he was criticised as an uncanonical neophyte, pretending to have control over public opinion, making presumptious and unsustainable claims as a universal patriarch, trying to reduce Antioch and Alexandria to subjection, and wrong in the way in which he set the new and old laws (and testaments) against each other over the azymes. Rome's special position was stressed: any church defining itaelf against Rome was automatically schismatic. Leo hoped that Keroularios would be cleared of the charges and rumours of charges made against him, so that all might work for peace
Certainty: 1 Humbert wrote the "Dialogos", apparently between a Roman & a Constantinopolitan. The "Dialogus" complained that the east, having always been tolerant of heresies, was now threatening to impose them on the west. Humbert opposed Leon of Ohrid's arguments on the azymes on many levels, particularly Christ's usage in the Last Supper, citing a document from Jerusalem to show inconsistency in the east. He dealt with arguments about Judaising which crudely opposed the old and new laws, with preparation of meat and liturgical differences, and finally predicted other western errors which would require further anathemas
Certainty: 2 Attack on Byzantine east by Tughrul Beg; unsuccessful siege of Mantzikert, defended by Apokapes. Tughrul Beg, the Seljuk sultan, was frustrated at the failure of his embassy to Konstantinos IX, and joined his forces from Persia and Babylon, deciding to march in person against the Romans and capture by arms the city of Mantzikert. He attacked its walls, but failed to accomplish what he had hoped for. He broke off the siege for a time and sent raiding parties in all directions, then settled down again. Basileios Apokapes defended Mantzikert effectively, with his experience and wisdom, forcing the sultan to lift the siege. The Byzantines added insults to this defeat
Certainty: 0 Episode of Tughrul Beg & T'at'ul. T'at'ul, an Armenian prince, was captured by the Turks in a battle near Vanand, during a great offensive of the sultan Tughrul Beg. He was brought before the sultan, who promised to set him free if the son of the Turkish amir Arsuban, whom T'at'ul had wounded in the battle, survived. But Arsuban's son died within a few days. Tughrul Beg then ordered T'at'ul's execution, severed his right arm and sent it as consolation to Arsuban
Certainty: 2 Terrible Turkish siege-engine destroyed by a Latin mercenary, using a container of Greek fire. Mantzikert was in danger from stones hurled by a huge Turkish siege-machine which made a breach in the wall. A soldier from the city, probably a western mercenary inspired by God, took a vessel with Persian fire (a mixture of sulphur and flammable oil), run out of the city gate of Mantzikert into the Turkish camp, shouting that he was a messenger, set fire to the vessel, threw it at the siege-machine and returned safe into the city, though pursued by the Turkish guards. The siege-machine was destroyed and the camp's guards were executed
Certainty: 2 Final day of assault on Mantzikert was conducted by Alkan of Chorosan & ended in his death. Tughrul Beg decided to lift the siege of Mantzikert after 30 days, as it was well defended by Basileios Apokapes. But he was stopped by Alkan, leader of the Chorasmians, who wanted an extra day to try to capture it. Alkan put siege machines by the eastern gate of Mantzikert where the walls were weaker and the ground higher, and divided his forces in two, ordering one part to aim arrows from the high ground on those within the walls. The sultan and the Turkish generals watched from a hill by the eastern gate. He placed men carrying farming tools in tents on wheels called lesai, made of twigs covered with ox hides, to be pushed up to the walls, so as to undermine the foundations and take the city. Apokapes' defenders hid with stones and beams ready. Alkan, thinking his archers had overwhelmed the defenders, brought lesai to the walls. But suddenly Apokapes gave the signal, ("Help, o Christ") to drop sharp beams on them. Alkan's lesa was overturned by the beams, he was exposed and recognised from his splendid armour by two youths, and dragged alive by the hair into the city. Aristakes says he was trying to enter a breach left by the huge catapult. He was beheaded by Apokapes who hurled his head to the Turks outside the city. Annoyed at his failure, the destruction of his great siege engine and the death of Alkan, Tughrul Beg left immediately for home, realising how stupid his men were to call the courageous Romans cowards. He threatened to return next summer with more forces
