v49_0980 - NICEFORO BASILACIO Follis

NICEPHORUS BASILACIUS

(1078)

At the beginning of the year 1078, Nicephore Botaniates, general of the Byzantine army revolted against Michael VII who quickly abdicated and retired to a monastery. Nicephorus III lived with Mary, Michael's wife. From the beginning of his reign, Nicephore III had to face several revolts including those of Nicephore Basilacius and Nicephore Melissenus. Alexius Comnenus, Nicephorus Botaniates' ablest general and Nicephorus Melissenus' brother-in-law, marched on Constantinople, which opened its gates to him without a fight. Nicephorus III abdicated and retired to a monastery. Nicephorus Basilacius revolted in the summer of 1078 possibly in Thessalonica and lasted only a few months. Nicephorus Basilacius was eliminated by Alexius I Comnenus.