Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Melissenus coins

1080-1081 Melissenus, a general of some merit and husband of Eudocia, the sister of Alexius I, rebelled against the rule of Nicephorus Botoniates after the latter's popularity sank. While on his way to Constantinople with his army he learned of Alexius's own revolt and was temporarily stopped in his tracks wondering what course he would follow. By the time he made up his mind Alexius had already reached the capital and forced Botoniates into retirement and the new emperor set his representatives at once to offer the title of Caesar to avoid a civil war. Noticing there was little support within his own ranks to lay siege against a popular and well-armed general he reluctantly accepted and called off the attack. No coin images available.