Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Michael VI granting an annual donation to Lavra. Michael VI issued and signed a chrysobull granting to Lavra an annual donation of three pounds (of gold) to be paid by the sekreton tou phylakos which also paid the monastery the annual donations of earlier emperors amounting to eight pounds and twenty nomismata. He made a common annual grant of ten pounds (of gold) to the monasteries of the holy mountain of Athos
Certainty: 3 Michael VI refused to grant dignities to eastern generals, who turned against him. Michael VI was very generous to the civil aristocracy at the beginning of his reign, with gifts and promotions. But when it was time for the award of dignities to the military aristocracy of Asia Minor, at Easter, he praised them grudgingly and refused their requests with contempt and severe criticism. Psellos was with him. The generals were sent away and began to turn against him. Their leaders were Isaakios Komnenos, Katakalon Kekaumenos, Michael Bourtzes, Konstantinos Doukas and Ioannes Doukas. Komnenos and Kekaumenos, who both sought the dignity of proedros, were singled out for insults as lazy and incompetent, as were the colleagues who defended them. Later Bryennios the ethnarches begged Michael VI to return the money which Theodora had confiscated from him, but Michael refused and sent him away saying that he would have to achieve something before being rewarded. Later, Hervé Phrangopoulos too asked Michael VI to be made magistros: not only was this turned down, but he was derided, mocked, and sent away. He ignored the plotting of the Roman generals and asked to return home, bid the emperor farewell, crossed to the East, and went to his house at Dagarabe. Michael should have been wiser
Certainty: 2 Bryennios recalled from exile & sent once more against Turks. Bryennios the ethnarches was recalled from exile by Michael VI, appointed chief commander of the army of Macedonia and governor of the Cappadocians, and was sent against the Turks of Samouch
Certainty: 2 Samouch was left by sultan with small force of Turks to plunder Armenia. Samouch, who had campaigned with the sultan Tughrul Beg, remained behind with 3,000 men, wandered in the plains of Great Armenia carrying out sudden attacks, and raided the empire. Michael VI was unable to defend against his aggression
Certainty: 2 Collusion of Herve Phrangopoulos with Turks of Samouch collapsed: Franks killed or captured at Chliat. Herve Phrangopoulos, furious at his treatment by Michael VI, corrupted 300 Franks wintering in Armeniakon and led them to Media, making an alliance with the Turkish raider Samouch against the Romans. But Herve became suspicious of his new allies, though Samouch seemed thonest. Herve secretly ordered his troops not to sleep unarmed, expecting an assault from Samouch. The latter found out, attacked at breakfast time, but was defeated. Herve returned from pursuit of the Turks towards Chliat, ordering his Franks to stay in camp. But his troops demanded to enter Chliat whose governor, Aponasar, had been their ally, to rest after the battle with Samouch. He vainly tried to persuade them not to trust a heathen's oaths, but was forced to follow them. Samouch planned with Aponasar to order the city's inn-keepers to arrest or murder their Frankish guests on a given signal. They were successful: the Franks were attacked while asleep after drinking, Herve was captured and many of his men killed. Samouch sent goodwill embassies to Michael VI, claiming to have destroyed those plotting against him and captured their leader Herve Phrangopoulos
Certainty: 3 Property dispute between monasteries of Hagios Nikon & Hagios Panteleemon Thessalonikeos. When Joseph Gematos of Hagios Nikon complained that the monks of Hagios Panteleemon Thessalonikeos had usurped a property of his monastery, the bureau of Ioannes Xeros ordered Metrophanes, the hegoumenos of Thessalonikeos, to take an oath that his monastery owned the property in question. The protos and hegoumenoi, on a visit to the property, saw it was adjacent to Thessalonikeos, and asked Joseph to renounce his claim. When he refused, they had Metrophanes and two of his monks walk along the boundary establishing a periorismos confirming the property to Thessalonikeos. The document was signed by 26 hegoumenoi and a copy was subsequently signed by 5 monks of Thessalonikeos
Certainty: 2 Death of count Humphrey of Apulia; Robert Guiscard took power in his place. After the death of his brother Humphrey de Hauteville, Robert Guiscard became count of Apulia in his place
Certainty: 2 Failure of second attempt by eastern generals to gain promotion, via Strabospondylos. Leon Paraspondylos (Strabospondylos ) was approached by the eastern generals (Isaakios (I) Komnenos, Katakalon Kekaumenos, Konstantinos (X) Doukas, Ioannes Doukas and Michael Bourtzes), to mediate on their behalf with Michael VI over promotions. This was their second attempt, having failed in a direct approach to the emperor at Easter. They alone (they said) should not be left unrewarded when all benefited from Michael's generosity, especially as the rest lived comfortably, while they stood at arms, fighting for the Roman realm. He rejected their requests, and even sent them away with insults
