[1] The family was of relatively low importance thereafter, but produced a series of senior civil and ecclesiastic officials in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Unlike Leo, who had exercised almost independent authority and even concluded treaties of his own, John was dependent on the Empire of Nicaea.

While Leo held the lofty title of "Caesar" and claimed to rule several Aegean islands, John is only attested as "Master of Rhodes".

[3] Almost nothing else is known of him and his rule except that in 1248, he was with the Nicaean army campaigning against the Latin Empire near Nicomedia, when the Genoese suddenly seized Rhodes.

[4][5] After 1250, Gabalas family rule over Rhodes was terminated formally as well as de facto, and the island became a Nicaean province.