Certainty: 2 Persecution of Michael Psellos by representatives of the church. Three men of the church, 'bearded comet', 'inscribed eunuch' and 'the great evil of mockery' (?) had been persecuting Psellos for a year, with other henchmen of Keroularios. He had been robbed, dragged by priestly hands from sancturary or butchered in the sanctuary itself. He approached Keroularios after he had celebrated the liturgy at the Chalke. He as controller of the winds, had not stopped the strongest winds from buffetting Psellos in the world's stormiest places. Psellos was now near shore (tonsure?), but still in danger. Now a synod had made an great fruit salad and poured it all over him. His fault was not called a private sin but a public crime. Keroularios must stop the persecution, but even if he did not, Psellos could now grasp his hand and see him as a beacon of salvation
Certainty: 2 Correspondence between Michael Psellos & others over his proposed tonsure. Psellos wrote two letters to Ioannes Xiphilinos. One said that Ioannes at last had written, and Psellos hoped he would often descend to talk to him. Ioannes was on course for heaven: Psellos had set out, as promised, but was becalmed. Spiritual helmsmen (like Ioannes) might control winds and seas. Psellos hoped, even with no sail, to reach harbour with his aid. His only ambition at court was study of philosophy and heavenly beauty. When threads holding him to the capital broke, he would leave at once. In another letter he said that even the Cappadocians did not always write, as he had not to Ioannes, not knowing the times of boats. Divided souls (e.g. from the capital to Olympos) were more painful than divided bodies, linked only by memory and imagination. His resolve to join Ioannes was often tested by his possessions and adopted daughter. Yet in his unstable world he envied Ioannes' regular life, saying "Blessed Xiphilinos!". He thanked another correspondent for a sweet letter, which, however, did not persuade him to stay in the capital. The biblical analogues quoted had guarantees from God himself. Psellos, with no secular post, would go to Olympos. In a letter to an archimandrite on Olympos, Psellos listed the latter's criticisms, without defence; the archimandrite's castigation should continue, maybe more gently when Psellos had become a monk. He heard from another monk after a gap in correspondence, replying that his real desire for tonsure would soon be realised. He had not met a visitor to the capital he had been advised to see. He answered a gift of fruit with coins, as spiritual currency was invalid outside the monastery
Certainty: 2 Petros, patriarch of Antioch, replied to Domenico of Grado's letter of 1053. Petros, patriarch of Antioch, replied to Domenico of Grado. He rejoiced in the general orthodoxy of Domenico's letter, but stressed the importance of the azymes. Domenico's claims for the see of St Mark could stand as local custom, but there could be no sixth patriarchate. About Keroularios: he did not wholly condemn Rome, but was anxious over the azymes. Azymes referred to Exodus and the Jewish law, while the Christian communion and the gospels always referred to artos, and showed the Last Supper was over before azymes were prepared for Passover. Why did Rome reject the patriarchal majority? Christ used artos to institute Christian communion; azymes were a temporary usage for a time when most converts were Jews. When Petros became patriarch, he had sent the pope a synodical letter, but had no reply; he enclosed a copy for Domenico to pass to the pope - with the current letter, after reading it
Certainty: 2 Leo IX wrote to Konstantinos IX, introducing his three legates. Pope Leo IX wrote to to Konstantinos IX, welcoming his initiative in making overtures of peace to the papacy. He claimed it had been the unspeakable brutality of the Normans in murder and torture which forced him to take up arms against them - but without success. He asked Konstantinos to imitate Konstantinos I in supporting the universal church, in alliance with Henry IV. He accused Keroularios of persecuting the Roman church for the use of azymes, and of trying to subordinate the patriarchates of Alexandria and Antioch to himself. He presented the three legates he was sending to Constantinople, hoping they would bring Keroularios to his senses and restore peace. He reassured Konstantinos over Petros of Amalfi
Certainty: 2 Leo IX responded to the synodical letter sent him by Peter of Antioch. Leo IX wrote to Petros of Antioch, welcoming the statement of faith he sent soon after election as catholic and orthodox, and approved his election, on condition that there were no canonical grounds against it. He responded with a similar statement of his own, concentrating on the historical role of Rome as guardian of the faith. The pope stressed the continuing supremacy of Rome, encouraging Petros to resist any pressures from Constantinople. The letter would be transcribed by a Frank, and then sent to Michael Keroularios for translation in the capital
Certainty: 3 Death of Paulos, founder of Evergetes monastery: he bequeathed it to the second founder Timotheos.