Certainty: 2 Isaakios Komnenos made a plot with angry eastern generals to remove Michael VI from throne. The eastern generals, Isaakios (I) Komnenos, Katakalon Kekaumenos, Michael Bourtzes, Konstantinos (X) Doukas and Ioannes Doukas sought mediation with the emperor via Leon Paraspondylos. But they were insulted and sent away. At this they lost all hope, were incensed at the emperor and reviled him, sought revenge, and took an oath in Hagia Sophia to punish those who insulted them. They even thought of refusing to fight the Turks. Once this was done all retired home, announcing their departure to the emperor
Certainty: 2 Bryennios joined rebel generals against Michael VI. Bryennios the ethnarches was introduced into the conspiracy of the eastern generals by Katakalon Kekaumenos as accomplice in the plan, and acquiesced at once. He was an eminent man, commander of forces from Macedonia and invested with rule of Cappadocia, and also had a grievance against Michael VI, since he would not return to him the money confiscated by Theodora
Certainty: 2 Bryennios arrested & blinded by loyal generals in squabble over soldiers' pay. Bryennios the ethnarches became strategos of Cappadocia. After joining the rebel eastern generals, he crossed to the east with the patrikios Ioannes Opsaras, sent by Michael VI to pay the troops and administer the military budget: he ordered Opsaras to raise the salaries of his army. When he refused, saying that these were not the emperors orders, Bryennios grew angry, punched him, took him by the beard, threw him to the ground, tied him up, kept him in his tent, and distributed the gold as he wished. Lykanthes was camped near Bryennios in Anatolikon. Though unaware of the generals plot, he considered the treatment of Opsaras an act of rebellion. He attacked Bryennios in his tent with the two tagmata of Anatolikon, proclaiming the emperor Michael VI, imprisoned Bryennios and released Opsaras. He then handed Bryennios to Opsaras, and distributed the army salaries as ordered. Opsaras immediately took vengeance on Bryennios by blinding him, and sent him to Michael VI with a report of revolutionary behaviour
Certainty: 2 The rebel generals, seeing fate of Bryennios, gathered at Kastamon, home of Isaakios Komnenos. The rebel eastern generals, when they heard of the capture of Bryennios, feared that if tortured, he might betray them. Thus they travelled to the east and met at the home of Isaakios Komnenos at Kastamon. They had to elect a leader. Katakalon Kekaumenos and Konstantinos (X) Doukas were reportedly asked to take the position, but both stood aside for Isaakios (I). Those reported at the gathering were Isaakios Komnenos, Katakalon Kekaumenos. Konstantinos (X) Doukas, the sons of Basileios Argyros, (Michael) Bourtzes, Ioannes Doukas, Nikephoros (III) Botaneiates and Romanos Skleros
Certainty: 3 Isaakios Komnenos proclaimed emperor by the army at Gounaria. The conspirators moved on from Kastamon to Gounaria, where Isaakios Komnenos was proclaimed emperor, with that part of the army of the east which had not remained loyal to Michael VI
Certainty: 2 Isaakios (I) stayed near Kastamon, worried by rumours that Katakalon Kekaumenos had joined Michael VI. Isaakios (I) encamped and awaited at Gounaria for the remaining conspirators to arrive. He received a messenger explaining that the delay of Katakalon Kekaumenos (only prominent in Skylitzes) was due to the latter's defection to the emperor. This was untrue. Kekaumenos was worried that the inaction of the others might mean that they might not continue with the plot. He also had no troops on hand to contribute to the rebel army
Certainty: 2 Isaakios (I) sent his family for safety to the fort of Pemolissa. Isaakios (I), once joined by all his fellow-rebels, felt secure and handed his wife Aikaterine and valuables to his brother Ioannes, whom he sent to the fort of Pemolissa. He crossed the Sangarios with his army and marched onwards amidst praise and acclaim
Certainty: 2 Kekaumenos announced his revolt to the court, but was now worried that others would not continue. Katakalon Kekaumenos left Constantinople to return home, and reached Nikomedeia, where he came across an imperial courier, with whom he sent a message to Niketas Xylinites the logothetes of the dromos, complaining of Michael VI's behaviour and requesting troops. He then hurried home. When he saw that Isaakios (I) was inactive, he started worrying that he and the other conspirators might change their minds, leaving Katakalon himself exposed as the sole actual rebel
