Constantine IX has allowed the Pechenegs to settle south of the Danube, where their numbers and their ambitions have increased.

By the mid-eleventh century, however, the Pechenegs are a constant menace to the peace in Thrace and Macedonia, and they encourage the spirit of revolt among the Bogomil heretics in Bulgaria.

Nikephoros Bryennios, who hails from Adrianople, had risen to become the ethnarch responsible for commanding foreign mercenaries in the Macedonian Theme.

He first appears in 1050, when he inflicts a heavy defeat on the Pechenegs, who have been raiding the Empire's Balkan provinces for years.

This victory puts an end to these raids for some time.