Certainty: 2 Plotting between Michael V, Ioannes the orphanotrophos & Konstantinos the nobelissimos. Once crowned, Michael V began to exercise power in his own right and Ioannes the orphanotrophos, came bitterly to regret having brought him to power. (At some point he wrote to Michael, warning him of his two predecessors' fates and insisting that all things be done to keep the empress happy.) Konstantinos meanwhile, who had long nurtured resentment of his brother the orphanotrophos' power, became closely attached to his adoptive nephew-in-law Michael, was honoured by him as nobelissimos and in turn encouraged him to stand up to Ioannes, whom both Michael and Konstantinos opposed in matters of policy. Ioannes for his part, while unable directly to challenge the emperor, intended (says Psellos) to put another Konstantinos, his cousin, in a position to supplant him. Michael suspected Ioannes and began to deprive him of both audience and honour. Once at dinner, he asked the brothers Ioannes and Konstantinos their opinions on a certain matter, praising the latter and rebuking the former. Later Konstantinos had an angry disagreement with Ioannes before the emperor, who failed to censure the former for insulting the latter. Ioannes, incensed at this and at previous treatment, withdrew from the metropolis. He was joined by his bodyguard and a good number of senators, who desired to win favour from him. This removal Michael found unsettling, as he feared armed revolt. The enmity between Michael and Ioannes was now open. Michael continued to rule in an authoritarian way, surrounded by a personal retinue of Scythian eunuchs fiercely loyal to himself
Certainty: 2 Michael V made the usual gifts & promotions, recalling his uncle Konstantinos to become nobelissimos. Michael V gave a great many honourable offices out and the people in turn did not so much as let him walk on bare ground, but bestrewed the ground with carpets and his horse with silk. His predecessor's brother Konstantinos (who had cultivated Michael while Michael was still a kaisar) the empress Zoe sent into exile. With her permission Michael recalled him. Both Konstantinos & Ioannes warned Michael to beware his adopted mother the empress Zoe. When Konstantinos had become nobelissimos, he threw off all respect he had left for his brother Ioannes.
Certainty: 2 Ioannes the orphanotrophos arranged a written guarantee of immunity for Michael V's relatives. Before leaving the capital, Ioannes the orphanotrophos prepared an agreement with his family for Michael V, and secretly inserted a clause that if any of them were caught plotting usurpation they would neither be punished nor tried, but be given immunity. When Ioannes saw that Michael was not concentrating on the documents he was signing, he gave him this one and the signature was made
Certainty: 2 Banishment of Ioannes orphanotrophos & others by Zoe (&/or Michael V). When the orphanotrophos left the City, Michael V wrote to him, reproaching his arrogance and summoning him to the capital. When he arrived, however, his nephew Michael failed to meet him (as it was a race-day in the hippodrome). Infuriated at this new insult, Ioannes left at once again. Michael then summoned him a second time. While his ship was approaching harbour, Michael from his palace gave a pre-arranged signal and a second ship came and took Ioannes off to distant exile in a place usually reserved for pirates. Thus Michael requited the man who made him first kaisar and then emperor. (Note that in Skylitzes Ioannes was banished by Zoe before Michael V's coronation: this is less circumstantial than the account of Psellos and others, which is dated after the coronation, with Michael V as chief agent. Attaleiates gives the credit to Michael)
Certainty: 2 Michael V made eunuchs of those he wished to punish, especially in his own family. When Michael V was free of Ioannes orphanotrophos, he moved against other members of his family. Too ashamed to have them murdered, he had them castrated, even those who were adults and parents. This mutilation seemed more reasonable than death
Certainty: 2 Release from prison of Konstantinos Dalassenos & Georgios Maniakes. Georgios Maniakes was released from prison by Michael V, soon after his accession, then made magistros and strategos autokrator in Italy either by Michael or later by Zoe and Theodora. Konstantinos Dalassenos was also freed by Michael, but probably tonsured, disappointing his ambitions. However he was soon to see, in Theodora, that tonsure was not an absolute ban to imperial power
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos Leichoudes' talents were used by Michael V in his brief reign. The later mesazon and patriarch Konstantinos Leichoudes' talents were used by the inexperienced Michael V after the death of Michael IV. But by divine will Michael's reign was short
Certainty: 2 Voisthlav (of Serbia) attacked peoples under Byzantine rule. Voisthlav attacked the Triballoi (Serbs?), and other tribes under Roman rule, ravaging the whole area. Later Konstantinos IX Monomachos was to order Michael, governor of Dyrrachion, to gather his army and fight against him
Certainty: 2 Argyros of Bari made princeps & duke of Italy by Normans & citizens of Bari. The people of Bari and Matera, defenceless against the Normans, made treaties with them. The combined forces of Bari and the Normans made Argyros son of Melus their commander, hailing him as princeps and duke of Italy
Certainty: 2 Sale of properties at Thessalonike (?) to Iveron by the nun Maria & her nieces Anna & Agathe. The nun Maria, daughter of Stephanos Sthlabotas, and her nieces Anna and Agathe agreed to sell the fields of Bolbos at Isouna, worth 40 nomismata, to Symeon, hegoumenos of Iveron, for 20 nomismata, giving the remaining 20 nomismata to the monastery of Iveron for their own and their parents' commemoration. This inherited property bordered other possessions of Iveron. The sellers stipulated that should any member of their family contest the sale, they should pay a fine of 50 nomismata to the monastery and whatever was due to the imperial vestiarion from their other properties. They received the 20 nomismata from Symeon in the presence of witnesses who were probably from Thessalonike (Georgios, presbyter of Hagia Trias; Gregorios, son of Streboulos; Ioannes, son of the presbyter Chariton; Paulos, cleric of the Theotokos; and Stephanos Charamides, presbyter). The contract was drafted by Niketas, librarian of Hagia Sophia of Thessalonike
Certainty: 2 Lazaros of Galesion predicted troubles caused by banishment of empress Zoe by Michael V. Lazaros of Galesion sent a letter to Nikephoros Kampanarios the prefect of Constantinople with two monks, Esaias and Neophytos. He hd met Nikephoros while he was serving as krites in the theme of Thrakesion. He predicted the upcoming troubles (caused by the banishment of Zoe by Michael V) and urged him to remain calm. Later Nikephoros summoned the brothers Esaias and Neophytos and confirmed to them that the troubles predicted by Lazaros had indeed taken place
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos (IX), in exile in Mitylene, received monk from Galesion claiming to represent Lazaros. A monk from Galesion persuaded Lazaros to let him go to Constantinople with another brother whom he abandoned. He went to Smyrna and boarded a ship to Mitylene when he heard that Konstantinos (IX) Monomachos, exiled there, was about to become emperor. He forged a letter from Lazaros, which he gave to Monomachos, claiming that Lazaros had foretold his accession to the throne. He secured promises from Konstantinos and returned to Smyrna. He sailed thence to Constantinople when he heard of Konstantinos' accession and presented himself before the emperor, who received him gladly and gave him a large quantity of gold and spices along with letters for Lazaros. He boarded a ship to Smyrna
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos (IX) received the prophecy which would lead to the building of Nea Mone. Konstantinos Monomachos in exile, on his way to Samos (?), received a prophecy on Chios from some ascetics that he would become emperor. When he was recalled to Constantinople to ascend the throne he paid the expenses of the monastery of Nea Mone
Certainty: 2 Georgios Maniakes sent to Italy as katepano by Michael V (&/or Zoe). Among other acts of imperial generosity, Michael V freed Konstantinos Dalassenos and Georgios Maniakes from prison. The latter he made magistros and sent as katepano to Italy to retrieve by arms this noblest of regions to imperial rule. [Other sources give the initiatie to Zoe.]