Certainty: 2 Being without men, Kekaumenos gathered local troops, then approached five tagmata wintering nearby. Katakalon Kekaumenos had inadequate forces for rebellion and did not know the intentions of the local troops. He thought how to protect himself from accusations of rebellion which would lead to arrest by the local Frankish and Russian tagmata. He gathered a 1000-strong force and revealed his rebellious plans to his family and household. To put them in practice, he approached each of the local magnates, failing to win them over. He started to test the army instead. He rode out each morning (at Nikopolis) and addressed the commanders of each force separately, revealed his plan to revolt and threatened them to chose, either side with him or lose their head, and forced them to take an oath. He grew fearless, and gathered Armenian troops from Sebasteia, Melitene, Tephrike and elsewhere. He sent a message to Isaakios (I) announcing his support and imminent arrival with a strong army
Certainty: 2 Kekaumenos tricked two Byzantine & three mercenary tagmata, with others, to join the revolt. Katakalon Kekaumenos forged imperial letters allegedly ordering him to march against Samouch with three allied tagmata (two Frankish, one Russian) and those of Koloneia and Chaldia. He gathered all five in the plain of Nikopolis, and started his campaign. On his way to Isaakios (I) at Gounaria, he brought over to the rebels' side the tagma of Armeniakon and, either willingly or unwillingly, the theme's leaders
Certainty: 2 Kekaumenos joined the other rebels, & Isaakios (I) led them towards Nicaea. Having been joined by Katakalon Kekaumenos and sent his family to safety, Isaakios felt able to advance. He set out across th Sangarios to get control of Nicaea, so that he might have the city as a base or refuge, however the scale of fortune turned for him. Though this was his first such campaign, he organised his soldiers in a careful and professional way. He was joined by many supporters of every kind. He cut off routes to the city to establish a blockade, while Michael VI was passive
Certainty: 2 Michael VI took advice on the rebellion, especially from Michael Psellos. Michael VI sought advice in this perilous situation, approaching Psellos (among others) as if he were a beloved adopted son. Psellos, who had no quarrel with him, advised three changes: (1) To end his diagreement with Keroularios, who had great power in this situation and would join the rebels if Michael did not win him over; (2) To send an embassy to Isaakios (I), asking him to disband his army, promising him all he safely could and also working to try to destabilise his army; (3) To assemble the troops of the west with other remaining forces, invoke alliances with neighbouring barbarians, strengthen existing mercenaries, appoint a good general, making his forces adequate to oppose the numbers everywhere opposing them. Later Michael rejected (1), enough to cause his downfall. He accepted (2) and (3), but accomplished nothing on (2). On (3), he did quite well
Certainty: 2 Michael VI made no attempt to use Keroularios as a bridge to the rebels of Isaakios (I), till it was too late. To the last the imperial side ignored the possibility of using Keroularios to bridge the gap between the two armed sides outside the city, or inside the city, between the emperor and the mob now keen to murder him
Certainty: 2 Michael VI prepared western armies & any loyal eastern troops, under experienced leaders. The experienced Theodoros, domestikos of the scholai, and Aaron, brother of Aikaterine wife of Isaakios Komnenos, were appointed chief commanders of the army by Michael VI. He granted honours, gifts and money to both soldiers and generals. They had under their command most of the western army and some loyal units from the east, especially the armies of Anatolikon and Charsianon
Certainty: 2 With Isaakios (I) near Nicaea, many opposing troops went home, while their generals rallied to Michael VI. Isaakios (I) intended to use Nicaea as a base of operations, and so he advanced slowly in order to allow troops and generals still loyal to Michael VI to leave. Among the latter were Lykanthes, Theophylaktos Maniakes and Pnyemios the Iberian, who withdrew from Nicaea when told of his arrival and went to Michael VI to announce the news. When Isaakios heard that the domestikos Theodoros and his men had encamped on Mount Sophon, he sent out spies everywhere, marched quickly, took Nicaea and installed an adequate garrison there while himself pitching camp twelve stades away. There were many desertions from Michael to Isaakios
Certainty: 2 Two rival armies camped close together, testing each other's will, then drawn up in battle formation. Theodoros, domestikos of the scholai and Aaron, brother of Alousianos were put in command against Isaakios (I): they crossed to Chrysopolis and Nikomedeia, sent troops to capture the Sangarios bridge, camped on Mount Sophon and prepared for war. According to Skylitzes, Isaakios' men in many skirmishes tried to convince the army of Michael VI to defect, but failed. He ordered them to limit their forays and remain in camp - a decision interpreted as weakness. Psellos reported more mass desertions from Michael to Isaakios. The armies faced each other at no great distance, but there was no action. Michael VI's men were more numerous, but Isaakios had superior force and order, especially his men's cohesion and firm loyalty to him. When the army of Michael VI moved their camp closer, Isaakios drew up his army in battle order, placing Katakalon Kekaumenos at the head of the left wing, Romanos Skleros on the right, Isaakios himself leading the centre. In the other army Aaron led the left wing, having under his command Lykanthes, Pnyemios the Iberian and Radulf the Frank. Basileios Tarchaneiotes, stratelates of the West, led the right wing. Theodoros, the domestikos of the scholai, was in overall command. The battle took place at a spot locally called Hades
