The rebel victory ended Michael VI's reign and brought Isaac Komnenos to power, marking the start of Komnenian influence over Byzantium.
Key Facts
- Date
- 20 August 1057
- Rebel proclamation date
- 8 June 1057
- Isaac Komnenos crowned
- 1 September 1057
- Isaac's abdication
- November 1059
- Decisive action
- Left wing under Katakalon Kekaumenos routed imperial right
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Discontent over neglect of army finances and Emperor Michael VI's refusal to address military grievances led senior commanders including Isaac Komnenos, Nikephoros Bryennios, and Nikephoros Botaneiates to conspire against him. On 8 June 1057, Komnenos was proclaimed emperor at his Cappadocian estates, and Anatolian regiments rallied to his cause as his army marched west toward Constantinople.
The two armies met near Nicaea and confronted each other for several days before engaging at the plain of Hades on 20 August 1057. Although the rebel right wing was defeated, Isaac Komnenos held the centre, and his left wing under Katakalon Kekaumenos routed the imperial right, captured and destroyed the loyalist camp, and caused the imperial army to collapse.
With his army broken and the rebels advancing on Constantinople, Michael VI first offered Komnenos the rank of Caesar and heir, but was quickly persuaded to abdicate. Isaac Komnenos was crowned emperor on 1 September 1057. His reign saw unsuccessful administrative and fiscal reforms, and opposition to his policies led to his own abdication in November 1059.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Theodore (proedros).
Side B
1 belligerent
Isaac Komnenos, Nikephoros Bryennios, Nikephoros Botaneiates, Katakalon Kekaumenos.