Certainty: 2 Michael V was persuaded by his brothers to think of banishing Zoe. Psellos and others have the Paphlagonian imperial family, though divided against itself, united in suspicion of Zoe, whom they suspected of planning for Michael V the same fate which had befallen Romanos III (and even Michael IV). They warned Michael V over this. The latter became particularly enraged every time he was reminded that he owed his position to her and formally ranked after her. He began by restricting her spending. Skylitzes, with less detail, makes Zoe take the initiative with a pre-emptive banishment of Ioannes orphanotrophos and Konstantinos nobilissimos
Certainty: 3 Georgios Maniakes arrived at Taranto, united Byzantine forces & built fort at Tara. Georgios Maniakes, sent to Italy by Michael V, landed at Taranto. He gathered the scattered Byzantine forces and fortified a camp at Tara
Certainty: 2 United Norman forces drove Maniakes back to Taranto, but failed to lure him out to fight. As soon as Georgios Maniakes arrived in S Italy, Argyros, son of Melus, wrote to the Normans at Aversa and Melfi, and they all came to Mottola, some 7,000 in number. The terrified Maniakes fled at night back to Taranto, while the Normans made demonstrations outside the city's land gate to provoke him to come out and fight. After a time, the Normans ravaged the area of Oria and went home
Certainty: 3 Michael V tested his popularity in processions at Easter & following Sunday: reception was encouraging. Following the constant accusations of Ioannes orphanotrophos and Konstantinos nobelissimos against Zoe, he was persuaded to plot against her. In order to judge his popular support, Michael V ordered the customary processions to go ahead, but hastily and earlier than usual, before the spectacle was ready and before the streets had filled with people, causing surprise among the spectators, and returned to the palace from the church of the Holy Apostles. He mistook the crowds' response for unqualified support and went ahead with having her exiled and tonsured
Certainty: 3 Michael V banished Zoe to Prinkipo. Michael V wrongly believed himself to enjoy popular support and planned his adoptive mother's removal, the son of a caulker setting himself against a purple-born princess to whom he had sworn obedience. He formulated false accusations of witchcraft and poisoning against her, disclosing his plan first to those closest to him, and then to others in widening circles. When some approved and others disapproved, and others advised further investigation, he went to the astrologers (in whose art Psellos claimed expertise); but when their predictions pointed to dejection and blood, he derided them and said his boldness defied augury. Sacrificing his empress to his anger, he had her put on a boat for the isle of Prinkipo in the Propontis, ordering that she be tonsured and her hair brought to him. Psellos talked to her gaolers and learned the details. Zoe, on the boat, turned towards the palace broke out into exclamation and an extempore address to her late uncle emperor Basileios II, recalling his dreams for her and asking for his aid from on high
Certainty: 3 Patriarch Alexios Stoudites, tricked not to stop the banishment, protested the next day. When Michael V returned from his procession, he sent a message to the patriarch Alexios to go to his monastery on the Bosporos and prepare to receive him the following day. He sent him four pounds of gold for the intended reception. Having made his way back from the monastery on the Bosporos, he went to Hagia Sophia. Under pressure from the crowds, he accused the emperor, and demanded the return of the empress Zoe, whom Michael had banished
Certainty: 3 Kabasilas was sent to bring Theodora to Hagia Sophia. The populace was furious at the banishment of Zoe, but helpless to reverse it. Konstantinos Kabasilas rushed to Hagia Sophia and its protesting crowds, and conferred with the entire senate. If they could not have Zoe, they must bring Theodora, Zoe's sister. The people put Kabasilas in charge, and with him as commander went in large numbers to the Petrion to find Theodora. Shocked and surprised, she rejected their first approach, shutting herself in the sanctuary. Some of the crowd, despairing of persuasion, applied force, rushing at her with daggers as if to kill her. Then they dragged her out from the sanctuary. She was taken from the Petrion, and made to disregard womanly inhibitions and follow them. She crossed the centre of the city on horseback, with a large armed escort that secured her passage, and was acclaimed by all, urging her to persevere against the usurper
Certainty: 3 Michael V's announcement shouted down the next day: proclamation of Zoe & Theodora. Michael V, having learnt of the uproar that the banishment of Zoe caused among the people, wished to appease them and prepared an announcement to be read out at the most prominent place in the Forum (of Constantine), accusing her of plotting against him. Anastasios, the prefect of Constantinople, read out a text announcing the banishment of Zoe and the expulsion of the patriarch Alexios, and promising honours and gifts in exchange for the support of the people. But the crowd then demanded the return of Zoe and threw stones and pieces of wood at him. He would have been killed had he not managed to flee with his troops
Certainty: 3 Theodora was brought from the Petrion by Michael V's enemies & Zoe returned by Michael himself. The people brought Theodora on horseback to Hagia Sophia late in the evening and she went up to the patriarch's apartments, avoiding the crowds in the church. She spent the night there. Though she was tonsured, the angry crowd insisted that she be crowned. The patriarch Alexios, still wearing his priestly vestments, took refuge on the synthronon of Hagia Sophia but the mob broke into the sanctuary and threatened him with death unless he crowned Theodora; he acquiesced. While at Hagia Sophia Theodora summoned officials, deprived Michael V of all power, and so became empress herself. Not only many of the people but all the elite too paid her homage, and in complete scorn of Michael V acclaimed her as empress, to the despair of Michael's supporters. Michael V, hearing the crowds, summoned Zoe back to the palace, took off her monastic habit and dressed her in imperial robes, and paraded her at the kathisma in the hippodrome to placate the crowd [Psellos implies that even now Michael refused to dress her again as an empress.] His plan failed, and he was abused and attacked with stones and arrows. He decided to flee to Stoudios. This is the version of Skylitzes, where the return of Zoe happened quickly. In Psellos and other sources, Theodora returned first and Zoe later, as Michael was blinded
Certainty: 3 Even with empress(es) present, people insulted Michael & howled him down in Hippodrome. Zoe was brought back to the palace, pleased that her situation seemed to be improving, but still frightened of the future. As soon as she arrived, Konstantinos nobelissimos and Michael V set her high up in the theatre and showed her to the rioters, doubtless so that their wrath might be calmed, since their empress had been brought back for them. But the populace was so angry with Michael that even Zoe did not calm them
Certainty: 3 Michael V, saved from despair by his uncle Konstantinos, decided to fight like an emperor. After his failure with Zoe in the hippodrome, Michael began to feel besieged in the palace, with mobs rioting outside. He wished to flee and take refuge immediately at the monastery of Stoudios. But he was supported, materially and psychologically, by Konstantinos nobelissimos. The latter had at first stayed nervously at home, but later rushed through the streets to the palace. He brought Michael some men from his household and made him resolve to fight and prevail or die like an emperor
