Michael Psellos
During the reign of Argyros's successors, Michael IV the Paphlagonian () and Michael V (), Dalassenos emerged as the leader of the aristocratic opposition. Several prominent Anatolian families, notably the powerful Doukai, supported him; the later emperor Constantine X Doukas () was married to Dalassenos's daughter. According to historian Michael Psellos, Dalassenos also enjoyed strong support from the populace in Constantinople and especially in his old command, Antioch.