Constantine Euphorbenos Katakalon (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος Εὐφορβηνός Κατακαλών)[1] was a Byzantine noble and one of the most prominent generals of the reign of Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118).
A descendant of the noble Katakalon and Euphorbenos families, Constantine is first mentioned in the sources when he commanded the Chomatenoi corps and the Turkish contingent of Alexios Komnenos' army in the Battle of Kalavrye in 1078. He appears again in the lists of the Synod of Blachernae in 1094, bearing the title of protokouropalates.[2] In the next year, he took part in Alexios' campaign against the Cumans. Alexios sent him to attack the Cumans while they were crossing the Zygos pass, but the latter, guided by local Vlachs, managed to cross the pass sooner and seize the town of Goloe. Katakalon nevertheless attacked the Cuman foraging parties and managed to capture about a hundred prisoners, for which he was promoted to nobelissimos.[2] He was next dispatched to assist the city of Adrianople, which was being besieged by the Cumans. He attempted to enter the city from the south, but was surprised by the Cumans on the march, and barely escaped with his life.[3] In 1096, the emperor sent him to rescue the remnants of the People's Crusade, which had been defeated and almost destroyed by the Seljuks. The Turks withdrew before his advance, and Katakalon managed to rescue Peter the Hermit and the surviving crusaders.[4] In ca. 1100, he was named doux (military governor) of Cyprus, and held that post at least until 1102/1104.[4][5] In 1108, Katakalon was part of an embassy sent by Alexios to Bohemond, who was besieging the imperial fortress of Dyrrhachium. The Byzantine delegation convinced the Norman prince to seek a settlement with the Empire, and accompanied him to the imperial camp at Deabolis, where the namesake treaty was signed.[6]
Katakalon was one of Alexios' most trusted and esteemed officials. In token of this, his son Nikephoros was given the hand of Maria Komnene, the emperor's second daughter, in marriage. Together they had several children, of whom three sons are known: Alexios, Andronikos and John.[5][7][8]