Certainty: 3 The rioting involved all sections of the population, most conspicuously the women. Workmen, foreign mercenaries and the young of both sexes were involved in the rioting against Michael V. Psellos as an eyewitness was specially impressed by the participation of females, who had not before been seen outside the women's quarters. Women felt particularly strongly the insult to the most prominent Byzantine of their sex
Certainty: 3 Michael armed his own & Konstantinos' servants, adding newly-arrived troops of Katakalon Kekaumenos. Katakalon Kekaumenos returned at this time to Constantinople from Sicily, bringing with him the good news of the victory at Messina, and helped Michael V in his struggle to remain on the throne. His troops joined the household of Konstantinos nobelissimos, who armed themslves and rushed through the streets to the palace. There all available forces were divided into three and at first fought effectively and well, causing considerable casualties. But later the large numerical odds began to tell
Certainty: 3 Psellos as an eyewitness, riding through the city. Psellos first became aware of the revolt from inside the palace, where he worked as a secretary, and was dictating confidential letters in an outer portico. He heard a loud noise, and a messenger informed him what was happening. He mounted his horse to investigate, and found that it was the most momentous event of his history, an incredible upheaval. He was most impressed by the role of women, who were particularly angry at the insult to Zoe. He rode through the streets and reported what he saw
Certainty: 3 Michael V fled by ship with Konstantinos to Stoudios monastery, where both were tonsured. Michael V, realising that his power was collapsing, was afraid for his life at the hands of the violent crowds now surrounding and even entering the palace. He embarked on the imperial dromon with Konstantinos the nobelissimos and some of his men, left Zoe in the palace, and fled in terror to the monastery of Stoudios where he and Konstantinos immediately put on the monastic habit as suppliants and refugees. The people were delighted at his flight, and followed him to Stoudios, still intent on violence
Certainty: 3 Michael V, who had been encouraged, lost heart again when the people attacked the palace. Michael V, had been heartened by Konstantinos nobelissimos to fight for his throne like an emperor. But now he lost courage again when the people overcame his forces, despite their determined resistance, and began to attack the palace itself
Certainty: 3 Zoe, wishing to rule alone, was forced to accept Theodora as colleague. The two sisters were rivals for imperial power. The senate did not know whom to prefer: they respected Zoe, who was in the palace, because she was the elder, but also Theodora, in Hagia Sophia, because she had been first to end the tyranny. Zoe was jealous of her sister, and unwilling to share power with her, as Theodora knew. The people (Skylitzes) or the senate (most clearly in Zonaras) forced Zoe to accept double rule
Certainty: 3 Michael Psellos visited Michael V at Stoudios church. Michael Psellos claimed to have come to the holy altar of the Church of Stoudios and seen Michael V and Konstantinos the nobelissimos, both clutching the holy table and in monastic dress, surrounded by the furious populace and terrified. He was, he says, deeply moved. The two suppliants noticed his emotion, and converged on him. He asked Konstantinos why he had shared in the ill-treatment of Zoe, and Michael what he had suffered from her to justify his actions. Konstantinos denied involvement, saying that Michael was beyond restraint, complaining of his violent persecution of the rest of the family and claiming that he too would have suffered if he had tried to stop him. Michael wept and accepted the divine justice of his punishment
Certainty: 3 The people demanded violent punishment for Michael V: Zoe demurred, but Theodora gave the order. Zoe in the palace asked what should happen to Michael V, and was pressured to order death or mutilation, but refused to do so. Theodora at Hagia Sophia had no such qualms, as she and her advisers knew that Zoe would gladly see a stable-boy on the throne rather than share rule with her sister. They thought it likely that Zoe would scorn Theodora and secretly elevate Michael V again. Theodora sent a group, probably under the command of Nikephoros Kampanarios, prefect of Constrantinople, to blind Michael and his uncle. They arrived at Stoudios, finding it guarded by another citizen force
Certainty: 3 Michael V & his uncle Konstantinos were both dragged from the Stoudios church & blinded. Michael V and his uncle Konstantinos were forced out of their asylum in the church at Stoudios and dragged by the legs (or possibly on donkeys?) to the Sigma, where the executioner prepared the tools for blinding. Konstantinos, seeing that his nephew Michael V was terrified and begging for mercy, asked to be blinded first, and told the crowd to stand back and watch his bravery. As the executioner tied him down, he asked to be nailed down if he moved. Konstantinos was blinded first, then Michael V, who had to be bound very firmly. This quenched the anger of the mob, who left them there and went back to Theodora
Certainty: 3 Zoe from the palace went to kiss Theodora from Hagia Sophia, confirming double rule. Zoe from the palace ended the senate's doubt and then for the first time went to Hagia Sophia and kissed Theodora and embraced her kindly, thus dividing the heritage of empire between them. Theodora left Hagia Sophia and went to the palace with a most brilliant escort
Certainty: 3 Michael V was exiled to the Elegmon monastery, his family & supporters elsewhere. Michael V's reign reign was terminated in four months and five days - would that it had been even shorter. After he was blinded, he was banished to the monastery of Elegmon
Certainty: 2 Michael V blinded at orders of Zoe & Theodora; Konstantinos IX succeeded (general factoids). Michael V had been deposed by the people for his shameful treatment of Zoe, he fled, but was dragged from asylum and blinded on the orders of Zoe and Theodora; Konstantinos IX succeeded to the throne
Certainty: 2 Poem of Christophoros Mitylenaios on Michael V, deposed & blinded for banishing Zoe. Christophoros's poem complains of the ex-emperor Michael V's injustice in breaking oaths and exiling the true empress Zoe, a caulker punishing a porphyrogennetos, and expresses satisfaction at his just deposition and blinding: he is pictured lying on the ground after punishment
Certainty: 2 Reign of Zoe & Theodora: first decisions. The two sister empresses removed from power only those from the family of Michael V, keeping the rest in office, men who were most trustworthy and preserved an inherited goodwill to them. They welcomed the 150 kentenaria of gold retrieved from the house of Konstantinos nobelissimos. They had imposing escorts, which squandered the money piled up in the treasury by Basileios II
Certainty: 2 Reign of Zoe & Theodora: mechanics of rule by two empresses. All yielded power to them, and many facets of rule were carried out with greater punctiliousness than usual, since the situation was novel. Theodora was willing to allow Zoe, with her greater experience of rule, slightly more power and dignity, but the two were in principle equal. Court ceremonial was unchanged. In the transaction of business, officials did most of the talking, but the empresses played their part in a calm voice. For a time the sisters chose to rule alone, neither appointing new officials to the palace nor attempting to innovate in the existing system. But they came to feel the need for an emperor
Certainty: 2 Tax arrangements for Ani.