Certainty: 2 Victory of rebel Isaakios Komnenos over imperial army at battle of Polemon/Hades. The course of the battle was quite different on the two wings. Aaron defeated the right wing of the army of Isaakios, pursued the troops to their camp, captured Romanos Skleros, and would have won a clear victory had he not hesitated, for Isaakios was planning to flee to Nicaea. The left wing of Isaakios' army, led by Katakalon Kekaumenos, routed the imperial right, reached and entered their camp, destroyed the tents and killed the generals Maurokatakalos and Katzamountes, thus encouraging their own side while scaring the successful men of Aaron. In this ambiguous situation, Isaakios in the centre was able to stand firm, and encouraged his men to advance. He had a narrow escape when attacked by four Pechenegs. Nikephoros Botaneiates distinguished himself in single combat with Radulf the Frank, who was captured. Finally Isaakios' troops won a great victory, with considerable bloodshed. Theodoros and Aaron returned defeated to Michael VI. Isaakios advanced towards the city
Certainty: 2 Death of pope Victor II; Stephen X elected in his stead. Pope Victor II died. In his place there was elected as pope Stephen X, the ex-chancellor of the Roman church
Certainty: 2 Ivane, Duke of Kaldekari, attacked Theodosiopolis. Ivane, Duke of Kaldekari, son of Liparit IV, heard that the Romans were divided by the rebellion of Isaakios I. He captured the fort of Eghanc'-berd and returned to Aghori, reaching the fort of Hawachich' where he was welcomed by the people. He ordered the arrest of the Byzantine judge at Hawachich', imprisoned him at Eghnut, and confiscated everything he had amassed in the east, numerous precious objects, horses and mules. Ivane reached Theodosioupolis (Karin), tried to capture it by deceit, claiming he had been sent by the emperor, but failed to convince the inhabitants, so was firced to attack it. However, the governor of Theodosioupolis sent an urgent request for help to Ani, and the governor of Ani dispatched a commander with a contingent from there to relieve Theodosioupolis. Ivane therefore raided the region and returned home. He later sent envoys to Persia to secure a Turkish army, but when this arrived he was intimidated by its size: he withdrew to a fort but gave the Turks a guide when they asked for one. The Turks made a successful plundering expedition, guided by his man, and on their return rewarded Ivane generously
Certainty: 2 Michael VI wanted to abdicate, but was urged to fight on by those who had promoted him. Following the defeat of his army near Nicaea by Isaakios Komnenos, some officials in Constantinople rose in rebellion against him. He received the domestikos Theodoros and Aaron, who had escaped, and was in despair, ready to abandon everything, but was prevented from doing so by his associates. It was not possible to revive the defeated army at once, nor to prepare fresh, newly-levied troops. Theodoros the domestikos, whose position during the battle was ambiguous, refused to fight again, not out of cowardice, but because he already had an agreement with Isaakios
Certainty: 2 Psellos with 2 colleagues sent as ambassadors to Isaakios Komnenos at Nikomedia. Some days after the battle of Polemon/Hades, Michael Psellos was asked by Michael VI to go on an embassy to Isaakios (I) Komnenos at Nikomedia. His first reaction was negative: Isaakios, after winning the battle, would be in no mood for compromise, and dicussions now might make things harder in the future. Michael VI assumed his refusal was due to cowardice or disloyalty. Psellos then said that to persuade him, Michael should add another prominent senator to the embassy, to make it less of a private affair, and suggested Theodoros (Leon) Alopos. Michael accepted the proposal, as did Theodoros. The two ambassadors chose a third, Konstantinos Leichoudes. They equipped themselves with letters from Michael to Isaakios, offering to adopt him as a son, give him the dignity of kaisar, and an amnesty to his supporters
