Michael VI's envoys splendidly received

Summary:
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 
Dates:
1057 
Ioannes Komnenos, father of Alexios I (Ioannes 63)
  • As the chief of Isaakios 1's bodyguard at the door of the tent, he was the centre of all eyes as Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 and Theodoros 106 were brought in to Isaakios 1, in a tent big enough for an army (:) ἀτενὲς πρὸς τὸν ἐφεστηκότα τῇ πυλῇ τῆς σκηνῆς ἀπονεύοντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 22.1-19
  • When Michael 61, Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 came near the entrance he bid them stand and went into Isaakios 1's tent; emerging shortly after without a word he suddenly threw open the door so as to amaze them by the unexpected spectacle (:) οὖτος τῇ εἰσόδῳ καὶ ἡμῖν προσεγγίσασι στῆναι κελεύσας Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.1-5
Emperor Isaakios I Komnenos (Isaakios 1)
  • Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106 and Michael 61 reported to him within earshot of the masses, who clamoured, saying they did not wish to see their commander (Isaakios 1) in another rank, and would not tolerate his doffing the imperial robe, which he already wore (:) Zonaras 18.3.4
  • Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106, Michael 61 announced that he was designated son, adopted by the emperor (Michael 6) and elevated to the honour of Kaisar, and that there was pardon for those who had joined him in the usurpation and an amnesty for their error (:) Zonaras 18.3.3
  • He greeted Michael 61, Theodoros 106 and Konstantinos 13, rising slightly and bidding them be seated; he asked no questions about their purpose but briefly explained the need for his campaign, drank with them and let them go to their nearby tents (:) βραχείας δέ τινας κινήσας λόγους ὁπόσοι αὐτῷ τὴν στρατίαν ἀναγκαίαν ἐδείκνυσαν Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.1-9
  • Satisfied with the replies of Michael 61, Konstantinos 13, and Theodoros 106, in a louder voice he ordered one of them to turn and stand in the middle, hand over their letter and speak their message (:) γεγονωτέρᾳ ἔφησε τῇ φωνῇ Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.7-12
  • Soon after sunrise the leading counsellors escorted Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 and Theodoros 106 to him, in a tent big enough for an army; outside was a multitude, armed and drawn up in formal circles, silent and staring intently at Ioannes 63, the captain of the guard (:) πρὸς τὸν κρατοῦντα ἀπάγοντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 22.1-19
  • When Michael 61, Theodoros 106 and Konstantinos 13 came near the entrance Ioannes 63 bad them wait and entered the tent; emerging shortly after without a word, he suddenly threw open the door so as to amaze them by the unexpected spectacle (:) ἐντός τε τῆς τοῦ βασιλέως σκηνῆς ἐγεγόνει Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.1-5
  • He was informed by Michael 61, Theodoros 106 and Konstantinos 13 of their arrival; they declined to enter negotiation before first receiving oaths that the embassy would not be detained nor harmed but honoured and allowed to return (:) εἰ μὴ πρότερον ὅρκους ἡμῖν ἀπορρήτους δοίη Psellos: Chronographia VII 19.6-13
  • He was seated inside on a raised gold couch in a magnificent robe, head held high, chest puffed out - cheeks red from the effort, eyes fixed in preoccupied thought ; then he came to himself, as if mooring in calm waters from the deep (:) τὰ ὄμματα πεπηγότα ἐπὶ συννοίας καὶ πλήρη ἐνθυμημάτων τὴν καρδίαν δεικνύοντα Psellos: Chronographia VII 24.4-12
  • He gave ample assurances, and Michael 61, Theodoros 106 and Konstantinos 13 went by ship to his camp; they were welcomed before meeting with him, the leaders explaining individually that though victorious they regretted shedding kindred blood (:) ἐκεῖνος πάντα ἐδεδώκει καὶ πλείονα τῶν ἐζητημένων προσέθετο Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.1-10
  • He was surrounded by many circles of men, nobles nearest, then their lieutenants and prime fighters, then others of lower rank, light-armed troops and allied forces - Italians and terrifying Tauroskythians ..., armed with spears and axes (:) κύκλοι δὲ περὶ αὐτὸν πλεῖστοι περιειστήκεσαν Psellos: Chronographia VII 24.12-35