Certainty: 2 Reign of Zoe & Theodora: military men (Nikolaos, Konstantinos Kabasilas, Georgios Maniakes). Nikolaos was appointed domestikos of the scholai of the East, Konstantinos Kabasilas doux of the West, and Georgios Maniakes magistros and strategos autokrator in Italy (probably already sent by Michael V). Maniakes was to wage war on those who were attacking Italy and had appropriated some of it, to restore it to Roman hegemony again
Certainty: 2 Embassy of Thimal b. Salih, emir of Aleppo, to Zoe & Theodora.
Certainty: 2 Reign of Zoe & Theodora: finding an emperor. Zoe felt the need for an emperor, and was able to circumvent any objections of Theodora. Zoe first summoned Konstantinos Artoklines who, it was rumoured, was having secret assignations with her. He had been banished from the palace by Michael IV on the pretence of a more important office. But her plan to marry him and make him emperor failed when his wife poisoned him so that she would not be deprived of him. Konstantinos Dalassenos, though tonsured, was brought to the palace, being summoned for some other reason. But he spoke abruptly and expressed high-flown ideas about the empire, uncompromising in his attitudes. He was thought dangerous. Zoe therefore tended towards Konstantinos Monomachos, who was willing to mould his character to please her. She revealed her choice to more and more people, and all found him suitable
Certainty: 3 Maniakes went to Monopoli, then Matera, conducting mass executions . Once the Normans had gone home from their attack on Taranto, Georgios Maniakes went to Monopoli, gathered people from the fields around the city, and then beheaded them outside the city gate. Later he did the same at Matera, where he executed as many as 200 persons
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos (IX) Monomachos recalled from exile & given a brilliant entry to Constantinople . Zoe summoned Konstantinos Monomachos from Mytilene to marry her and become emperor. Stephanos Pergamenos was sent from the palace to meet Monomachos at the church of the Archangel at Damokraneia: he clothed him in the imperial purple, put him on a dromon and took him to the city. Near the walls a lavish lodging was prepared. An imperial tent was pitched, around it was set an imperial guard; before the palace magnificent splendour met him - men of every age and fortune streaming one after another with acclamations. The people hurried to the walls, the signal was given and he entered the imperial sanctuary
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos (IX), as he was welcomed back to Constantinople, had a momentous meeting with Michael Keroularios. Konstantinos (IX), in his festive reception in the capital, was met by Michael Keroularios. Though they had not spoken before, they realised an affinity and embraced. Konstantinos remarked that Michael was a good candidate for patriarch
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos (IX) married to Zoe by Stypes, priest of Nea, not by the patriarch. The patriarch Alexios Stoudites was wary of conducting the rite of union for Zoe and Konstantinos IX in person as it was a third marriage. He did not lay his hand on the pair being crowned, but embraced them once they were married and crowned - perhaps the act of a flatterer rather than a priest. The marriage was conducted by the head presbyter of the Nea Church, Stypes
Certainty: 3 Konstantinos IX crowned emperor by the patriarch. The rite of coronation was performed by the patriarch Alexios Stoudites (or perhaps he embraced Konstantinos and Zoe after their marriage and coronation)
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX celebrated his return from exile with Zoe & Theodora. Konstantinos IX assigned to himself a life of pleasure and enjoyment, as if it were his proper lot. He had inherited such a character by nature and he intensified this on obtaining rule, which provided ample opportunity for it. He gave himself up to indulgence and luxuries, partly in an attempt to spit out the distaste arising from the surge of disasters, since he had newly put in at a tranquil port, as it were, in the imperial rule; partly to gratify Zoe and Theodora and woo a sweet disposition in them since they were of carefree temperament. The soldier's rewards and military revenue were diverted to such unnecessary ends - the crowd of flatterers and bodyguards, as if Basileios II had filled the imperial treasuries with money for this
Certainty: 3 Konstantinos IX offered further promotions, donations & promises of improvement. On becoming emperor he distributed honours to all the senators and gold to the people, sent messages to all the themes announcing his accession and promising to ensure that good prevailed over all evil. In fact he gave so many and such generous gifts and promotions as to undermine the Roman system, which was based on dignities and money. But at the time there was a sense of renewal, that a quite new kind of emperor had taken over who would shed light everywhere instead of darkness
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Hypsinous complained of receiving no promotion, despite generosity of Konstantinos IX. At a moment when Konstantinos IX was distributing gifts and honours with great generosity, Ioannes Hypsinous (through the pen of Christopher of Mytilene) said he was anxious not to be left out. But no, he was confident that he would not be ignored
Certainty: 2 Lazaros, exiled bishop of Philippopolis, recalled by Konstantinos IX shortly after accession. Lazaros, the bishop of Philippopolis,had been exiled at some point for unknown reasons. He was recalled by Konstantinos IX shortly after he returned to Constantinople to become emperor. Konstantinos thus became Lazaros' benefactor
Certainty: 2 Adulatory praise of physical appearance of Konstantinos IX. Christopher of Mytilene wrote an adulatory encomium of the physical beauty of Konstantinos IX, stressing whiteness and brilliance, and comparing him with gold and jewels, which gave an element of artificiality to his grandeur
Certainty: 2 Michael V & his uncles sent to more distant places of exile. Konstantinos IX banished Ionnes orphanotrophos from the monastery of Monobatai to Lesbos, his predecessor Michael V to Chios, and the nobelissimos Konstantinos to Samos. Konstantinos had first been interrogated to find the 150 kentenaria of gold he had concealed in a cistern at his house by the Holy Apostles, then sent back to exile
