John Kourkouas or Curcuas ( Greek: Ἰωάννης Κουρκούας) was the Byzantine catepan of Italy from 1008 to 1010.
John belonging to the Kourkouas family of Armenian descent. [1] According to a deed of grant to the monastery of San Giovanni in Lamis, he bore the titles of anthypatos and patrikios. [2] Kourkouas arrived at Bari in May 1008, [2] as a replacement for Alexios Xiphias, [1] who had died sometime between April and August of the previous year. [3] He served as catepan of Italy until some time before March 1010, when his successor, Basil Mesardonites, is attested in office. [1] [2] According to the Italian chronicles of Lupus Protospatharius and Anonymus Barensis, he died in office in 1010. [1] [2]
Nothing is known of his tenure, as the only information about him comes from deeds confirmed by his successors, and brief references in Italian sources. [1] [2] John's government coincided with the first revolt of the Lombards in Greek Apulia, under Melus of Bari. [1]
A possible descendant or relative, the notary John Kourkouas, is attested in southern Italy some time before 1054. [4]
John Kourkouas or Curcuas ( Greek: Ἰωάννης Κουρκούας) was the Byzantine catepan of Italy from 1008 to 1010.
John belonging to the Kourkouas family of Armenian descent. [1] According to a deed of grant to the monastery of San Giovanni in Lamis, he bore the titles of anthypatos and patrikios. [2] Kourkouas arrived at Bari in May 1008, [2] as a replacement for Alexios Xiphias, [1] who had died sometime between April and August of the previous year. [3] He served as catepan of Italy until some time before March 1010, when his successor, Basil Mesardonites, is attested in office. [1] [2] According to the Italian chronicles of Lupus Protospatharius and Anonymus Barensis, he died in office in 1010. [1] [2]
Nothing is known of his tenure, as the only information about him comes from deeds confirmed by his successors, and brief references in Italian sources. [1] [2] John's government coincided with the first revolt of the Lombards in Greek Apulia, under Melus of Bari. [1]
A possible descendant or relative, the notary John Kourkouas, is attested in southern Italy some time before 1054. [4]