Certainty: 3 Papal envoys arrived in Constantinople, making a negative impression on Keroularios. According to Keroularios, whose attitude to the envoys became more hostile as time passed, they were not papal ambassadors. In fact, they were creatures of Argyros of very dubious backgrounds, bearing false letters forged by Argyros with counterfeit seals and marked by his views. Frederick of Lorraine claimed to be chancellor of the Roman church, cousin of a king and of the pope: he appeared to be their leader. Humbert had the name only of archbishop, since it was impossible to find the see where he had played that role. Petros had once been bishop of Amalfi, but was rumoured to have been driven from there for good reason and banished now for a full five years. On arrival in Constantinople, they first visited Konstantinos IX, behaving in a haughty way, then they went on to Keroularios, to whom they made no sign of respect, stood in the wrong place, delivered his letter, then departed with insufferable arrogance. Their criticisms of Greek practices as unorthodox were often preposterous
Certainty: 3 Death of Pope Leo IX: accession of Victor II. Death of pope Leo IX: election of Victor II to replace him
Certainty: 2 Esaïas left the capital, but was given protection (to Psellos' joy) by Konstantinos Leichoudes. As Esaïas left the city Psellos sympathised with him, as he was likely to suffer badly. But when he found protection from Konstantinos Leichoudes he rejoiced with him, since he would be healed and consoled. Psellos wrote to Leichoudes about his own desperate state (on Olympos?), where he had no other confidant but the parakoimomenos, on whom he relied a great deal. He too needed Leichoudes' help, as he was far away and suffering family problems. He had no news but rumours, and hoped that Leichoudes would prosper and save him
Certainty: 2 Chrysobull for Nea Mone: Helos, an imperial estate obliged to supply 1000 bushels of cereals yearly. Konstantinos IX Monomachos had once donated the estates of Helos to the sebaste although the properties furnished 1000 modioi of wheat annually to the monastery of Nea Mone. The grant was now replaced by one from another property
Certainty: 3 Helos having been given to Skleraina, previous Chrysobull for Nea Mone was annulled: cereals now to come from Bessai. Konstantinos IX Monomachos issued a chrysobull granting annually to Nea Mone 1000 modioi of wheat from the estate of the sekreton of the Tropaiophoros at Bessai, replacing an earlier grant from the estates of Helos
Certainty: 3 Niketas Stethatos replied firmly to the criticisms of the papal envoys. He wrote works reported in Latin as "De azymo", "De sabbato" and "De nuptiis sacerdotum", viewed as an attack on the Roman church. They were probably written in response to the visit of the papal legates Frederick of Lorraine, Humbert of Silva Candida and Petros, archbishop of Amalfi
Certainty: 2 Capture of Cupersano .
Certainty: 2 Chrysobull for Monte Cassino, ensuring a yearly income of 2 pounds of gold from the imperial treasury.