Certainty: 2 Rebellion of Theophilos Erotikos on Cyprus quashed by Konstantinos Chage. Theophilos Erotikos on Cyprus was informed of the fall of Michael V and the resulting confusion, then the rule of two empresses. He found the opportunity to implement his plan of a rebellion on Cyprus, incited the Cypriots, and plotted to murder the krites Theophylaktos, accused of heavy taxation. Konstantinos IX sent Konstantinos Chage to Cyprus to deal with the rebellion of Erotikos. He subdued the Cypriots, arrested the rebel and brought him to the emperor. The emperor had him dressed in women's clothes and paraded on horseback in the hippodrome before confiscating his properties and setting him free
Certainty: 3 Dispute between Iveron & Lavra over property near Hierissos resolved with praktikon. Ioannes, asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon and Thessalonike, received complaints from Arsenios, oikonomos of Kolobou, Euthymios the monk, Ioannes oikonomos of Iveron, and Ioannes chartoularios of the Great Church, that a property long occupied by Iveron had recently been seized by Lavra. This dispute concerned a property of zeugelateion near Hierissos. Thus two notarioi of Hierissos, Eustratios and Stephanos Antheimiotes, were sent to survey its boundaries. They did this with several citizens of the town, who were Basileios Oxidas, Blasios Dobrilos, Demetrios Neoterikos, Demetrios Papitzes, another Demetrios, Ioannes Chorikos, Ioannes the kourator, Ioannes Larissaios, Ioannes son of Styliane, Matthaios Tzydos, Michael tou kouboukleisiou, Nikephoros Chotazenos priest, Nikephoros son of Melabas, Nikolaos Xeropistares and Symeon. They set its boundaries, and also took an oath that it had been bequeathed to Iveron by Anastasia Kalemero, together with a neighbouring orchard. The bequest was confirmed by Georgios hegoumenos of Melissourgeion and Loukianos a monk of Xeropotamou. Most of the worthies from Hierissos signed the praktikon, which was drawn up by Theodosios, a nomikos: several of them signed with a cross
Certainty: 3 Duke Argyros captured Giovenazzo by betrayal; some Byzantine casualties . With Norman help, Argyros, son of Melus besieged the unfortunate people of Giovinazzo, who had made a pact with the Greeks who remained in Trani. It was stormed (with the aid of treachery from within) on the third day of the siege, and systematically looted. There were some Byzantine casualties. After the sack, Argyros himself ransomed some of the prisoners of the Normans, male and female
Certainty: 3 Duke Argyros sailed to besiege Trani; but after a month he was bought off by offer of Byzantine honours. Argyros, son of Melus went by sea to besiege Trani, though the people there had not harmed the people of Bari. He had a variety of siege-machines, including an enormously tall wooden tower. However after 36 days of siege, he received a letter from Konstantinos IX via the messenger Theodoretos, who offered him an amnesty and high Byzantine honours, probably the dignity of patrikios. He accepted the bribe, burned his siege-engines and returned to Bari
Certainty: 2 Kyrillos Phileotes joined the navy for 3 years. Kyrillos joined the navy for three years in order to learn humility and obey orders. He endured treatment as a slave or animal, and the ridicule of his comrades for his asceticism, without envying them their meat. Sometimes lack of food prevented him from climbing the mast and working above. He would take every opportunity to go ashore (to collect wood or water) to pray in secret and strike himself with wood or rope
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX persuaded Zoe to recall Maria Skleraina, at first to modest housing. Konstantinos IX, when he was raised to the peak of empire, did not forget Maria Skleraina in his good fortune, but was generous with money and honours. Against the advice of all, including his sister Euprepeia, he spoke to Zoe about her and requested that she be recalled to enjoy some prosperity. He spoke of her not as a wife or a prospective mistress, but as one who had experienced many misfortunes from the imperial family, and many on his account. Zoe did not refuse the request, since she was growing old for jealousy and had experienced misfortune herself. Letters were sent to Maria, one from Konstantinos and one from Zoe herself, promising to be kind to her and encouraging her return. She had been in despair, but now came quickly to the capital. A modest residence was thought fit for her and a not especially brilliant escort
Certainty: 2 Romanos Skleros took vengeance on Maniakes in Anatolikon, attacking his estates & his wife. Romanos Skleros was made magistros and protostrator by Konstantinos IX (whose mistress was his sister). He used his new influence to pursue his dispute with Georgios Maniakes at their neighbouring estates in Anatolikon, where Georgios had tried to murder him. Romanos now exploited Maniakes' absence to ravage his estates, defile his bed (by seduction or rape?) and have him removed from office. This pushed Maniakes towards revolt, for he felt that the emperor would never treat him fairly
Certainty: 2 Bari returned to Byzantine hands. When Argyros, son of Melus, returned from Trani to Bari, he and his fellow-citizens began to acclaim Konstantinos IX. Bari returned to the Byzantine side
Certainty: 3 William (Bras-de-fer) elected Count of Apulia. William (Bras-de-fer) was elected Count of Apulia at Matera
Certainty: 2 Peace established in Italy by Georgios Maniakes. When Georgios Maniakes was sent as magistros by Zoe (or Michael V) to Italy, which had fallen out of Byzantine control, he had no battle-worthy army yet nevertheless managed to drive out the Franks (Normans) to Capua, Benevento and Naples. He attracted many Franks to his service, appeased those who had been wronged by Michael Dokeianos and, being feared for his cruelty and courage, he established peace in the Italian themes
Certainty: 2 Pardos patrikios arrived in Italy with 2 colleagues & a large sum of gold & silver, to replace Maniakes. Konstantinos IX, who should have done all he could to court the great general Maniakes, accepted the rumours of his planned revolt and sent Pardos patrikios to replace him. Pardos' main qualification was that he was well acquainted with the emperor. He also brought money and gifts for Byzantium's new ally, Argyros. Pardos approached Maniakes at Otranto with Tubachi (?) protospatharios, and with Nikolaos, archbishop of Otranto and/or Malgerio [a Norman?]
