Alexios I was informed by Georgios Palaiologos of the massive size of the force attacking Dyrrachium, and realised the problem he faced. Thus he communicated with Sulayman of Nicaea and with the Venetians to enrol them as allies. Using promises and gifts he called upon the Venetians for aid against Robert. They equipped a large expedition, paid for by privileges enshrined in chrysobulls. Arriving at Pallia, the Venetians first shrank from fighting the well-armed Norman fleet. Robert sent his son Bohemond to make the Venetians acclaim Michael VII and Robert himself. Next day they refused to do this and made fun of Bohemond's beard. He attacked them as they were in the "sea harbour" formation, but after a hard fight he was defeated and pursued back to his camp. The Venetians then sent ambassadors to Alexios, who rewarded their doge Domenico Silvo. Later they were given a small quarter in Constantinople