Certainty: 3 Niketas Stethatos forced to anathematise his own writings at Stoudios. At the insistence of the papal ambassadors, Niketas Stethatos at a meeting held by Konstantinos IX at the monastery of Stoudios anathematised his own anti-Latin writings: "De azymo", "De sabbato" and "De nuptiis sacerdotium". His anathema was extended to all who denied that Rome was the first amongst churches or questioned her faith. Then, again at the legates' insistence, Konstantinos had the offending works publicly burned
Certainty: 3 Niketas Stethatos visited the papal legates & was reconciled. The day after he was forced to anathematise his works, Niketas visited the three papal legates at the palace of Pege, where he accepted their explanations and anathematised all attacks on Rome as first and apostolic see. He was received into communion by them, becoming a close associate
Certainty: 2 Representatives of the church of Rome visited Constantinople without success (summary factoids). Supporters of the filioque addition to the creed, having failed to make their point from Rome, decided to travel to Constantinople to defend it in person. But their baseless doctrine was immediately defeated by Michael Keroularios, and they fled. Having no stomach for another battle in person, they launched verbal arrows at a distance, but these were turned back against them by Keroularios, who attacked them in various ways, excommunicated them and laid a terrible curse on them
Certainty: 3 Letter of patriarch Michael Keroularios to Petros of Antioch. Michael Keroularios wrote to Petros, patriarch of Antioch. He began by explaining the supposed ingratitude of Petros the imperial klerikos. He then denounced Argyros for various anti-Byzantine crimes, theft of cash, intercepting letters and forgery. He narrated the arrival of the papal legates, claiming their letter was written by Argyros. He sent Petros copies of relevant documents as evidence of why he was complaining. He also asked him about the place of the popes in the diptychs in Antioch, and requested some research on the other eastern patriarchates. He turned to listing the errors of the Roman church, to show that the azymes were only one of many. Some errors, especially concerning diet, were separated off as "Judaising", but there were many others, including those in the liturgy, the sacraments and the neglect of important church fathers. All together, they made it impossible to accept as orthodox the Latins or their supporters, especially as they came to the east not to discuss their views but to propagate them
Certainty: 3 Bull of excommunication placed on the altar of Hagia Sophia by the papal legates. The papal legates, Frederick of Lorraine, Humbert of Silva Candida and Petros, archbishop of Amalfi, placed a bull of excommunication on the altar of Hagia Sophia attacking Michael Keroularios and his supporters, including Leon of Ohrid and Nikephoros (or Konstantinos) the chartophylax, calling Michael false patriarch and neophyte, a monk only because of human fear. The church's subdeacons saw the event (if only they had not!), took the bill from the altar and tried unsuccessfully to return it to the legates; it was dropped on the ground and, despite Keroularios' attempts, became known to many. The bull in effect anathematised the entire orthodox church and all those who disagreed with the legates' impieties, simply because they chose piety and to follow the orthodox way. It pronounced against Keroularios and his supporters the anathema prescribed by the pope should the patriarch not repent, on the authority of the Trinity, the holy see, the orthodox fathers of the seven councils, and the whole catholic church
Certainty: 3 Doctrinal text of bull of excommunication.
Certainty: 3 The papal legates took leave for home from Konstantinos IX. The three papal legates received leave to depart, with the kiss of peace, from Konstantinos IX, together with presents for themselves and for the see of St Peter. They then set out from Constantinople
Certainty: 3 First Byzantine reactions to the bull of excommunication. Michael Keroularios immediately informed the emperor about the contents of the bull of excommunication, and had it translated into Greek by Kosmas Romaios, Pyrros and Ioannes the monk. After a popular outcry in his favour and against Konstantinos, he also received other translators, Paulos and his son, Smaragdos, who had been shaved and beaten by Konstantinos IX. The emperor held them responsible (with Argyros) for the events of the summer. Konstantinos had to show initiative beyond the beating of the translators, but could not reach Argyros; so he imprisoned two of Argyros' relatives, his son-in-law and the latter's son
Certainty: 3 The bill of excommunication was itself anathematised. On July 20, Keroularios received a letter from Konstantinos IX, brought by Stephanos, monk and oikonomos of Hagia Sophia, Ioannes, magistros and epi ton deeseon, and Konstas, vestarches and hypatos of the philosophers. According to Keroularios, it told him to anathematise the bull of excommunication. It blamed the trouble on some translators and Argyros, and reported the actions taken against them. Keroularios then convened a synod held in the great sekreton in Constantinople in which the bull of excommunication of 1054 and all those involved in its production were anathematized. After this judgement, the original of the bull was placed as evidence in the sekreton of the chartophylax. Beside the patriarch, six churchmen are specially listed as having been present, whilst a further fifteen were probably so, as they are attested for the subsequent synod in Hagia Sophia on July 24: its minutes imply that its own attendees had also been present on July 20