  • Michael 61, Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 were escorted to his tent where all dismounted; he granted entry to them alone as the sun had set and he did not wish to have a large gathering in the imperial tent (:) οὐκ ἦν ἐκείνῳ βουλομένῳ πολλοὺς ἐπὶ τῆς βασιλείου συλλεγῆναι σκηνῆς Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.10-16
  • He signalled to Michael 61, Konstantinos 13, and Theodoros 106 to enter and move to the left; when they had passed the first and second circles of men and were quite close he asked the same questions as before (:) τῇ χειρὶ καλέσας καὶ βραχύ τι τὴν κεφαλὴν ἐπινεύσας Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.1-6
  • Having crushed and dispersed the enemy, he left Nicaea and after 3 days reached Nikomedeia, where he received the emperor (Michael 6)'s envoys Konstantinos 13 Leichoudes, Theodoros 106 Alopos and Konstantinos Psellos (Michael 61) (:) Skylitzes 496.79-83
Konstantinos III Leichoudes, patriarch of Constantinople (Konstantinos 13)
  • Announced that Isaakios 1 Komnenos was designated son, being adopted by the emperor (Michael 6) and elevated to the honour of Kaisar, and that there was pardon for those who had acted with him in the usurpation and an amnesty for their error: in association with Theodoros 106 and Michael 61 (:) Zonaras 18.3.3
  • Isaakios 1 gave ample assurances and they went in triremes to his camp; they were welcomed before the meeting with Isaakios, the leaders explaining individually that though victorious they regretted shedding kindred blood: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) ταῖς τριήρεσιν εὐθὺς ἀναπλεύσαντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.1-10
  • When the shouting stopped they were given leisure to see inside the tent, since they had not entered as soon as the door was opened but stood at a distance awaiting the signal to enter: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) σχολὴν ἡμῖν ἔδοσαν τὰ ἐντὸς τῆς σκηνῆς θεάσασθαι Psellos: Chronographia VII 24.1-4
  • Isaakios 1 greeted them, rising slightly and bidding them be seated; he asked no questions about their purpose but briefly explained the need for his campaign, drank with them and let them go to their nearby tents: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) ἠρώτησε μὲν οὐδὲν περὶ ὧν ἀφικόμεθα Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.1-9
  • Isaakios 1 signalled them to enter and move to the left; when they had passed the first and second circles of men and was quite close, Isaakios asked the same questions as before: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) ἡμῖν δὲ τῆς εἰσόδου τὸ σύνθημα ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐδεδώκει Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.1-6
  • They were amazed at Isaakios 1's brevity; after sleeping, at dawn they discussed how to speak to Isaakios 1, deciding that he, Michael 61 and Theodoros 106 should together ask questions and receive the answers (:) ὁμοῦ πάντων πυνθάνεσθαι καὶ οὕτω λαμβάνειν τὰς ἀποκρίσεις Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.9-23
  • Satisfied with their replies, in a louder voice Isaakios 1 ordered one of them to turn and stand in the middle, hand over their letter and speak their message: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν ... ἐπαναστρέψας καὶ ἐπὶ μέσον τουτωνὶ στάς Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.7-12
  • Soon after sunrise the leading counsellors escorted them to Isaakios 1, now in a tent big enough for an army; outside was a multitude, armed and drawn up in formal circles a short distance apart, silent and staring intently at Ioannes 63, the captain of the guard: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) εἰσκαλοῦντες ἡμᾶς καὶ οἱονεὶ δορυφοροῦντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 22.1-19
  • Each of them gave way to the others and they conferred together; he and Theodoros 106 pressed Michael 61 as the most appropriate speaker since unlike them he was a philosopher, promising help if his argument was refuted (:) ἐπαγγειλάμενοί τε ἐπικουρήσειν εἴ πή μοι ὁ λόγος περιτραπείη Psellos: Chronographia VII 26.1-5
