Narrative Unit

Alexander of Gravina (Conversano) (Alexandros 17001)

On breakdown of talks over Maria 17003, he was sent (with others) to meet Frederick 51 if south of the Alps; if not, he and Ioannes 17010 were to go on to Frederick; if he ignored his previous promises, they should claim Italy by themselves: in association with Ioannes 17010 (:) Kinnamos 135.15-136.2
After failure with Frederick 51, he met the envoys of Robert 17001 (Anonymi 17006) and learned of their mission to Frederick, suggesting that they approach Manuel 1 via Michael 62; praised Michael's importance and the large sums he had to subdue Italy: in association with Ioannes 17010 (:) Kinnamos 136.10-137.2

Frederick III of Swabia, later Frederick I Barbarossa, western emperor (Frederick 51)

Disappointed two embassies: from Robert 17001, offering to deliver him Sicily and Apulia; and from the Byzantines, discussing marriage and his promise to help conquer Apulia; the two embassies met and discussed other plans (:) Kinnamos 136.8-137.2

Ioannes Doukas, military commander in Italy (Ioannes 17010)

On the breakdown of talks over Maria 17003, he was sent (with others) to meet Frederick 51, if south of the Alps; if not, he and Alexandros 17001 were to go on to Frederick; if he ignored his previous promises, they should claim Italy by themselves: in association with Michael 62, Alexandros 17001 (:) Kinnamos 135.13-136.2

Maione of Bari, ruler of Apulia (Maione 17001)

Was appointed by William 4016 to govern Italy (Apulia) in the place of Robert 17001 (:) Kinnamos 136.6-7

Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (Manuel 1)

Since he could not go to Italy himself, he sent Michael 62 with plenty of troops and money; by agreement Michael went first to Venice to gather a substantial force of Italian mercenaries before proceeding to the south of Italy (:) Niketas Choniates, Historia 91.9-16
When Frederick 51 proved not to be serious in wanting a marriage alliance, he sent Michael 62, Ioannes 17010 and Alexandros 17001 with money to negotiate with him or claim Italy independently, thus beginning the Italian expedition (:) Kinnamos 135.12-136.2

Michael Palaiologos, commander in Italy under Manuel I (Michael 62)

Since Manuel 1 could not go to Italy, he gave Michael plenty of troops and money and sent him there; as planned, Michael went first to Venice and enrolled substantial forces of Italian mercenaries [its dating by Choniates in 1150 is regarded as much too early] (:) Niketas Choniates, Historia 91.10-15
On the breakdown of talks over Maria 17003, he was sent (among others) with a lot of money to meet Frederick 51 if south of the Alps; if not, he was to go to Italy with the money while his companions went to Frederick: in association with Ioannes 17010, Alexandros 17001 (:) Kinnamos 135.13-136.2
Was praised to the envoys of Robert 17001 (Anonymi 17006) by Alexandros 17001 for his title, his influential position and the money he had at his disposal (:) ἀνὴρ βουλῆς μὲν τῆς ῾Ρωμαίων ὤν Kinnamos 136.19-21

Robert of Bassonville, nephew of Roger II of Sicily (Robert 17001)

His envoys (Anonymi 17006), returning from Frederick 51, met Alexandros 17001, also returning unsuccessful from Frederick's court, with Ioannes 17010; Alexandros suggested the envoys should see Michael 62 and approach Manuel 1 (:) Kinnamos 136.10-137.2
In his indignation, he was sent to Frederick 51, promising to deliver him Sicily and Italy, but his envoys (Anonymi 17006) had an inconclusive meeting with Frederick (:) Kinnamos 136.7-10

Diplomatic preliminaries to the Italian expedition