Nikephoros Melissenos

Nikephoros Melissenos (ca.

1045 – 17 November 1104), Latinized as Nicephorus Melissenus, is a Byzantine general and aristocrat.

Of distinguished lineage, he serves as a governor and general in the Balkans and Asia Minor in the 1060s.

In the turbulent period after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, when several generals try to seize the throne for themselves, Melissenos remains loyal to Michael VII Doukas and is exiled by his successor Nikephoros III Botaneiates.

In 1080–1081, with Turkish aid, he seizes control of what remains of Byzantine Asia Minor and proclaims himself emperor against Botaneiates.

After the revolt of his brother-in-law Alexios I Komnenos, however, which succeeds in taking Constantinople, he submits to him, accepting the rank of Caesar and the governance of Thessalonica.

He remains loyal to Alexios hereafter, participating in most Byzantine campaigns of the period 1081–1095 in the Balkans at the emperor's side.

He dies on 17 November 1104.

No related events match the current filters.