Certainty: 2 Michael VI's envoys splendidly received. The three envoys, Psellos, Theodoros Alopos and Konstantinos Leichoudes, left the City by ship and, after assurances of safety and good treatment, landed near Isaakios' camp at Nikomedia. They were greeted by leaders of his army who regretted the bloodshed of the civil war. Isaakios welcomed them briefly and dismissed them to their tents. The next morning they were summoned early to a huge tent surrounded by the army drawn up rank upon rank. Isaakios' brother Ioannes was the captain of this guard, standing at the door of the tent. He suddenly admitted them, to surprise them by the sight within. They entered amidst deafening acclamations of Isaakios. He sat impressively inside on a raised gold couch in a magnificent robe. Then he came to himself, signalled them to enter and move to the left. When they passed the first and second circles of men and were quite close he asked preliminary questions. Satisfied with their replies, in a louder voice he ordered one of them to turn, stand in the middle, hand over their letter and speak their message. The other two ambassadors pressed Psellos to do this, and he agreed, suppressing his fears
Certainty: 2 On the embassy, Psellos' speech persuaded Isaakios (I) to accept rank of kaisar. [Suspect: Psellos speaking of his own brilliance]. In a clever prologue he made no accusations but began with the kaisar's shared acclamation and other favours and honours granted by Michael VI. Those nearby listened quietly, but the crowd behind cried that they wanted Isaakios to remain emperor. Psellos waited for silence, then stated that most emperors, including the best, had previously been kaisares. To the objection that Isaakios already had imperial power Psellos said that he was not yet emperor, and his position (he avoided 'usurpation') was not honourable. Nothing justified usurpation. If he gave up the name 'emperor', he would rule legitimately. Psellos urged him to honour his new father the emperor and inherit the throne lawfully. Isaakios was persuaded, but confused accusations arose behind. Psellos kept quiet, but Isaakios silenced them, saying that Psellos had traced events in simple words; it was wrong to upset the dialogue. Psellos faced threats of violence by saying that this would be an admission of usurpation. Isaakios honoured Psellos and dismissed the assembly
Certainty: 2 Secret response of Isaakios (I) to the ambassadors of Michael VI. When the assembly broke up, Isaakios received Psellos, Leichoudes and Alopos in private. He asked for, and was given, sworn assurances that a private message would be conveyed secretly to Michael VI. He said he was content for now to be kaisar, but asked for a promise that Michael VI would leave the empire to him, confirm promotions already made, and allow him to give other posts. He asked, for his men, that Leon Paraspondylos be removed from government, as formerly hostile and now suspected. He asked the envoys to dine with him, and they admired his manners which were not tyrannical, but very friendly. He said he asked concessions for his men, not himself. If they were granted he would go at once to Michael VI and honour him as emperor and father, coming without suspicions, arriving on the third day with a small bodyguard, not seeking a lavish reception. But as his men did not want agreement, he would write two letters, one for his men to read, one secret for Michael VI. At dawn they received his second letter secretly and sailed for Byzantium, reaching the palace harbour at daybreak
Certainty: 2 The first embassy of Psellos & his colleagues, they say, was ignored. Skylitzes and Aristakes mention the first embassy to Isaakios without details as a failure. This is confirmed by an early but particularly unreliable text of Psellos, his undelivered speech against Keroularios (Ketegoria) [The embassy's true status will doubtless be somewhere between this and the total success reported by Psellos in the Chronographia]
Certainty: 2 Outcome of embassy to Isaakios (I) reported to Michael VI; reply to secret response. Psellos, Leichoudes and Alopos returned to the elderly Michael VI with the letters of Isaakios (I) and also communicating orally what he said to them in secret. Michael listened, read the letters and agreed to everything, swearing an oath that Isaakios should have a crown and imperial tent and share his power. He not only undertook to leave the empire to Isaakios, but even secretly promised soon to make Isaakios a partner in power, but not at once, as he feared the people and senate and would delay to avoid trouble. They must convey this message at once to Isaakios with equal secrecy
Certainty: 2 Second embassy to Isaakios (I) came close to agreement on settlement. Psellos, Leichoudes and Alopos took Michael VI's letter to Isaakios (I). He had read aloud and his comrades were pleased he had been more concerned for them than for himself. All agreed that usurpation must be abandoned. They applauded together Michael VI's offer [in Skylitzes they demanded a chrysobull confirming promises made, while Katakalon Kekaumenos disagreed, and argued his own case succesfully]. They were particularly pleased that Leon Paraspondylos would leave the government. Isaakios at once became inspired and ordered his men to disband and regroup when his affairs were in order. He ordered the thee ambassadors to return to meet him, place him in their midst and escort him to Michael VI. The second embassy was successful and the ambassadors felt great pleasure to have made a contribution to their country in words and wisdom. They prepared to leave Isaakios next day. [The reconciliation was broken in most sources by news of the revolt in Constantinople, though Skylitzes gave prominence to the role of Katakalon Kekaumenos, as he often does]
