Argyrus (catepan of Italy)
 | This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (September 2023) ) |
Argyrus (or Argyros; c. 1000–1068) was a Lombard nobleman and Byzantine general, son of the Lombard hero Melus. He was born in Bari.
Upon the defeat of Melus, who had rebelled against the Byzantines, at the
George Maniaches
.
In 1040, the Lombards of
Constantine IX
, who certainly wrote him letters offering it, and the title of catepan of Italy.
When the revolt in Apulia was suppressed, the Byzantines, under advice from Argyrus, who travelled to Constantinople and received the title of "
Papacy to counter the emergence of the Norman menace in the area. One Sico, a protospatharios, was sent to assist him. Argyrus commanded the Byzantine army, which did not join the papal army at the Battle of Civitate, in which their forces were routed and Pope Leo IX
was captured.
Argyrus was catepan until 1058. Little is known about him after that date: he perhaps died in 1068 at Bari,
Abbey of Farfa
a rich silk garment which still exists.
References
- Norwich, John Julius. The Normans in the South, 1016–1130. London: Longmans, 1967.