Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Basilacius coins

1078 Nicephorus Basilacius was a rebel general who held the city of Thessalonica during the summer of 1078, revolting against the legitimate emperor Nicephorus III, Botaniates. He was overcome by Alexius Comnenus, a loyal general, but one who soon turned against Botaniates when Alexius' brother-in-law, Nicephorus Melissenus, revolted.