Certainty: 2 Katakalon Kekaumenos convinced many rebels of dangers of settlement, & (secretly) the imperial ambassadors. [Skylitzes' version] Although Isaakios (I) and his generals applauded Michael VI's offer to have Isaakios adopted and proclaimed co-emperor, Katakalon Kekaumenos disagreed, considering it wrong to allow the old emperor to stay on the throne. He objected to the abandonment of the oath taken to depose Michael VI, warning that if Isaakios were adopted by Michael VI, he would soon be poisoned and his supporters blinded. Men in a position to know said that he was approached secretly by the emperor's envoys, and urged to maintain these objections
Certainty: 2 Ambassadors assured Isaakios (I) he was popular in Constantinople, which would revolt at his approach. On news of the troubles in the capital, the three imperial ambassadors assured Isaakios Komnenos under oath of the support he enjoyed among the population of Constantinople, and that the latter would drive out the old Michael VI if he merely approached the city, where he would be eagerly welcomed. Though encouraged by this, Isaakios decided to wait until assured that the old man really had been removed
Certainty: 2 Michael VI bribed populace, & compelled senators to sign an oath refusing recognition to Isaakios (I). Michael VI rejected the idea of fighting again against Isaakios (I) and counted on the support of the citizens of the capital, whom he bribed with generous gifts. He also issued a document binding the senators by oaths and curses not to name Isaakios emperor, nor accord him any imperial honour. He persuaded some to sign by bribes, others by distributing dignities and others by different means. Later, the cancellation of this document was a major demand that rebels in the city made of Keroularios
Certainty: 2 Rebels in Constantinople forced patriarch Michael Keroularios, feigning reluctance, to join them. Rebellious senators and other disaffected persons, excited by the approach of Isaakios (I), came to Hagia Sophia in the morning. They included Christophoros Pyrros and Theodoros Chryselios of the Hetaireia, and Michael, a military commander. The church was open, and no attempt was made to exclude them. They soon began acclaiming Isaakios and telling Michael VI to abdicate. They demanded to question Michael Keroularios the patriarch: he barred the doors, but sent his two nephews, Konstantinos and Nikephoros, to hear what was being said. The nephews were seized as hostages [not entirely unwillingly, according to several sources]; when they were threatened, Keroularios was forced to appear before the growing crowd [perhaps with feigned reluctance]. The crowd demanded that he recover from Michael VI their signed promises not to support Isaakios (I), and he agreed. To prevent more civil strife, he sided with opponents of Michael VI and supporters of Isaakios (I), ordering priests to acclaim the latter (maybe he knew of the plot in advance). [From another point of view]: having been ignored till then, he faced an armed mob in Hagia Sophia, which served both as a place of rebellion and of refuge; they wanted to kill Michael VI, and only he stood in their way. By careful management of the mob and precise tilting of the balance from Michael to Isaakios, he secured regime change with minimum bloodshed. [But nearly all sources show some cynicism about the role he played.] It soon became hard to distinguish him from a rebel leader, as he sent men to attack the houses of those still loyal to Michael VI
Certainty: 2 Keroularios wrote encouraging Isaakios (I) to hurry & Michael VI to abdicate. Under pressure from crowds in Hagia Sophia, Michael Keroularios agreed to request from Michael VI the document signed by senators promising never to proclaim Isaakios (I) emperor. He sent envoys to Michael VI urging him to leave the palace and be tonsured, saying he could not guarantee his safety, but assuring him of the kingdom of heaven in exchange for the throne. At the same time he and his supporters sent messengers to Isaakios Komnenos asking him to hurry to Constantinople and requesting money. Thus he seemed to all not just a participant but the mastermind of the change of regime
Certainty: 2 Keroularios' supporters caused some deaths, leading Psellos to charge him with murder. With the support of Theodoros, patriarch of Antioch and of his own subordinate Stephanos he approved the confiscation of the houses of those deemed enemies of the Romans because they opposed the accession of Isaakios (I). It was as if an emperor had just taken the city by assault. Thus [Psellos' accusation ran in his undelivered and unreliable forensic speech against Keroularios] he bore complete responsibility for many murders. By sending bands of men to attack well-defended houses, was he not the first cause of the resulting deaths?
