Certainty: 3 Alexios sent the archontopouloi against the Pechenegs at Charioupolis Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 The Pechenegs ambushed the archontopouloi, killing 300; Alexios grieved for them Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 The Pechenegs plundered up to Apros; Alexios took Apros before them & Tatikios killed 400 foragers Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Five hundred knights from Flanders, with extra horses, were sent to Nikomedia against Abul-Kasim Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios sent troops to fortify Methymna, but Chaka captured Chios Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios I issued an ordinance on the role of the chartophylax Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Chaka defeated a Byzantine fleet under Niketas Kastamonites, capturing many ships Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios, with Neantzes, Kantzous & Katranes, was defeated at Rousion by the Pechenegs with heavy losses Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I lost another engagement with the Pechenegs because of the treachery of Neantzes
At the battle of Hades (Thrace), the armies were so close that he did not use a trumpet to announce a battle at dawn on the morrow; the news was spread by Konstantinos, his falconer, who went round the men with a drum. As battle lines at Hades were forming, Neantzes climbed a hill, ostensibly to spy on the Pechenegs, but in fact to tell them in their own tongue how to arrange their wagons, as Alexios was weak and could easily be beaten. But a half-caste who knew the language heard and understood the treacherous speech that Neantzes made, and reported the content to Alexios. Neantzes himself heard of this report, and demanded proof. But when the half-caste came forward in public to give it, Neantzes promptly beheaded him - an action unlikely to increase his credibility. Even so, Alexios, preparing for battle, controlled his rage. Neantzes even came and asked for a better horse. Despite his suspicions, Alexios gave him a fine animal. But then Neantzes pretended to charge, reversed his spear, and changed sides, giving secrets to the enemy. Alexios fought hard against the Pechenegs, but they knew his plans, and defeated him. When he saw the battle was lost, he escaped to the river near Rousion, giving and taking blows
Certainty: 2 Alexios rallied troops near Rousion with the aid of Georgios Pyrros, organising a makeshift army Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios defeated the Pechenegs by cultivating a deserter, capturing horses & attacking with bowmen Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios won two battles against the Pechenegs near Tzouroulos, in one rolling carts downhill at them Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Alexios left a force to shadow Pecheneg movements, & returned to Constantinople Certainty: 3
1091
Certainty: 3 Alexios set out before his other generals to defend Choirobakchoi against the Pechenegs Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios deceived Pechenegs (& some Byzantines) by disguising men in Pecheneg costume Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Kinsmen & generals joined Alexios as he returned, amazed but a little resentful at his quick success Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Pechenegs ravaged near the capital, taking small towns & stopping pilgrimage to Bathys Ryax Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Chaka's fleet raided coasts & islands: he planned to join with the Pechenegs at the Chersonesos Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 After problems of a heavy winter, Alexios wrote letters far & wide to gather mercenaries Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios gathered his troops at Ainos, fortifying a camp, but badly outnumbered by the Pechenegs Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 A large army of Cumans appeared; Alexios offered their leaders all booty to be won from the Pechenegs Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 A three-way stand-off: skirmish & negotiation, the Cumans impatient to fight, Alexios delaying Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Byzantines & Cumans fought together at Lebounion, leading to the slaughter of the Pechenegs Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios & his allies slaughtered most of the Pechenegs, but he ordered prisoners to be kept alive Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Slaughter of all prisoners overnight: Alexios arrested Synesios, but did not punish him further Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 The Cumans were given all their dues, extra money, & an exchange of hostages to ensure safe conduct Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios returned victorious to Constantinople Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios I sent Michael Doukas to Kyrillos Phileotes, then visited with his family, granting donations Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 A chrysobull confirmed the gift of a proasteion to Samuel Bourtzes by Nikephoros Melissenos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Theodoros Gabras affianced his son Gregorios to a daughter (Maria?) of Isaakios Komnenos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 As Gregorios Gabras' marriage became impossible, Alexios decided to marry him to his daughter Maria Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 A marriage contract was promised for Gregorios Gabras & a good education Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Victory of Alexios I over Pechenegs, who were converted (concealment of brutal details) Certainty: 1
1092