  • When they came near the entrance Ioannes 63 bad them stand and went into Isaakios 1's tent; emerging shortly after without a word he suddenly threw open the door so as to amaze them by the unexpected spectacle: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) ἵν᾿ εὐθὺς καταπλήξῃ τῷ ἀπροσδοκήτῳ τῆς θέας Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.1-5
  • They courageously left the City; after the first stage they notified Isaakios 1 of his arrival and declined to enter negotiation before first receiving oaths that the embassy would not be detained nor harmed but honoured and allowed to return: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) τὴν πρὸς ἐκεῖνον τεθαρρήκαμεν ἔξοδον Psellos: Chronographia VII 19.6-13
  • (The spectacle) was truly imperial and terrifying: first they were deafened by the crowd's shouts, not all together but the first rank made acclamation, then the second and so on; finally all shouted at once, striking him like a thunderbolt: in association with Michael 61, Theodoros 106 (:) μικροῦ δεῖν ἡμᾶς κατεβρόντησαν Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.5-12
  • Reported to Isaakios 1 Komnenos within earshot of the masses, who clamoured, saying they did not wish to see their commander (Isaakios 1) in another rank, and would not tolerate his doffing the imperial robe, which he already wore: in association with Theodoros 106 Alopos and Michael 61 Psellos (:) Zonaras 18.3.4
Emperor Michael VI Stratiotikos (Michael 6)
  • When the assembly broke up, Isaakios 1 received the ambassadors (Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106, Michael 61) in private, saying, "If you will satisfy me that you will convey a secret to the emperor (Michael 6), I will tell you what has lain hidden in my heart" (:) Zonaras 18.3.6
  • Having by his incompetence provoked a revolt of the whole military class, his troops were defeated by them; in despair he decided to offer Isaakios 1 a share in imperial rule, sending him three picked ambassadors (:) Psellos Kategoria 1354-1367
Michael Psellos (named Konstantinos till tonsure in 1054) (Michael 61)
  • Reported to Isaakios 1 Komnenos within earshot of the masses, who clamoured, saying they did not wish to see their commander (Isaakios 1) in another rank, and would not tolerate his doffing the imperial robe, which he already wore: in association with Konstantinos 13 Leichoudes and Theodoros 106 Alopos (:) Zonaras 18.3.4
  • Announced that Isaakios 1 was designated son, adopted by the emperor (Michael 6) and elevated to the honour of Kaisar, and that there was pardon for those who had joined him in the usurpation and an amnesty for their error: in association with Konstantinos 13 and Theodoros 106 (:) Zonaras 18.3.3
  • They were escorted to Isaakios 1's tent where all dismounted; Isaakios granted entry to them alone as the sun had set and he did not wish to have a large gathering in the imperial tent: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) μόνοις ἡμῖν ἐδόθη ἡ εἴσοδος Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.10-16
  • When the shouting stopped they were given leisure to see inside the tent, since they had not entered as soon as the door was opened but stood at a distance awaiting the signal to enter: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) σχολὴν ἡμῖν ἔδοσαν τὰ ἐντὸς τῆς σκηνῆς θεάσασθαι Psellos: Chronographia VII 24.1-4
  • Isaakios 1 greeted them, rising slightly and bidding them be seated; he asked no questions about their purpose but briefly explained the need for his campaign, drank with them and let them go to their nearby tents : in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) ἠρώτησε μὲν οὐδὲν περὶ ὧν ἀφικόμεθα Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.1-9
  • Isaakios 1 signalled to them to enter and move to the left; when they had passed the first and second circles of men and were quite close, Isaakios 1 asked the same questions as before: in association with Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106 (:) ἡμῖν δὲ τῆς εἰσόδου τὸ σύνθημα ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐδεδώκει Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.1-6
