People's Crusade
In 1096, the emperor sent him to rescue the remnants of the People's Crusade, which had been defeated and almost destroyed by the Seljuks. The Turks withdrew before his advance, and Katakalon managed to rescue the surviving crusaders. In , he was named "doux" (military governor) of Cyprus, and held that post at least until 1102/04. One of his surviving seals mentions him as both "doux" of Cyprus and "kouropalates", rather than "nobelissimos"; this may imply that Katakalon had already served in this post before, prior to his promotion.