The Turkish conquest of Nicaea and Nicomedia…

The Turkish conquest of Nicaea and Nicomedia prompts Emperor Michael to appeal to Pope Gregory VII for aid against the Seljuqs, promising in return his support for the reunification of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

In need of help to uphold his unstable throne, Michael arranges the marriage of his son, Constantine, to one of Robert Guiscard's daughters, Helen.

The emperor has fallen increasingly under the influence of Nicephoritzes, an official who attempts to create a state monopoly in grain.

His policy not only angers the great landowners but also leads to higher prices and discontent among the people.

When rioting breaks out in Constantinople, two rival commanders, Nikephoros Bryennios and Nikephoros Botaneiates, each proclaims himself emperor, respectively, at Adrianople and at Nicaea.