David Arianites

Who is David Arianites?

David Arianites or Areianites was a high-ranking Byzantine commander of the early 11th century.

The origin of the surname is uncertain and different theories have been proposed ranging from various anthroponomastic and toponymic derivations of the Indo-European word arya to the name of a minor Illyrian tribe the Arinistae/Armistae. The family is hence variously considered to have been of possibly Albanian or Iranian origin. David is generally considered to be the first member of the Arianiti clan active in late medieval Albania, but the connection can't be verified due to lack of sources.

David initially held the title of patrikios, and became a senior general under Basil II. In 1017 Basil II invaded Bulgaria with a large army including Rus' mercenaries. His objective was the town of Kastoria which controlled the road between Thessaly and the coast of modern Albania. He sent parts of his army under the commanders Constantine Diogenes and David Arianites to loot Pelagonia. Basil II himself managed to capture several minor Bulgarian castles but all attempts to seize Kastoria remained futile.