Certainty: 2 Psellos later alleged that Keroularios planned to kill Michael & delay Isaakios, to became emperor himself. Psellos alleged [in the same speech against Keroularios] that he rebelled against two emperors in 1057, forcing Michael VI to tonsure and abdication while keeping Isaakios I away from the city. He was in no personal danger, but just wanted to intervene in the change of ruler, as king-maker or perhaps even as emperor
Certainty: 2 Second embassy to Isaakios Komnenos interrupted by news of revolt in Constantinople. The usurper Isaakios (I) and the three imperial envoys were resting at Reai after negotiating a compromise which would see Michael VI still emperor but Isaakios as kaisar with an active role to play. But this was overturned by events in the capital, narrated by a series of breathless messengers. First the occupant of the first tent in the camp reported that a messenger had newly reported from the City that rebels had created turmoil there, thrown the government into chaos and threatened peaceful citizens. They had got into Hagia Sophia, forced Keroularios to join them, and were shouting abuse at Michael VI in favour of Isaakios. Soon another messenger dramatically recounted the deposition of Michael VI, whom he had seen as emperor in the morning but later clad in a monk's robe. He reported the City's preparation: an imperial galley with torch-bearers was ready for Isaakios. Isaakios and the three envoys at first were incredulous. Two more messengers added to the confusion, till a third, a more educated man, convinced them of the truth of the news. Isaakios reacted calmly, ordering the envoys to remain quietly in their tents. He himself began his rule
Certainty: 2 Kekaumenos reached the city: abdication & tonsure of Michael VI. Isaakios (I) appointed Katakalon Kekaumenos as kouropalates and sent him on a ship with enough force to take over the palace to prepare for his arrival. At the same moment Michael VI received a strong letter from Keroularios that he should abdicate and accept tonsure if he wished to survive. He agreed, rejecting the pleas of his supporters, to avoid a bloodbath in the city. He took off the purple vestments and shoes, put on a layman's garb, left the palace having provoked a war and witnessed many deaths, returned to his house near the acropolis and became a monk
Certainty: 3 Isaakios Komnenos entered city in triumph; he was crowned & proclaimed emperor by patriarch. [Psellos provides privileged access to the private beginnings of a day of public celebration, suspect like all his claims to be close to emperors]. Everyone was ordered to prepare to move to the City. Psellos spent an anxious night, expecting to be killed. Before sunrise Isaakios suddenly rode out on horseback. The three imperial ambassadors followed him, sat with him during the preparations, and in a way legitimised his taking of power. Psellos and Isaakios discussed the conduct of the embassy, the fickleness of fortune, the best way to rule, and then he revealed his plans to all the ambassadors. Psellos received promotion to proedros. As the sun reached its zenith, the imperial galley appeared. Isaakios, strewn with flowers and amidst loud applause, embarked and crossed with the fleet to Constantinople. He entered the city acclaimed with shouts, trumpets and other instruments, and was received at the palace late in the afternoon. The city population and many from outside the city, turned out in force, with extravagant celebrations. With a large escort he made a splendid procession to Hagia Sophia, received the crown from the hands of the patriarch Michael Keroularios and left the church wearing it. [Sources differ whether the coronation took place on the same day, or on the morrow.]
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote poem XVIII De kalendis, on the coronation of Isaakios I. Isaakios I received from Psellos a poem for his coronation, on the kalends of September. It begins with information on the kalends, nones and ides, and ends in a brief encomium
Certainty: 3 Abdication of Michael VI. [The date is almost certainly wrong: Michael probably abdicated earlier, around the time when Isaakios I entered the city.] HThe decision was made under some pressure from Keroularios and the mob collected in Hagia Sophia. To his credit, he did not exploit the possibilities for resistance which still remained, at the danger of another bloodbath, but gave up immediately the symbols of power. He was welcomed by Keroularios after tonsure and became an anchorite in a patriarchal monastery, perhaps on an island
Certainty: 3 Crowning of Isaakios Komnenos. [The date (from Kleinchroniken) follows that of September 3 for Michael VI's abdication, and is probably equally wrong: the coronation probably occurred as soon as he arrived in the city.] Isaakios and his wife reigned for over two years and two months. His accession was, in a way, legitimised by the three envoys of Michael VI, who appeared with him. His only likely rival for the throne, Konstantinos (X) Doukas, did not even demand the position of kaisar. Konstantinos was not angry that Isaakios forgot most of the promises he had made, but was quite content with a subordinate role. Isaakios at once threw himself into action
Certainty: 2 Isaakios I successfully freed the city of soldiers, encouraging them to return when needed. Those who had taken Isaakios I's part he rewarded most generously, urging all, after receiving their rewards, to depart home, lest while residing in the city they should stir up some trouble against the citizens. They were to report for war later with him against the barbarians. When the City was freed from the soldiers' troublesome presence, people ware amazed and predicted greater things. He had achieved what no one had believed, giving a foretaste of a better future
Certainty: 2 Iconography of coinage, & other financial provisions for start of Isaakios I's reign. Isaakios, once established on the throne, had himself depicted on imperial coins holding a sword, ascribing his victory to his own martial efforts and not divine aid. He bestowed great honours on the patriarch Keroularios, including the right to appoint the megas oikonomos and skeuophylax, both previously chosen by the ruler. He granted dignities to comrades who had helped him to the throne. At the same time he reduced the endowments of monasteries to sums required for their subsistence, lancing boils affecting the body politic rather than applying salve