Certainty: 2 Tatikios, sent against Abul-Kasim at Nicaea, drove him back into the city & camped nearby Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 The sultan sent Bozan to attack Abul-Kasim, with a letter proposing a marriage alliance with Alexios against him Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Bozan attacked Nicaea; Abul-Kasim resited, aided by Alexios, diverting Bozan to other cities Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Komnenos received three letters from Theophylaktos of Ohrid soon after reaching Dyrrachion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos Dalassenos besieged Chios in Chaka's absence, breaching the wall, but allowing repair Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Cretans murdered Karykes & gave Crete to Ioannes Doukas as he approached; he left for Cyprus Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios sent Kalliparios to Cyprus as krites & exisotes, & Eumathios Philokales as stratopedarches Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios returned home, pitying Nikephoros Diogenes; the latter was devoted to learning, & hating Alexios Certainty: 2
Certainty: 0 Theophylaktos sent congratulations & thanks to the protasekretes Gregorios Kamateros Certainty: 0
Certainty: 2 Synod convened by Alexios I at Blachernai to discuss icon veneration Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Borsuq besieged Abul-Kasim for three months; Alexios sent help but the Byzantines soon withdrew
As once predicted to Tatikios by a peasant, Borsuq reached Nicaea with large forces and began a siege, which was unremitting for three months, causing desperation for Abul-Kasim and the population. Abul-Kasim and the other leaders of the defence against Borsuq realised they could not hold out much longer, and so appealed for help to Alexios, preferring to serve him rather than Borsuq. In response, Alexios sent out his best troops equipped with standards and sceptres. This was not really to aid Abul-Kasim, but to help in his destruction: Alexios, by repelling Borsuq, might be able to take the city from Abul-Kasim. By aiding the weaker of two Turkish parties in each case, the Roman empire, reduced to almost nothing by the invincible Turkish lance, might be extended. Alexios' men came to the castle of Hagios Georgios, were let in by the Turks, raising their standards at the east gate; then their war-songs were so loud that the besiegers feared that Alexios himself had come, and withdrew. But the Byzantines soon returned to Constantinople, for they were not sufficient in numbers to combat a further Turkish invasion expected to arrive from the furthest recesses of the empire
Certainty: 2 A false "Leon Diogenes" outraged Alexios' sister Theodora (nun & widow of Konstantinos Diogenes) Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 "Diogenes" escaped from Cherson with the aid of the Cumans, by whom he was recognised as emperor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Plot of Gregorios Gabras to abscond to his father betrayed to Alexios; plotters were punished Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Hearing that Turks were plundering Bithynia, Alexios re-excavated an ancient ditch to defend it Certainty: 1
1095
Certainty: 2 Alexios wrote to Kilic Arslan, warning that Chaka was a bigger threat to him than to the Byzantines Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Kilic Arslan dined with Chaka, then killed him, leading to a peace treaty with Alexios Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 As the Cumans & "Diogenes" reached Paristrion, Alexios was unanimously advised not to fight Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios asked God in a ceremony in Hagia Sophia whether to fight the Cumans; the answer was positive Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios at Anchialos sent commanders to their posts, inspected defences in passes, & made camp Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 When the Cumans crossed the Danube, Alexios, after another council, made more defensive moves Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos Katakalon Euphorbenos captured one hundred Cumans & won immediate promotion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Goloe & area surrendered to the Cumans acclaiming "Diogenes", followed by impasse at Anchialos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios sent Konstantinos Katakalon Euphorbenos to relieve Adrianople; he was not successful Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios decided to go himself to relieve Adrianople, using Alakaseus to deal with "Diogenes" Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios fought single-handed against a Cuman, won a battle, & restored loot to local people Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Cuman leaders posing as deserters failed to distract attention from their army's retreat Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 The Cumans fled, deceived over the size of Alexios' army; he pursued them & captured large numbers Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Ariebes, Oumbertos & others convicted of plotting: they were exiled & their property confiscated Certainty: 3
Certainty: 0 Basileios the Bogomil induced to make a statement of beliefs Certainty: 0
1096