Certainty: 3 Pardos brought a guaranteed pardon for Georgios Maniakes if he immediately gave up his rebellion. The rebellion of Georgios Maniakes threw Konstantinos IX into great confusion. He first wrote to him with a pardon, absolving him of all fear if he immediately lay down his arms. But this offer was rejected and his emissary killed, and so he prepared a large army
Certainty: 2 Army of Dyrrachion sent against Voisthlav (of Serbia), but was almost wiped out. Michael, doux of Dyrrachion, was sent letters by Konstantinos IX ordering him to gather the army of Dyrrachion and troops from nearby themes with their commanders, and go to fight against Voislav of Serbia, who was ravaging the region. He gathered some 60,000 troops and crossed difficult passes, where he failed to place a garrison to guard them for his return. He pillaged the plains beyond, while the Serbs occupied the passes awaiting his return. On his way back his army was attacked with stones and arrows from above, and as a result some 40,000 men were killed while he escaped with a few men through the mountains
Certainty: 1 Embassies to several small Balkan rulers with money to encourage them against Voisthlav of Serbia.
Certainty: 3 Ominous comet seen travelling from east to west, visible throughout October. No persons mentioned
Certainty: 3 Georgios Maniakes rebelled in S Italy, killing Pardos & later "Tubachi" protospatharios. Georgios Maniakes was already suspected of planning rebellion, partly because of the revenge carried out by Romanos Skleros on his estates in Anatolikon. Pardos gave no advance warning of his arrival, but rode up to Maniakes on horseback. He abused him without warning, and Maniakes raised his arm, not to strike him, but to warn him to be restrained. Pardos called this an act of rebellion he called for witnesses to the audacity, adding that he would not escape after being caught in such a deed. Maniakes had little alternative but to rise in rebellion. He had Pardos killed at once and Tubachi a month later. He proclaimed himself emperor
Certainty: 3 Georgios Maniakes went to Bari, but nobody obeyed him. Georgios Maniakes, having recently proclaimed himself emperor, decided to move against Bari to play his new role. However nobody in Bari accepted his orders, and he returned in dismay to Taranto
Certainty: 2 Bari besieged for 5 days. Guaimar IV, prince of Salerno, besieged Bari with Normans for five days
Certainty: 2 Psellos, Xiphilinos & Leichoudes began Konstantinos IX's government of the talented. When Konstantinos IX came to the throne, he gathered virtue and learning around him, not relying on the aristocracy of birth but selecting his administrators on personal merit, just as he selected his generals. He examined young hopefuls with a wide range of oral and written tests, prepared and unprepared, before giving them access to the palace. Michael Psellos would be the first to succeed, while Ioannes Xiphilinos soon followed. Konstantinos Leichoudes must also have passed early
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX organised a huge army under Stephanos the eunuch against Georgios Maniakes. Konstantinos IX, when conciliatory gestures towards Maniakes failed and Pardos his envoy was killed, appointed the eunuch Stephanos Pergamenos as strategos autokrator and raised a huge army, including men from every race and city. Stephanos was chosen because of his loyalty to Konstantinos, who could not campaign himself because of his gout
Certainty: 1 Death of Psellos' mother Theodote, recognised as a holy woman, mother of another holy woman. Psellos' mother Theodote was now so weak as to need two maids to carry her to orthros, so she realised death was near. She wanted consecration as a nun, and this was confirmed by another nun at her convent, who saw in a dream a throne in heaven marked "Theodote" for her. Psellos witnessed Theodote's dedication to God, and she seemed so changed that he visited her less often. Thus he was absent when she died, calling for him twice by name. He was too far away to arrive before she resigned herself to death. He had a major role in her funeral, which was attended by large crowds, suggesting she was a holy woman (hosia), as confirmed to her mother by her spiritual advisor
Certainty: 1 Chrysobull of Zoe & Theodora for Nea Mone (Chios). The empresses Zoe and Theodora issued a chrysobull (contents unknown) for the monastery of Nea Mone on Chios
Certainty: 1 Tax assessment of Iveron properties carried out by krites of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike Ioannes. Ioannes, asekretis, krites of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike, produced a tax assessment for the monastery of Iveron (which would be revised in 1047 by his successor Andronikos, krites and anagrapheus of Boleron, Strymon & Thessalonike). He also reimposed on seven villagers of Dobrobikeia a tax of a total of five nomismata (from which Thomas the epoptes had exempted them), due from the monastery of Iveron. [Presumably these are named plots, unproductive in Thomas' time, which are now productive under the regime of Iveron]
Certainty: 1 Lazaros moved to his third pillar at Resurrection on Galesion: his dietary regime. Lazaros moved to the monastery of the Resurrection, to the third of his pillars. From that time he ate cooked food every day although without oil, did not drink anything until the evening, and often remained without food or drink when the Devil spilled them, fasting only during Lent. Gregorios the cellarer took a hot drink to Lazaros on his pillar but when the window was closed he heard the cup breaking and Lazaros accusing the Devil of scalding his feet. Gregory was then given back the cup unbroken but failed to persuade Lazaros to have another drink
Certainty: 1 The metropolitan of Ephesos sent spies to inspect the pillar of Lazaros on Galesion. The metropolitan of Ephesos sent Michael the hegoumenos to inspect Lazaros' pillar. He rode up to Lazaros, who called him by his name from the top of the pillar, and he dismounted. He then inspected his pillar, found nothing suspicious, received Lazaros' blessing, and returned to Ephesos to report to the metropolitan. Nikolaos, oikonomos at Batheia (Samos?) was also sent by the metropolitan for the same purpose. He made his way up the mountain with difficulty because of the snow, declined the invitation of Lazaros to eat in the kitchen and inspected his pillar first. Then he was persuaded to eat, and also received Lazaros' blessing. Both reported back to the metropolitan that there was nothing suspicious about the pillar, but he was not convinced, as he was constantly urged by evil and spiteful men to drive away Lazaros from the mountain
Certainty: 1 Lazaros of Galesion sought imperial protection from the clergy of Ephesos who harassed his monastery. Lazaros of Galesion was persuaded by the brothers to write to the emperor (Konstantinos IX?), seeking his protection from those who wanted to drive them out of the mountain. But the brothers he sent with letters were intercepted after the treacherous monk Kosmas went to Ephesos and notified the metropolitan
