greek erroneously called modern writers byzantine nobleman military leader married family active sicily going italy recalled twice defeated battle norman revolt decisive moment eventual norman conquest southern italy recorded fighting raid captured battle managed leader death mutilated biography family considered derive theme family came prominence century michael mentioned generally considered married unnamed daughter sister future emperor reigned probably son according simple man suited command according owed rise high office family ties known wealthy possessed estates possibly adjacent family estates region italy mentioned sent southern italy assume command local byzantine province italy prior apparently member expeditionary force sent conquer sicily arrived mainland november situation found critical predecessor probably relative killed january mutiny troops followed revolt taranto capture capital son leader hanged blinded revolts failed address underlying cause widespread resentment oppressive taxation imposed empire preparations expedition offered rule strategic fortress mercenary title served previous byzantine commanders norman contingent dispute distribution booty taken muslims sicily william claims possible predecessors byzantines bore fruit sought aid established nearby received contingent men promise share gains equally march men seized inhabitants initially opposed eventually won rebels quickly extended control neighbouring towns order surrounding region marched meet hastily assembled incomplete force imperial army sicily writes took contingents sources add army comprised elements armies met river defeated battle fought march rebels moved south coast defeated byzantine force battle near field served site famous battle norman engagement southern italy claims obvious defeated byzantines true numbers appear byzantines considerably outnumbered rebel forces fell horse battle captured rescued aftermath battle sides remained probably exhausted suffered heavy casualties byzantines recalled replaced garrisons sicily withdrawn italian mainland face rebel threat withdrawal imperial forces sicily resulted rapid collapse imperial position byzantines conquered eastern portion island remained byzantine hands mainland fare better predecessor defeated taken prisoner battle september succession defeats signalled beginning end byzantine rule southern italy process completed decades later fall appears held titles imperial expedition raided imperial commander chief constantine militarily inexperienced court favourite emperor constantine listened advice army appeared refused opinion wait attack return journey instead marched meet open field resulting devastating defeat fell taken prisoner brought leader seized sword guards leader cutting arms enraged killed according opened belly cut arms legs placed
Michael Dokeianos