Certainty: 3 The papal legates returned, but soon left again: immediate results of their departure. Konstantinos IX ordered the three papal legates to return to the capital the day after they left, and they came. However they refused to attend a synod called by Michael Keroularios, and Konstantinos decided not to compel them, since they seemed to have diplomatic status. He reported this to Keroularios via the chartophylax and Ioannes, magistros and epi ton deeseon. By another version, when Keroularios invited the papal legates to a synod, Konstantinos only agreed on condition that he be present himself, fearing disorder. When Michael refused this, Konstantinos ordered the legates to leave at once for Rome. He was said to have sent messengers after them to Rousion, and obtained an authentic copy of the bull of excommunication from there, with which he then proved in Constantinople that Keroularios had circulated a fraudulent translation [unlikely: the translation is quite accurate]. It was also said [probably wrongly] that after the visit of the papal legates the emperor removed all Keroularios' associates from office, expelled them from the palace and henceforth was very angry towards Michael
Certainty: 3 Synod in Hagia Sophia attacked the papal legates. Keroularios convened a synod in the right-hand section of the area for the catechumens in Hagia Sophia. Its purpose was to examine and formally record the events concerning the visit of the three papal emissaries. Besides him, fourteen other senior churchmen were recorded as being present
Certainty: 3 Michael Keroularios wrote to the patriarchs of Antioch, Alexandria & Jerusalem. Michael Keroularios to Petros, patriarch of Antioch: He wrote about the events of summer 1054, because Petros was included in the western denunciations and should be ready to respond if letters reached him from Rome. He told him that the papal legates, when their forgeries were uncovered, began attacking doctrines like the procession of the Holy Spirit. Keroularios refused to talk to them, as unshakeable in their error; any discussions would also need the sanction of the other patriarchs. He included with his letter to Petros exact copies of the same letter to the patriarchs of Jerusalem and Alexandria, asking Petros to arrange for delivery, with encouragement and information of his own. Over the difficulty of delivery to Alexandria, he set up alternative paths involving either Petros from Antioch or the patriarch of Jerusalem
Certainty: 2 Disagreement between patriarch Keroularios & Michael Mermentoulos, hegoumenos of Stoudios. The patriarch Michael Keroularios clashed with Michael Mermentoulos, the hegoumenos of Stoudios, and as a result decided to remove Saint Theodoros Stoudites from the synodikon of the church. Mermentoulos informed Konstantinos IX, and the dispute was solved when Keroularios re-established normal usage, reading out the name of Saint Theodoros Stoudites in a loud voice
Certainty: 2 Elpidios Kenchres was promoted patrikios at the request of Psellos, his potential father-in-law. Psellos, as well as enriching his potential son-in-law Elpidios, tried to persuade him to ignore external display and begin inner renewal through education. He gave him books, but Elpidios refused them, preferring horses and entertainment. They had a fierce struggle over education, in which Psellos eventually was totally defeated and Elpidios achieved total ignorance. In frustration, Psellos gave up on Elpidios' education, but tried to reform him by regulating the company he kept, promoting contact with sober citizens rather than entertainers. This also failed, and so he tried more promotions: Elpidios was appointed krites of the velon, thesmographos, mystographos and exaktor. Psellos fell seriously ill soon after, and the closeness of death made him decide to be tonsured and become a monk. In a brief respite from sickness, he was granted by Konstantinos IX one request; when he asked for Elpidios to become patrikios, Konstantinos hesitated but finally agreed, after intervention by Theodora
Certainty: 2 Death of Sico, protospatharios of Matera. Sico the protospatharios from Matera died
Certainty: 2 Macedonian armies & generals, including Bryennios, sent against Turks by Konstantinos IX. Konstantinos IX sent the army stationed in Macedonia to the East under local generals, among them Bryennios the ethnarches. It was rumoured among the Turks that they would be annihilated by troops of the same race as those with which Alexander destroyed the Persians
Certainty: 2 At the time of Psellos' trial, Leon Paraspondylos' friendship was a rare consolation for him. Psellos at the time of his trial wrote to Leon Paraspondylos with many Homeric and biblical images of death. As a living corpse he called mourners, but none came. His mind and senses (listed) were paralysed. His foes after his death still attacked his corpse. He expected salvation, but there was none. He told Leon he was totally dependent on friends and the idea of friendship. His only consolation was writing to friends, especially Leon, ending with a eulogy of him