Certainty: 2 Poulchases, brother of Abul-Kasim governed Nicaea; Alexios offered him bribes to leave Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Arrival of vast numbers of crusaders from the west, presaged by swarms of locusts Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios I sent forces with interpreters to meet the crusaders, to arrange supplies & prevent trouble Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Walter Sansavoir reached Constantinople Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Peter the Hermit went quickly from Nis to the capital Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Peter the Hermit met Alexios I & crossed with Walter Sansavoir to Asia Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios I received a copy of the Monomachos typikon (for Athos) Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 A few of Peter's men returned alive, threatened by more ambushes but saved by Alexios' troops Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Godfrey en route to Constantinople fought for the release of imprisoned French nobles Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Hugh of Vermandois was entertained at Dyrrachion, then taken to Constantinople Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Godfrey reached Constantinople but refused to cross to Asia or meet Alexios I, who feared attack Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Anna Dalassene sensed hostility from Alexios I & retired to the Pantepoptes Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Fall of statue in the forum of Constantine dismissed as not ill-omened Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Trial of Basileios & other Bogomils Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Public burning of of Basileios the Bogomil Certainty: 0
1106
Certainty: 2 Byzantine commanders rotated to provide defence against Bohemond Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Comet seen for 40 days in Constantinople & Jerusalem Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Gregorios Taronites visited in prison by Nikephoros Bryennios, counselled & finally pardoned Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Chrysobull of Alexios I granting tax exemptions to Theotokos Eleousa Certainty: 2
1107
Certainty: 2 Defeat of Bohemond by Alexios I predicted by Kyrillos Phileotes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Dyrrachion was fortified, & a fleet built early despite the expense Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 The doux of Dyrrachion was encouraged & the megas doux Kontostephanos sent to assist Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Release of Conrad, constable of the Western Empire & other counts from Egypt by Alexios I Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Alexios I issued an edict on clergy reform Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Bohemond crossed to Epirus with a huge armada; Landulf let him pass Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Pecheneg messenger sent to inform Alexios I, who took the news coolly Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios chose governors for the capital, waiting at Geranion for the Blachernai miracle Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Choirobakchoi to Thessalonike: appointments, letters to commanders & a Bulgarian plot Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Detection & punishment of conspiracy of the Bulgarian Aaron Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios used his journey to Thessalonike as training for the army Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Alexios I satisfied a request by Lavra for improvements in its tax regime Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Nikolaos Mouzalon, didaskalos of the Gospels, appointed archbishop of Cyprus Certainty: 0
1108
Certainty: 2 Alexios I wintered in Thessalonike, sending picked officers to guard valleys of Pindos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Region of Ohrid ravaged by Bohemond of Taranto Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Bertrand, son of Raymond of St-Gilles, was welcomed by Alexios I & took an oath to him Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 While the empress went home, Alexios I advanced to Pelagonia & Devol, avoiding confrontation Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios sent letters & an apparent deserter to implicate Bohemond's lieutenants in treachery Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Bohemond did not know whether to believe the "deserter", but finally took no action Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I further blocked the passes & made four major appointments Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios sent Kantakouzenos to attack Mylos; he failed, but destroyed ships used for river crossing Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 (?) Bohemond defeated Alexios I at Bothilia, then returned to the siege of Dyrrachion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 A Byzantine victory prevented the Normans using rafts, but was followed by a Byzantine defeat Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Destruction of a major foraging party from the besiegers of Dyrrachion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Redistribution of Byzantine commands against Bohemond Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I strengthened the blockade of the straits between Italy & Epiros Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I gave instructions to kill horses in raids on the Normans Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Lands belonging to Lavra measured Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Bohemond's position near Dyrrachion became untenable, & he came to terms with Alexios (general factoids) Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Bohemond, now desperate, made peace proposals Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Preparations for the meeting of the rival leaders (day 1) Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Discussions reached stalemate, but were resumed & completed Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Alexios I arranged for Bohemond to go safely home & his men to winter where they were Certainty: 3
1109
Certainty: 3 Chrysobull of Alexios I confirming exemptions on Lavra properties Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Alexios I sent out Eumathios Philokales against Turkish attacks in Asia Minor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 1,000 modioi of land granted to Lavra by Alexios I Certainty: 2
1110
Certainty: 1 Unsuccessful Byzantine embassy to Tancred, asking for return of Antioch Certainty: 1
