Nikephoros III Botaneiates
After his father died in 1077, John remained in his grandfather's estates in Thrace, and was raised by him. It was there that he learned of the rebellion of Alexios Komnenos against Nikephoros III Botaneiates () in 1081, and it was he who informed the "Caesar" of it. Together, they departed and joined Alexios's forces at Schiza, where the latter was officially proclaimed emperor.