Manuel Komnenos (kouropalates) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manuel Komnenos
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A seal of Manuel Komnenos showing his title of kouropalates, with the military saints Demetrius of Thessalonica and Saint George
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| Native name |
Μανουήλ Κομνηνός
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| Born | c. 1045 |
| Died | 17 April 1071 |
| Battles/wars | Campaigns against the Seljuq raids into Asia Minor |
| Relations | John Komnenos (Father), Anna Dalassene (Mother), Alexios I Komnenos and Isaac Komnenos (Brothers), Alexios Charon (Grandfather), Manuel Erotikos Komnenos (Grandfather) |
Manuel Komnenos (Greek: Μανουήλ Κομνηνός, romanized: Manouēl Komnēnos) was a brave military leader in the Byzantine Empire. He was born around 1045 and died on April 17, 1071. Manuel was the oldest son of John Komnenos. He was also the brother of Alexios I Komnenos, who would later become emperor. Manuel was related to Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes through marriage. He led important missions against the Seljuq Turks starting in 1070. Sadly, he died suddenly from an illness in April 1071.
Manuel's Family and Early Life
Manuel was the first child of John Komnenos and Anna Dalassene. We don't know his exact birth date, but he was born around 1045. He was named after his grandfather, Manuel Erotikos Komnenos. Like other noble children in the Byzantine Empire, Manuel was trained for war. His father, John, was a top commander of the eastern army at that time.
In 1057, Manuel's uncle, Isaac I Komnenos, became emperor. But Isaac gave up the throne in 1059. Manuel's father, John, was offered the throne but refused it. Constantine X Doukas then became emperor. Manuel's mother, Anna Dalassene, was not happy with her husband's choice. She became an enemy of the Doukas family.
After John died in 1067, Anna started making plans. She wanted one of her sons to become emperor. So, she supported Romanos IV Diogenes when he took power in 1068. To show their strong political bond, Manuel and his sister Theodora married relatives of the new emperor. By 1068, Manuel had a high court rank called protoproedros. When he got married, Emperor Diogenes gave him an even higher rank, kouropalates. Manuel and his wife had at least one daughter, who was probably named Anna after his mother.
Manuel's Military Adventures
Emperor Romanos IV also gave Manuel a high military rank called protostrator. This was a very important title given only to people of high social standing. Manuel also became the commander-in-chief of the eastern army. In this role, he fought against the Seljuq Turks who were raiding eastern Asia Minor.
In 1070, Manuel was in a battle. He bravely charged into the Turkish camp but was captured after a tough fight. Because he was captured, his army lost, and his two brothers-in-law, Michael Taronites and Nikephoros Melissenos, were also taken prisoner.
Manuel was brought before the Turkish leader, a man named Chrysoskoulos. Manuel was very clever. He convinced Chrysoskoulos to rebel against his own ruler, Sultan Alp Arslan. Chrysoskoulos even went with Manuel and the other captives to the Byzantine capital, Constantinople. Emperor Romanos IV welcomed them with great honor.
In the spring of 1071, Manuel and Chrysoskoulos went on a military mission together against the Seljuqs. But in a place called Bithynia, Manuel became very sick with an ear infection. His mother rushed to be with him at a monastery. She arrived just in time for him to say goodbye before he died. Manuel passed away on April 17, 1071.
Images for kids
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Lead seal of Manuel Komnenos with his title of kouropalates, showing the military saints Demetrius of Thessalonica and Saint George
