Catacalo Tarcaniota

Katakalon Tarchaneiotes , mentioned in the works of Nikephoros Bryennios the Younger as Katakalon Katakalos , was an 11th-century Byzantine official, active during the reigns of Michael VII Doukas (r. 1071–1078), Nikephoros III Botaneiates (r. 1078–1081) and Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118).

He first appeared in 1074, when he replaced his father as Duke (dux) of Antioch and confronted the revolt of Philaretos Brachamios, though without success. Years later, as Katepano of Adrianople (now Edirne), he initially confronted the revolt of Nikephoros Bryennios the Elder but ended up allying with him and taking part in the Battle of Kalavrye. In 1094, he attended the Council of Blachernae (1094), and in 1095, defended Adrianople during a Cuman invasion.

Life Michaelaton (Histamenon) of Michael VII Doukas (r. 1071–1078) Katakalon Tarchaneiotes was the son of Joseph Tarchaneiotes, Duke (dux) of Antioch. He was first mentioned in 1074, the year of his father's death and his rise as a duke, as well as the revolt of Philaretos Brachamios. Katakalon attempted to confront the rebels but was unable to stop them, and Philaretos managed to gather large Armenian contingents and other soldiers into a large army, which he used to expand his domains at the expense of the cities of the Byzantine Empire.

According to a seal dated 1085, Katakalon was a , and according to Nikephoros Bryennios the Younger, at an unknown date, he assumed the title of . In 1093, Theophylact of Ohrid sent him two letters, one discussing attitudes to fortune, and the other with a small coin, as in the Parable of the talents or minas. There is a third letter sent to a Tarchaneiotes, but it is uncertain if it is to Katakalon. In 1094, he attended the council convened by Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118) in Blachernae to deliberate on the veneration of icons. According to the list of those present, Katakalon was a senator. In 1095, during an invasion by the Cumans, Katakalon and the then-blind Nikephoros Bryennios the Elder were tasked with the defense of Adrianople.

Katakalon Tarchaneiotes was widely praised in the sources that referred to him. According to Theophylact of Ohrid, Katakalon Tarchaneiotes was the most illustrious master, while according to Nikephoros Bryennios the Younger, he was a man distinguished for his manner of life, education, and skill in military affairs. According to the same author, while still young, Katakalon was wiser than any other and more prudent.