Certainty: 2 Expansionary moves of Tancred to the south Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Typikon for Eirene Doukaina's monastery of Kecharitomene Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Unsuccessful marriage of Eudokia, daughter of Alexios I Certainty: 1
1111
Certainty: 2 Death of patriarch Nikolaos III Grammatikos, to be replaced by Ioannes IX Agapetos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I triumphed over sickness & superstitious fear of his death Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Beginning of attack on Tyre hampered through delays of ally Alexios I Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Suppression of revolt of Michael of Amastris at Akrounos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Alexios I sent envoys & money via Tripoli to turn crusaders against Tancred Certainty: 1
Certainty: 2 Alexios wintered in the Chersonesos, to defend against a western fleet & Melikshah on land Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios stricken with gout by a polo accident & listening to endless petitions Certainty: 2
1112
Certainty: 2 Careful Byzantine preparations & vigilance made the western fleet depart without an attack Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 The sickness of the empress brought Alexios I from the Chersonesos to the capital Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Melikshah lost a battle & sent envoys, who were persuaded into peace on Byzantine terms Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Several prominent Turks with armies appeared from the east, making destructive raids
Soon after Alexios reached the capital from Kallioupolis with the Empress (who was treating his gout), an attack was reported from huge Turkish armies from all corners of the east. He crossed to Damalis: the next day his chamberlain told him the Turks had attacked Nicaea, and he received a letter with details from its governor, Eustathios Kamytzes. He left at once to go there, driving a chariot himself, smiling and chatting to his troops, who admired his courage but pitied his ill-health. He reached Aigialoi and the crossing to Kibotos, where the Empress said farewell and returned to the capital. At Kibotos he heard that the Turkish commanders had divided: some were plundering Nicaea and its surrounds, Monolykos and one other were devastating the coast. Those who had attacked areas by the Lake of Nicaea, Prousa and Apollonias had all their booty in a camp near Apollonias; they had then gone on to ravage the area of Lopadion, even capturing Kyzikos from the side of the sea, its governor surrendering disgracefully at the first assault. Kontogmen and the amir Mouchoumet were marching through the Lentiana mountains to Poimanenon with plenty of booty and prisoners - everyone who had survived. Monolykos had crossed the Barenos to Parion and Abydos on the Hellespont, then on to Adramyttion and Chliara, with all his prisoners, without fighting. Alexios, hearing this, ordered Kamytzes to take a small force, keep in touch with the Turks without a battle, and send reports
Certainty: 2 Negotiations between Paschal II & Alexios I over a planned council in October, 1113 Certainty: 2
1113
Certainty: 2 Kamytzes, doux of Nicaea, defeated the Turks but was then captured by them Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 After the defeat, a time of stalemate & fear; then the Turks left to attack Byzantium Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I defeated the Turkish invaders at the battle of Akrokos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Losses in the rearguard of the Byzantine army soon after Akrokos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Kamytzes escaped to Alexios I, then reported events in the capital Certainty: 2
1114
Certainty: 3 Alexios I moved to counter a Cuman invasion & reform Manichaeans of Philippopolis Certainty: 3
1115
Certainty: 3 Till the Cumans invaded, Alexios moved to Philippopolis to convert the Manichaeans there Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Campaign from Philippopolis against the Cumans Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Many Manichaeans were baptised, a few sent to Constantinople for more treatment Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Alexios I & Melikshah prepared for war; Alexios' gout left the Turks free to ravage Asia Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Alexios I continued pressure on the Manichaean leaders he had sent to the capital Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Chrysobull of Alexios I granting annual donation to Theologos of Patmos Certainty: 1
1116
Certainty: 2 Alexios I took the field & destroyed a Turkish raiding party Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 After a pause due to drought, alarming news came of a Turkish attack; but it was defeated Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 After major preparations, Alexios preferred defence to attack, to his enemies' scorn Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Alexios used the delay to practice a special formation for use against the Turks Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Alexios sent his generals in different directions, wondering whether to resume aggressive plans Certainty: 1
Certainty: 2 With crops burned & another Turkish invasion impending, Alexios was told by God to be cautious Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Bardas Bourtzes became involved in a fight, leading to a general battle Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Despite losses, the new formation won the day; the sultan was nearly captured Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 In a further night & day of battle, the superior Turkish numbers were again defeated Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Melikshah sued for peace in an impressive ceremony; terms were agreed Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Melikshah, refusing Alexios' aid, was betrayed & killed by his brother Mas'ud Certainty: 2