The Military Policy of Isaac Komnenos at the time of battle of Petroe (1057)

Abstract

Abstract Isaac Komnenos (1007-1060) was the son of Manuel Eroticos Komnenos (955/960-c.1020), one of the associates of Basil II. Thanks to his education, Isaac later joined the imperial army (around 1042). He held the post of stratopedarches of the East and the ranks of magistros. At Easter 1057, the delegation of many military commanders presented itself before the emperor. This delegation was led by Isaac, and along with Katakalon Kekaumenos he tried to convince Michael VI to give them both the title of proedros, but the new emperor rejected their demands. They did not receive the money they counted on the part of the emperor, and he insulted them. This, in turn, became the causative factor of the rebellion, which culminated at the battle of Petroe. The attitudes and actions of Isaac Komnenos at the beginning of the rebellion cannot be unequivocally assessed. It is also difficult to say that it was his skills that were decisive for the success during the battle of Petroe, since he had a moment of breakdown, during which he wanted to leave his army and hide behind the walls of nearby Nicaea. He had a cunctator attitude and faith in the good omens. These qualities also do not reflect well on him.