Certainty: 2 Promotions to mark beginning of Isaakios I's reign. He removed many of Michael VI's associates from office. He made Aikaterine, his wife, augousta, honoured his brother Ioannes and Katakalon Kekaumenos with the title of kouropalates, appointing the former also megas domestikos. However neither Ioannes nor any other family member was given special privileges, and all had to dismount at the outer entrance to the palace. Ioannes accepted the situation with exemplary respect. High promotions were given to Keroularios' nephews, and they and Keroularios were held in high honour
Certainty: 2 Appointment of Psellos as proedros caused some controversy. Psellos was appointed proedros by Isaakios I. However Machetarios, droungarios of the vigla, complained. Psellos justified himself as a polymath, bewailing this reaction of a friend, a wise and learned man, and one celebrated in the Chronographia (which he would not change) [Note that Machetarios does not appear in the book as we have it]
Certainty: 2 Isaakios I sent for Aikaterine & made her augousta. When Isaakios I had secured power, he summoned his wife Aikaterine from the fort of Pemolissa and made her augousta
Certainty: 2 Decisions of Isaakios I to increase revenues & cut expenditure. Isaakios I began by cancelling many decisions of his predecessor, Michael VI, causing indignation in the army and the church by removing much of their wealth. But he also remitted the dues of the great church, and distanced the palace from these matters by giving the patriarch the emperor's right to appoint the megas oikonomos. But most of his measures involved raising money from rich monasteries and private landowners. To have money to pay the army, he exacted taxes in a disciplined way, drawing up rolls, installing honest tax-collectors and making individual entries, so as to develop accurate records of money exacted. He reduced salaries attached to offices. Worse still, he confiscated private estates to the fisc, ignoring their chrysobulls. He was specially severe on monasteries, often leaving the monks only enough for the bare necessities of life. Psellos realised there was something noble in Isaakios' attempt. But the new emperor chose the wrong time, and attempted to solve all problems at once. A more cautious approach might have succeeded
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote about the basilikos of Madytos, to avoid trouble from a local tourmarches. Konstantinos IX had given him earlier the right to appoint the basilikos of Madytos. He regularly chose the same man for the position every year. This post was in natural competition with that of tourmarches of Haplokonnesos. The last tourmarches usurped some of the rights of the basilikos, and had been dismissed. The new tourmarches needed careful monitoring, in case he too overstepped his powers. Psellos wrote two letters on this situation, to the strategos of Abydos and to the krites of Thrace and Macedonia. He had already failed to help the basilikos by using imperial authority; the strategos, who had promised him frequent visits but had not come, would be pardoned if he made the basilikos his protege. He appealed to the krites, son of an excellent father, to stop any trouble justly, as it occurred
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos Leichoudes was given a major administrative role by Isaakios I. During the reign of Michael VI, Leichoudes took an advisory, not an administrative role. However Isaakios I, wishing to rule scientifically, chose Leichoudes as his chief administrator, admiring his maturity and ability despite criticism of his reliance on old, maybe outmoded, methods. But Isaakios did not know how to treat him, being rather intransigent
Certainty: 2 Return of Nea Mone to its founders, Keroularios exploiting a moment when Isaakios was busy. The patriarch Michael Keroularios found a time when Isaakios I was busy, soon after his accession, and persuaded him to recall the monks Niketas and Ioannes and restore Nea Mone to them. Their condemnation had not been synodical (though supported by many clergy)
Certainty: 2 Comparison, Keroularios v. Psellos: unchanging aristocrat vs. mutable pedant. Psellos wrote a long letter to Keroularios listing differences between them. Keroularios was an angel of heaven, Psellos had his feet on the ground; Keroularios was immutable, Psellos changeable; Psellos was always reading, Keroularios was not; Keroularios was a proud aristocrat, Psellos was not, and so despised Psellos, despite his high fame all over the world; Keroularios had a dominant public role, Psellos was a nervous pedant. He advised Keroularios that he needed militancy but not violence, he should be retiring, not try to rule; Psellos had written Keroularios' biography, spreading his fame widely
Certainty: 1 Defence of Psellos against those who resented his promotion to hypertimos. Psellos was given the dignity of hypertimos, and was maligned for it. He wrote a speech defending himself
Certainty: 0 Chrysobull of Michael VI (?) confirming earlier chrysobulls of Nea Mone (Chios). When the monks of Nea Mone Niketas and Ioannes requested from the emperor (Michael VI?) confirmation of the earlier chrysobulls of their monastery, a fresh chrysobull was issued to that effect
Certainty: 1 Annual grant of 10 pounds to Athos monasteries instituted by Michael VI.
Certainty: 1 Psellos' oration to the nephews of Michael Keroularios about brotherly love. Psellos wrote a speech to Nikephoros and Konstantinos, nephews of Michael Keroularios, on brotherly love. The relationship between Keroularios and his brother, their deceased father, was described in some detail and set before them as an ideal for imitation
Certainty: 1 Ioannes, brother of Isaakios I, confirmed for Iveron the properties claimed by the bishop of Ezoba. Ioannes the kouropalates, brother of Isaakios I, investigated the properties of Iveron at Ezoba which had long been claimed by the local bishop. His conclusions agreed with the praktikon of Georgios Hexamilites, and confirmed that they belonged to Iveron