Certainty: 1 Romanos Skleros, brother of Maria Skleraina, visited Lazaros on Galesion. Romanos Skleros, the brother of Maria Skleraina, went up to the monastery to see Lazaros, but when he started ascending towards him Lazaros peeked out of his little window, appearing like a fire to Romanos. He felt dizzy and had to stop for a while before continuing
Certainty: 1 Compilation of the Peira. An anonymous redactor put together a book called "Peira" (Experience), otherwise known as "Didaskalia" (Teaching), from the works of the great Eustathios Romaios. Romaios wrote a very large number of reports of judicial verdicts, many of which the redactor summarised in the "Peira". The redactor made many interventions over details in discussion of the cases, motivating Eustathios to make his legal points precisely. [Many of the "Peira"'s verdicts are not included here, as they involve no distinct person apart from their author]
Certainty: 1 Lazaros of Galesion & the discipline of his monastic community (c. 1042). Lazaros was called on to make decisions over the actions of many individual monks, for example anonymous brothers who ate too much after holy communion and vomited or wrote a hymn about Lazaros himself. He also had to deal with the lack of humility of Germanos the parekklesiarches (who had to apologise to Esaias Kontos), the drunkenness of Kornelios (who was found unconscious by Laurentios Halmyrenos and Loukas, but repented), the rebelliousness of Kosmas Philippikos (whose criticisms Lazaros refuted, though Kosmas would pay dearly for his declaration of war), the repeated departures of Nikolaos (who was twice forgiven, but fell ill and died the third time) and the fornication of Symeon (who was forced to admit his sins by Laurentios). More general principles which arose included the obedience of a monk to his superior, decisions over the degree of infirmity of sick and elderly months (in connection with standing in church), the age and experience of new monks accepted for tonsure, eating in the trapeza rather than in individual cells, the blessing of fruit, regulating the possessions held in cells, the use of lamps for reading, crosses for private devotion and icons in church, the giving of alms to beggars and the rules governing the standard of hospitality to guests offered by the xenodochos as against the regular food of the monks. Lazaros in the last case took a preliminary decision to please the monks, but later changed it. More senior monks like Ioannes Smyrnaios were sometimes critical of Lazaros over details but supportive over more general principles
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion & women (c. 1042). When Bartholomaios and another monk went out on monastery business, they spent the night at a layman's house, but his wife seduced the other monk. Batholomaios thought he would have killed the woman if he had a knife; on their return to the monastery, Lazaros knew of these thoughts. A nun who wished to go to Jerusalem put on a man's clothes and visited Lazaros as she passed Ephesos. After speaking to her, he called her back, said he knew of her disguise and persuaded her to return to her convent. She later told the story to the monk Neophytos. As soon as a female visitor saw Lazaros on his pillar, she started beating her breast and weeping for her sins. She confessed to him, managed to kiss his face, then left in peace. A priest's wife whom her husband abused polluted his wine with blood to send him mad, on the advice of an evil woman, to have grounds for divorce. But the priest used the wine in the eucharist, thus purifying it. When the woman realised what had happened, she went to Lazaros, who advised the monastic life for both of them. Another priest's wife tried to seduce a monk who entered her house, but he saved himself by invoking Lazaros' name. He advised the mother of one of his monks to become a nun, which she did. Another woman offered the monk Esaias only bread and an egg. When she realised her stinginess, she approached Esaias and Lazaros, who taught her to practise true hospitality. A widow in Constantinople had great faith in Lazaros, and sheltered two of his monks in her house when they visited the capital. She looked after one of them when he was attacked by a demon
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion again confronted the power of demons (c. 1042). An anagnostes aged 18 arrived on Mt Galesion to become a monk. But before tonsure he was sent by the monk Ignatios to collect leeks, fell off a cliff and was killed. Ignatios felt responsible, but was comforted by Lazaros. When shown the mangled corpse, Lazaros smiled, congratulating the devil for creating yet another martyr by his demons. Lazaros told his monks of a repentent sinner who decided to join a monastery but on his way there was lured by a demon to his death, while the monastery's hegoumenos dreamt of angels and demons fighting over his soul. On business in Ephesos, a monk had evil thoughts. As he returned he was untroubled, but refused an invitation to stay with a villager named Kyriakos. As he climbed Mt Galesion he had a panic attack and asked Lazaros if demons were the cause. Though Lazaros agreed not to send him back to Ephesos, in a few days he did send him, promising God's protection. Another youth was seized by a demon as he came to Lazaros, and rushed at the pillar, banging on the window. Lazaros said nothing; the monk had convulsions in the church till a cross was placed on his heart. A vinedresser heard screams in the night from Kyrillos, monk and shoemaker, who was lured to a precipice by a demon, a small man who claimed the kellarites was looking for him. The vinedresser saved him with the help of Kyrillos the oikonomos, and they told Lazaros. Two monks, Esaias and Ioannikios, stayed in Constantinople in the house of a widow, a supporter of Lazaros. But Ioannikios confessed he had gone to the Hippodrome, and Esaias threatened to report him to Lazaros. Ioannikios was attacked by a demon, and screamed, so Esaias had to leave him in the widow's care. Before Esaias reached Galesion, he heard of Ioannikios' death. Ioannes of Sardeis, a great ascetic, needed help from his servant Gerasimos to get back to his seat when dragged around by demons. Lazaros stopped the attacks by sending brothers to sing psalms in his cell. The stylite Nikon while serving at Theotokos was often attacked by demons. Once he was blinded and helped home by Gerasimos the cellarer; he was so beaten up that for a time he was also deaf and dumb
