High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Manuel the Armenian was a prominent Byzantine general of Armenian origin, active from ca. 810 until his death in 838. After reaching the highest military ranks, a palace conspiracy forced him to seek refuge in the Abbasid court in 829. He returned to Byzantine service the next year, receiving the position of Domestic of the Schools. According to one report, he died on 27 July 838 of wounds received while saving the Emperor Theophilos from capture during the Battle of Anzen. Some chronicles however record his survival past this date and report that he died some time around 860. His niece, Theodora, became empress to Theophilos and ruled as regent for many years after Theophilos` death.