Nikephoros III Botaneiates

Nikephoros III Botaneiates (1002–1081) was a general from a military family of the Anatolic Theme. He fought in the Pecheneg revolt of 1048–1053 and helped Isaac I Komnenos overthrow Michael VI at Petroe in 1057.

In 1078 he rose against Michael VII and entered Constantinople with the backing of the Senate and people. As emperor he crushed revolts by Bryennios, Basilakes and Constantine Doukas.

He also forgave debts in arrears and gave lavishly to the army and his supporters. In 1081 Alexios I Komnenos seized the capital; Nikephoros abdicated, took the monastic habit and died the same year.