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion & the lure of money & possessions (c. 1042). Lazaros enforced strict rules over the possessions his monks kept in their cells, but was flexible in punishing theft and giving alms. When a very poor villager begged him for a job, worked for a time in the bakery but stole flour and hides which he sent to his mother, Lazaros let him escape, to the annoyance of the kellarites. Lazaros defended the giving of money, a goat and other food to a demanding beggar. A monk who stole money from the cell of the monk Merkourios was asked by Lazaros to return it, which he did; despite pressure, Lazaros concealed the thief's identity. Another thief, Meletios, had previously left the monastery for the worldly life. He now burgled the cell of Methodios, was interrogated and threatened with violence, but finally allowed to go free. Years later, under Lazaros' successor Ignatios, he took the monastic habit again and was put in charge of the horses. Despite protests from the brothers, Lazaros always welcomed back to the monastery another monk who stole from it, insisting that he be given a last chance. Kosmas Polites was blamed for not handing over all his money and keeping some for personal alms. He shamed Kerykos for keeping a folding table, a pot, a pouch and a cloak, and confiscated them, dismissing claims that Euthymios had similar items in his cell, because Euthymios was ill. He interrogated the oikonomos Germanos, who used his position to get a double measure of oil, and made him confess. He asked Neophytos, who had been given a coin by his brother, to hand it over, and persisted, despite Neophytos' denials, forcing him in the end to give it. Theodoulos, another monk, found a tetarteron coin outside the monastery and wanted to buy a psalter with it - but was forced to lie in doing so
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion made predictions about some of his visitors (c. 1042), especially about dates of death. Theophylaktos Sagopoulos planned to visit Lazaros, and ordered his servant to buy fish, which would not be available at the monastery. Before the servant arrived, Lazaros announced that Theophylaktos would be eating fish. Ioannes Mitas had met Lazaros while serving as dioiketes of Ephesos and Artokopeion, and he told his uncle Eustathios Mitas about him. Eustathios, without meeting Lazaros, bestowed many gifts on the monastery. When Ioannes was entrusted with the episkepsis of Myrelaion in Thrakesion he visited Lazaros again, and asked him to pray for Eustathios, who was suffering from gout. However he was told that, though Lazaros had prayed for him several times, his uncle would soon die. Georgios Kyon, a flute-player, visited Lazaros with Ioannes Mitas. The holy man listed the sins he had committed and warned him that death was near; but he did not make use of the prophecy and persisted in sin. A painter who visited Lazaros told him unwillingly of his past actions. He was warned that he had twelve more years to live, and when that time had passed, he died. A solitary monk from Mt Athos revealed his thoughts in a visit to Lazaros, and learned how long he had left to live. He returned to his solitary cell, and when the time came he went down to his monastery, bad farewell to the brothers, and went to die in his cell. A sailor had been told by his son where he wanted to be buried, and that he wanted a chapel built nearby. Lazaros, when informed of this, predicted that the boy would die. The sailor returned home, found his son dead and followed his instructions. Years later, after Lazaros' death, he would tell the story at Lopadion to the new hegoumenos of Galesion and other monks. Gregorios the cellarer knew Ioannes Libanos from Constantinople, and when Ioannes visited the monastery for a blessing, Gregorios told Lazaros of his intelligent young son, whom he had decided to educate. Lazaros foretold the boy's death, which was confirmed by letter the next year
Certainty: 0 Lazaros of Galesion was profoundly admired by visitors from many different areas (c. 1042). An Arab convert from Islam was baptised by the metropolitan of Ephesos, and then asked to visit Lazaros. The metropolitan sent him with a translator, and he refused to leave till Lazaros gave him a phylactery. A party of seven Jews, then a single Jewish visitor, were equally amazed. Hieremias, a Georgian monk, lived as an ascetic in Palestine, but left the desert for Constantinople. When at Ephesos he was received by the metropolitan Euthymios. He heard of Lazaros, and was persuaded to visit him. He asked Lazaros for leave to touch him, peeked through his little window, examined him closely and confirmed to all that Lazaros was a real hermit. He stayed at the monastery for some days and then returned to Ephesos, where he told the metropolitan that he had never seen an ascetic like Lazaros, not even in the desert of Judaea. A topoteretes visited Lazaros, talked about secular affairs and complained that he said nothing. Kyrillos the oikonomos advised the man at Ephesos to go back and seek spiritual help. This he did, made his confession, and left contented. Photios, a monk from Jerusalem, was on his way to Constantinople. When in Lydia he heard of Lazaros, and inquired about him from a fellow monk from Jerusalem then in a monastery at Kouzanas. The monk slandered Lazaros. Photios was troubled and decided to see for himself. At first sight he realised he had not been told the truth. Lazaros asked the monk Elias to look after him and feed him, and he was able to learn about the holy man's angelic life, so he was deeply ashamed of his earlier doubts. Some visitors from Attaleia triedx to interpret passages from the gospels, but disagreed. Lazaros told them that the fathers, especially Chrysostom, had explained everything. A Paulician was so impressed with Lazaros that he rejected his heresy and was baptised. He was later tonsured and became a monk at Mar Saba in the Holy Land
Certainty: 0 Different patterns of Christian devotion and asceticism on Mt Galesion (c. 1042). The monk Dorotheos, despite great age and the blindness of his last six years, never missed a liturgy, coming first, singing loudest, and chanting in his cell till the next service. He surpassed many younger monks over diet and fasts. Esaias censed a cross with coals in his bare hands (reported by Lazaros' mother to Gregorios the cellarer). He too kept the monastic diet strictly, and said Psalm 50 (the only one he knew) 150 times each night. The faithful trusted him, offering gifts which beautified the three churches on the mountain. Wishing to be tonsured by Lazaros, Georgios was so ashamed at the greatness of his sins that he could say nothing, and Lazaros had to name the sins himself to allow him to confess. Ioannes of Opsikion abstained from most foods and had no money; but his ascetic lifestyle led to a sore on his leg which killed him. Kerykos tended cattle but only drank milk in emergencies, and only ate grapes blessed by Lazaros. He was allowed to ascend the column of Petra, but found it unsuitable for hesychia and nearly fell climbing down himself, only saving his life by invoking Lazaros' name. He was finally installed on the column of the Theotokos. Lazaros Kontos and Pantoleon were both very demonstative in their faith, weeping, beating their breasts and performing many genuflections. Nikon the ascetic gave himself 200 lashes a day, ate what was given him, refused new clothes, and when issued one would give it away, claiming he had lost it. Though his clothes and person were infested with lice he would not clean them. An ulcer on his leg was full of maggots: Lazaros told Gregorios the cellarer to clean it, but after he succeeded once, Nikon ran away and would only return if left alone. He made Lazaros order him to offer his cheek to be struck by others, but the blows proved too violent. Nikon the stylite had begun ascetic practices as a boy, becoming stricter when tonsured. To prove himself he did manual work and was silent for three years, making other monks deride and bully him. When he finally ascended a pillar, he remained there only briefly before dying