George Maniakes

George Maniakes
Maniakes as depicted in the Madrid Skylitzes
Bornc. 998
Macedonia
Died1043 (aged 4445)
Near Lake Vegoritida, west of Thessaloniki
AllegianceByzantine Empire

George Maniakes (Greek: Γεώργιος Μανιάκης; Italian: Giorgio Maniace; died 1043) was a prominent general of the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century. He was the catepan of Italy in 1042. He is known as Gyrgir in Scandinavian sagas. He is popularly said to have been extremely tall and well built, almost a giant.