Certainty: 2 Peter of Antioch replied to the letter sent him by Michael Keroularios. Petros of Antioch wrote to Keroularios, expressing horror at Argyros' attempts to meddle in ecclesiastical affairs, and thankful that the plot had been discovered. He politely corrected two mistakes in Keroularios' letter. Of the Roman defects which Keroularios listed, he thought some were detestable and to be avoided, others curable, and others could simply be overlooked. Prohibitions concerning food (he continued) were hard to insist on, granted differences in availability and custom etc. The only vital difference was the filioque; other significant issues seemed improbable and needed investigation. The azymes were important, but ultimately not essential; such standardisation was desirable but probably not attainable. He sent Keroularios the old pope's reply to his synodical letter for translation in the capital; Keroularios should write to the new pope, concentrating on peace and restoring the creed
Certainty: 2 Psellos' sickness (partly feigned) which he used to support demands for tonsure. As he was looking for a reason to join Ioannes Xiphilinos on Mt Olympos, God increased his desire and gave him stomach pains, which he magnified into life-threatening disease. Following Ioannes' example he feigned liver problems and serious heartburn, pretended to be demented, his soul conversing with things that stood over him. He checked his voice and pretended to cut his hair with his fingers. Konstantinos IX heard that he had been at death's door and totally depressed, but that when he got better he desired the better and higher life. Konstantinos was downcast at this news. At first he wailed and groaned deeply that Psellos' life was at risk, overwhelmed by the prospect of losing one whose talk he enjoyed. Later he did everything possible to keep Psellos in the capital
Certainty: 2 Two letters of Konstantinos IX to Psellos, one advising against tonsure, the other praising him for carrying it through. Konstantinos IX, recalling their talks, refused to allow Psellos to study philosophy or become a monk. First, eager to turn him from his plan, he sent letters and eminent men promising him recovery of health and a more brilliant position. He used words of endearment which Psellos could never read without emotion. Later, hearing Psellos had been tonsured, he bore no grudge, but at once wrote another letter congratulating him for attaining the spiritual life, strengthening him for his new role
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX's exploits in palace & garden construction. Freed from his philosophical ministers, he could indulge himself in the pleasures of building and garden construction, on which he spared no expense, emptying the treasury. He made further improvements at Mangana, including a larger park, ambitious to outdo all other such constructions. He also built a beautiful meadow with fruit trees and a hidden pool, where he used to swim. He insisted that the plants, trees and birds should give a completely natural impression. Those plucking the fruit would often fall unawares into the pool
Certainty: 2 Tonsure of Michael Psellos. To the surprise of many, Michael Psellos became a monk shortly before the death of Konstantinos IX. The reason was partly religious devotion, partly pacts made with friends and partly Konstantinos' unpredictability. But in letters to Michael Keroularios before and after this moment it is plain that it was also a way of escaping persecution by part of the orthodox church. Another letter was written around the time of tonsure to a man he calls responsible for saving him [perhaps the cleric who tonsured him?]. Persecution seems to be represented by a leopard running wild through his life - through his philosophy, the palace, his home, even his bed, changing shape and roaring. It had escaped from its keepers and was making him a monk, but God via his correspondent saved him. Psellos, being shy despite his oratory, might be burned in the streets where he grew up. Where others felt safe he was in danger from a snake's poison. While his correspondent might smile at the riddle, Psellos was really afraid of the poison and the leopard
Certainty: 2 Psellos' return to court after tonsure, & its uncomfortable results. Psellos tried to return to court after tonsure, fearing for his reception because of his private and monastic status. As the mystikos to whom he wrote a wheedling letter assured him of a warm welcome, he sent a letter (Sathas 115) to Konstantinos IX and awaited a response. The letter to Konstantinos humbly elevated him close to divinity, referring to the memory of the deceased empress Zoe. He apologised that as soon as he had recovered from headaches, for all his promises, he had returned to his beloved books. He was eager to see the emperor again immediately. In a separate letter to Ioannes Xiphilinos he described life as a monk at court, like a plain, black stone among gems. Though honoured by Konstantinos IX he was unhappy in the palace, feeling far from God, taking refuge in books. He had not cut the strongest threads binding him to the world, nor blocked his ears against the Sirens' song
Certainty: 2 Psellos left Constantinople for Mt Olympos. At the insistence of Ioannes Xiphilinos, Psellos eventually carried out his compact to follow him to Mt Olympos. He went with the consent of Konstantinos IX, who may have died before he actually left. On Olympos he met and embraced Xiphilinos, and they resumed their old intellectual life. In the forensic speech in the trial over his adopted daughter's engagement, written some time after his return, he said he went to Olympos to gain assistance from the ascetics there over his future life as a monk. Having achieved that he returned home to find his family in a very bad state
Certainty: 2 Famine in Egypt: corn sent by Konstantinos IX, but shipments suspended by Theodora.
