George Palaiologos

One of the earliest known members of the Palaiologos dynasty, he was a capable military commander who played a critical role in helping his brother-in-law Alexios I Komnenos seize the throne in 1081.

Although the latter managed to save the army from disaster, John complained about him at court, and on his return to Constantinople Palaiologos was prohibited from entering the imperial palace.

[8][13] At the same time, when the Komnenoi and some of their partisans, now sure of their victory, contemplated sidelining the Doukai and having Alexios discard Irene Doukaina, Palaiologos angrily protested that he had only joined them in support of her interests.

[14][15] along with the Caesar John Doukas, Palaiologos successfully pressured Patriarch Cosmas I of Constantinople to not resign before he had crowned Irene as empress.

[8] Palaiologos' father had remained loyal to Botaneiates, and their meeting in Constantinople after the coup is described by Skoulatos as one of the "most passionate" scenes of the Alexiad, the great historical biography written by Alexios Komnenos' daughter Anna Komnene.

Alexios however listened to other advice, and in the ensuing Battle of Dristra in August 1087, the Byzantines suffered another heavy defeat; Palaiologos himself was nearly captured in the melee.

[19][20] In February 1091 he led a force out from Constantinople to reinforce Alexios, who was fighting the Pechenegs, only to encounter the emperor returning victorious to the capital.

[21][23] George Palaiologos was the chief source used by Anna Komnene in her Alexiad on her father's battles, and is very favourably portrayed by her in her book as both capable and loyal.

[23] Anna's positive assessment is also shared by her husband, the general and historian Nikephoros Bryennios the Younger, who calls Palaiologos a "brave warrior, of high military ability".