  • They were amazed at Isaakios 1's brevity; after sleeping, at dawn they discussed how to speak to Isaakios 1, deciding that he, Theodoros 106 and Konstantinos 13 should together ask questions and receive the answers (:) ὁμοῦ πάντων πυνθάνεσθαι καὶ οὕτω λαμβάνειν τὰς ἀποκρίσεις Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.9-23
  • Satisfied with their replies, in a louder voice Isaakios 1 ordered one of them to turn and stand in the middle, hand over their letter and speak their message: in association with Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106 (:) εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν ... ἐπαναστρέψας καὶ ἐπὶ μέσον τουτωνὶ στὰς Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.7-12
  • Soon after sunrise the leading counsellors escorted them to Isaakios 1, now in a tent big enough for an army; outside was a multitude, armed and drawn up in formal circles a short distance apart, silent and staring intently at Ioannes 63, captain of the guard: in association with Konstantinos 13, Theodoros 106 (:) εἰσκαλοῦντες ἡμᾶς καὶ οἱονεὶ δορυφοροῦντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 22.1-19
  • They courageously left the City; after the first stage they notified Isaakios 1 of their arrival and declined to enter negotiation before first receiving oaths that the embassy would not be detained nor harmed but honoured and allowed to return: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) τὴν πρὸς ἐκεῖνον τεθαρρήκαμεν ἔξοδον Psellos: Chronographia VII 19.6-13
  • Each of them gave way to the others and they conferred together; Konstantinos 13 and Theodoros 106 pressed Psellos as the most appropriate speaker since unlike them he was a philosopher, promising help if his argument was refuted (:) ὅτι κατ᾿ ἄμφω φιλοσοφοίην Psellos: Chronographia VII 26.1-5
  • When they came near the entrance Ioannes 63 bad them stand and went into Isaakios 1's tent; emerging shortly after without a word he suddenly threw open the door so as to amaze him by the unexpected spectacle: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) ἵν᾿ εὐθὺς καταπλήξῃ τῷ ἀπροσδοκήτῳ τῆς θέας Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.1-5
  • Isaakios 1 honoured him and dismissed the assembly; Isaakios took them aside, saying he was in the army's power; if they swore to carry his unspoken wishes to Michael 61, he would reveal his secret thoughts: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) πολλοῖς με τετιμηκὼς ἐγκωμίοις Psellos: Chronographia VII 32.1-10
  • Isaakios 1 gave ample assurances and they went by ship to his camp; they were welcomed before the meeting with Isaakios, the leaders explaining individually that though victorious they regretted shedding kindred blood: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) ταῖς τριήρεσιν εὐθὺς ἀναπλεύσαντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.1-10
  • Calming his beating heart went into the middle, collected himself and handed over the letter; receiving a signal to speak he began; had the uproar not bothered him and often interrupted, he would have recalled his prepared speech (:) ταχ᾿ ἂν αὐτὰς ἀπεμηνμόνευσα τὰς φωνὰς Psellos: Chronographia VII 26.6-14
  • The spectacle was truly imperial and terrifying: first they were deafened by the crowd's shouts, not all together but the first rank made acclamation, then the second and so on; finally all shouted at once, striking him like a thunderbolt: in association with Theodoros 106, Konstantinos 13 (:) μικροῦ δεῖν ἡμᾶς κατεβρόντησαν Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.5-12
Theodoros (Leon) Alopos, envoy of Michael VI to Isaakios Komnenos (Theodoros 106)
  • Satisfied with their replies, in a louder voice Isaakios 1 ordered one of them to turn and stand in the middle, hand over their letter and speak their message: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν ... ἐπαναστρέψας καὶ ἐπὶ μέσον τουτωνὶ στάς Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.7-12
  • Soon after sunrise the leading counsellors escorted them to Isaakios 1, now in a tent big enough for an army; outside was a multitude, armed and drawn up in formal circles a short distance apart, silent and staring intently at Ioannes 63, the captain of h guard: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) εἰσκαλοῦντες ἡμᾶς καὶ οἱονεὶ δορυφοροῦντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 22.1-19
