Byzantine general reconquered the city of Syracuse and much of eastern Sicily for the Byzantine Empire, freeing them from Muslim domination.
Having fallen out of favor with Emperor Michael IV, he was recalled to Constantinople and imprisoned (1040). Freed by Michael V and appointed catapan of southern Italy, he had to face the Norman rebellion in Puglia.
Having landed at Taranto in April 1042, M. advanced to Matera, but at the news of the advent of Constantine IX Monomachus, he rebelled and, having proclaimed himself emperor, passed through Durazzo, moving towards Constantinople. Confronted by the imperial militia near Thessaloniki, while the battle was turning in his favor, he was killed.
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