George Maniakes

Georgios Maniakes (Greek Γεώργιος Μανιάκης, † 1043 in Thessaloniki ) was a general in the 11th century Byzantine Empire.

He was first mentioned in 1031 during a campaign of the Byzantines: Although the Byzantine army had suffered a heavy defeat in the advance on Aleppo, sat Maniakes, the company continued to snatch the Arabs Edessa. His biggest success was the partial reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs from 1037th In this expedition he was supported by the Varangian Guard, which was led by the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada later, but also of Norman mercenaries, including Hervé Phrangopoulos. Although the island was soon lost again to the Arabs, inspired Maniaces successes later other Normans to their own invasion of the island.

Despite his military achievements in Sicily Maniakes in 1043 by Emperor Constantine IX. relieved of his command. He rose then to Constantinople and had himself proclaimed himself emperor by his troops. When advancing on the capital of Constantinople Opel led to confrontation with Constantine's troops near Thessaloniki. The victory within reach, Maniakes was severely wounded and died on the battlefield.

In Sicily the place Maniace and the Castello Maniace were named after him in Syracuse.