  • They courageously left the City, and after the first stage notified Isaakios 1 of his arrival and declined to enter negotiation before first receiving oaths that the embassy would not be detained nor harmed but honoured and allowed to return: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) τὴν πρὸς ἐκεῖνον τεθαρρήκαμεν ἔξοδον Psellos: Chronographia VII 19.6-13
  • Each of them gave way to the others and they conferred together; he and Konstantinos 13 pressed Michael 61 as the most appropriate speaker since unlike them he was a philosopher, promising help if his argument was refuted (:) ἐπαγγειλάμενοί τε ἐπικουρήσειν εἴ πή μοι ὁ λόγος περιτραπείη Psellos: Chronographia VII 26.1-5
  • When they came near the entrance Ioannes 63 bid them stand and went into Isaakios 1's tent; emerging shortly after without a word he suddenly threw open the door so as to amaze them by the unexpected spectacle: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 111 (:) ἵν᾿ εὐθὺς καταπλήξῃ τῷ ἀπροσδοκήτῳ τῆς θέας Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.1-5
  • Isaakios 1 gave ample assurances and they went by ship to his camp, where they were welcomed before the meeting with Isaakios, the leaders explaining individually that though victorious they regretted shedding kindred blood: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) ταῖς τριήρεσιν εὐθὺς ἀναπλεύσαντες Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.1-10
  • The spectacle was truly imperial and terrifying: first they were deafened by the crowd's shouts, not all together but the first rank made acclamation, then the second and so on; finally all shouted at once, striking him like a thunderbolt: in association with Michael 063 Konstantinos 13 (:) μικροῦ δεῖν ἡμᾶς κατεβρόντησαν Psellos: Chronographia VII 23.5-12
  • Isaakios 1 gave ample assurances and they went by ship to his camp; they were welcomed before the meeting with Isaakios, the leaders explaining individually that though victorious they regretted shedding kindred blood: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) μόνοις ἡμῖν ἐδόθη ἡ εἴσοδος Psellos: Chronographia VII 20.10-16
  • When the shouting stopped they had leisure to see inside the tent, since they had not entered as soon as the door was opened but stood at a distance awaiting the signal to enter: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) σχολὴν ἡμῖν ἔδοσαν τὰ ἐντὸς τῆς σκηνῆς θεάσασθαι Psellos: Chronographia VII 24.1-4
  • Isaakios 1 greeted them, rising slightly and bidding them be seated; he asked no questions about their purpose but briefly explained the need for his campaign, drank with them and let them go to their nearby tents : in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) ἠρώτησε μὲν οὐδὲν περὶ ὧν ἀφικόμεθα Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.1-9
  • Isaakios 1 signalled to them to enter and move to the left; when they had passed the first and second circles of men and was quite close, Isaakios asked the same questions as before: in association with Michael 61, Konstantinos 13 (:) ἡμῖν δὲ τῆς εἰσόδου τὸ σύνθημα ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐδεδώκει Psellos: Chronographia VII 25.1-6
  • They was amazed at Isaakios 1's brevity; after sleeping, at dawn they discussed how to speak to Isaakios, deciding that he, Michael 61 and Konstantinos 13 should together ask questions and receive the answers (:) ὁμοῦ πάντων πυνθάνεσθαι καὶ οὕτω λαμβάνειν τὰς ἀποκρίσεις Psellos: Chronographia VII 21.9-23
  • Announced that Isaakios 1 was designated son, adopted by the emperor (Michael 6) and elevated to the honour of Kaisar, and that there was pardon for those who had joined him in the usurpation and an amnesty for their error: in association with Konstantinos 13 and Michael 61 (:) Zonaras 18.3.3
  • Reported to Isaakios 1 Komnenos within earshot of the masses, who clamoured, saying they did not wish to see their commander (Isaakios 1) in another rank, and would not tolerate his doffing the imperial robe, which he already wore: in association with Konstantinos 13 Leichoudes and Michael 61 Psellos (:) Zonaras 18.3.4