Career
Alexios created the title of sebastokrator for Isaac. In the 1070s, following the disastrous Battle of Manzikert, Isaac was employed as military commander in Anatolia against the Seljuk Turks. In 1073, as Domestic of the Schools of the East (ie commander-in-chief of the eastern field army), he was captured by the Turks, and was released only after ransom was paid.
In the next year, he was again sent East as doux of Antioch, he quelled local unrest, but was again captured by the Turks and had to be ransomed by the citizens of the city.
When the Komnenids finally made their move and rebelled against Nikephoros III, there was contention that Isaac could be proclaimed Emperor instead of Alexios, until the Doukids and George Palaiologos conspired for Alexius to be chosen. The Doukids continued to work against Isaac, until Isaac proved his loyalty by placing the emperor"s purple boots on him.
Thereafter he proved one of his most loyal, steadfast and enthusiastic supporters. Alexios in turn rewarded him by awarding him with the new title of sebastokrator which marked him as a near-equal.
In the words of Anna Komnene, an "emperor without the purple".
He reportedly enjoyed hunting and war, putting himself in the vanguard of battles. Isaac Komnenos was married to the Georgian princess Irene, the cousin of the empress Maria of Alania, by whom he had several children:
John Komnenos, protosebastos and governor (doux) of Dyrrhachium from 1092 to 1105/6
Alexios Komnenos, pansebastos and doux of Dyrrhachium after 1105/6
Constantine Komnenos, pansebastos and doux of Beroea, later megas droungarios
Adrianos Komnenos, became a monk, later Archbishop of Bulgaria as John IV
Sophia Komnene, married Nikephoros Dokeianos
Eudokia Komnene, married Nikephoros Botaneiates
Two unnamed daughters, one of them was engaged to Gregory Gabras.
