Nikephoros III Botaneiates
The exact origin of the family is unknown. It has been suggested that it was founded by Rudolph Peel de Lan, a Norman who was sent as ambassador to Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates (r. 1078–1081) and whom Anna Komnene records as "Raoul" in her history. However, no source mentions a defection to the Byzantines. Another view holds that Raoul was another ambassador sent in 1080, and brother of Roger "the son of Dagobert", who defected to the Byzantines at the same time and forced Raoul to flee to the imperial court as well.