Certainty: 2 Epidemic at Constantinople decimated population. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 1 Publication of an anonymous attack made Psellos write Oratoria Minora 7, a general apologia.
Certainty: 1 Psellos' Oratoria Minora 8: when resigning as protasekretis: after philosophising as a politician, he needed time for thought. Psellos composed an apology in defence of his resignation from the office of protasekretis, claiming that after political life he needed time for thought
Certainty: 1 Renewal by patriarch of Antioch of autokephalic status of Church of Georgia.
Certainty: 1 Chrysobull of Konstantinos IX granting a donation & privileges to Iveron. A chrysobull from Konstantinos IX granted the monks of Iveron an immediate donation of 60 nomismata from the sekreton tou Phylakos. It was also arranged for the monastery to pay its taxes directly to the sekreton of the genikon logothesion, thus avoiding exploitation by tax-collectors
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, suggesting how to achieve retirement & tonsure. Psellos wrote to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, over the latter's retirement plans. Zomas had a high reputation with Konstantinos IX for competence, which was good in itself, but negative to his plans for early retirement (for health resons) and tonsure. His letter had caused an argument between Psellos and Ioannes the logothetes on the one hand, who wanted to relieve him, and Konstantinos on the other, who decided to keep him as a good manager. Psellos' advice: if death was near he must insist; if not, he should ask again calmly for tonsure - which, in fact, needs long preparation, as Psellos himself knew
Certainty: 1 The krites Leon Thylakas issued an act on tax obligations of the metochion of the Saviour (Hierissos). Leon Thylakas, krites of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, issued an act concerning the tax obligations of the metochion of the Saviour belonging to the monastery of Kaliourgou in the territory of the kastron of Hierissos
Certainty: 1 Founders of Nea Mone, Niketas & Ioannes with "prophetess" Dosithea influenced popular piety.
Certainty: 1 Keroularios received Niketas, Ioannes & Dosithea at the patriarchate, allegedly tainted by their heresies. Psellos' hostile witness: Keroularios as patriarch ought to have saved the ignorant from the unholy rites of the monks Niketas and Ioannes of Nea Mone with their "prophetess" Dosithea; on the contrary he supported them and invited them to perform more than once in the patriarchate, so that he was tainted by their alleged heresies
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX terminally ill; Nikephoros Proteuon was invited to succeed but was arrested by Theodora. Konstantinos IX on his deathbed thought of the succession. He was persuaded by a prominent group of courtiers, Basileios the epi tou kanikleiou, Konstantinos the protonotarios of the dromos and Ioannes the logothetes to transfer power to a successor. They chose Nikephoros Proteuon (or Nikephoros the proteuon?) and sent a messenger to summon him urgently from Bulgaria, where he was the governor. However Theodora realised that her claims were being secretly ignored, and abandoned Konstantinos to die alone. She and her supporters had Nikephoros arrested at Thessalonike and banished him to the monastery of Kouzenas in Thrakesion. Her party consisted of Niketas Xylinites, logothetes of the dromos, Manuel, droungarios of the vigla and Theodoros, domestikos of the scholai. They succeeded in placing Theodora on the throne
Certainty: 3 Theodora proclaimed emperor. After the death of Konstantinos IX, Theodora's eunuchs ensured she would be his successor. She was brought to the palace and won over the imperial bodyguard
Certainty: 2 Poems of Ioannes Mauropous inspired by the death of Konstantinos IX. Ioannes Mauropous composed five funerary epigrams for Konstantinos IX. Five more epigrams about an image of the Deesis depicting an emperor (probably Konstantinos IX) prostrate before Christ may have been composed for the same reason