Andronikos Doukas (cousin of Michael VII) facts for kids

Andronikos Doukas (died 14 October 1077) was an important leader and general in the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century. He came from the powerful Doukid dynasty family, which included emperors. Andronikos held high-ranking positions like protovestiarios (a chief official) and protoproedros (a senior senator). He is remembered for his role in major events, especially during the time of Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes.

Life of Andronikos Doukas

His Family Background

Andronikos Doukas was the son of John Doukas, who was known as the Caesar (a very high title, often given to close relatives of the emperor). His father, John, was also the brother of Emperor Constantine X Doukas. This made Andronikos a first cousin to Emperor Michael VII Doukas. So, he was part of a very influential family in the Byzantine Empire.

The Battle of Manzikert

In 1071, Andronikos was a commander in the Byzantine army. They were fighting against the Seljuk Turks, led by Alp Arslan. During the important Battle of Manzikert, Andronikos was in charge of the army's rearguard (the part of the army that protects the back).

During the battle, he announced that the emperor, Romanos IV Diogenes, had been defeated. Andronikos then left the battlefield with his troops. Many people blamed him for this action, saying it caused the Byzantine army to suffer a huge defeat. Emperor Romanos IV was even captured by the enemy after this battle.

After the Battle

In 1072, Emperor Romanos IV was released by Alp Arslan. Andronikos and his brother Constantine were sent by Emperor Michael VII and their father, John Doukas, to stop Romanos. They defeated Romanos and found him in a region called Cilicia. Andronikos was the one who finally got Romanos to surrender and brought him towards Constantinople, the capital city.

Even though Andronikos had been against Romanos before, it is said that he disagreed with the harsh punishment of blinding Romanos, which happened on June 29, 1072.

High-Ranking Positions

By 1073, Andronikos held several important titles. He was a protoproedros, a protovestiarios, and a megas domestikos. The megas domestikos title meant he was the commander-in-chief of the army in the East. He received this high military position when he was sent to deal with Romanos IV.

Fighting Rebellions and His Death

In 1074, Andronikos and his father led the imperial army against a group of rebellious soldiers led by Roussel de Bailleul. Both Andronikos and his father were captured by the rebels. Andronikos was badly wounded, so the rebels released him so he could get medical help in Constantinople.

He recovered for a few years, but in October 1077, Andronikos Doukas died from a medical condition called edema.

Family

Andronikos Doukas married Maria of Bulgaria. She was the daughter of Troian, who was a son of Emperor Ivan Vladislav of Bulgaria. Andronikos and Maria had seven children:

• Michael Doukas
• Constantine Doukas
• Stephen Doukas
• John Doukas
• Irene Doukaina, who later married Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and became the Byzantine Empress.
• Anna Doukaina, who married George Palaiologos
• Theodora Doukaina, who became a nun