greek early 11th century byzantine distinguished byzantine conquest bulgaria ranks prominent successful generals thirty year war emperor samuel bulgaria helping end long conflict capturing bulgarian leader biography main source describing life bulgarian campaigns emperor late 11th century chronology problematic reconstruct came landed aristocracy asia minor centuries provided byzantine military elite traditional historiography places appearance circa adriatic port city said surrendered local magnate byzantines head fleet took possession city given unclear narrative possible episode reflects later appointment military governor city participated subsequent conflicts greatest feat capture bulgarian leader given prominent position work following defeat battle bulgarian resistance began collapse bulgarian commanders surrendered retreated followers royal estate naturally strong highland position continued resist rejected bribes threats byzantines days byzantine army emperor remained nearby waiting surrender point local crowds gathered palace feast nearby initiative resolved end escorts climbed way estate announced believing come intended forge alliance retreated wooded gardens private discussion hidden associates sprang bulgarian general blinded carried upper story palace assembled crowds stunned react recovered gathered underneath building crying revenge addressed managed convince resistance lay arms seek emperor pardon capture brought end long conflict byzantium bulgaria according paul secured reputation prominent successful generals bulgarian wars following feat appointed grateful emperor given wealth reward accused prominent governors balkans overthrow emperor iii favour accused recalled constantinople beaten banished known
Eustathios Daphnomeles