 Strategopoulos was probably released from prison immediately after the death of Theodore II Laskaris in August 1258 . Along with the other heads of the aristocratic families , he was a prominent supporter of Michael Palaiologos ' successful coup against George Mouzalon in a bid to assume the regency of the under @-@ age John IV Laskaris . In the same year he accompanied the army that was sent , under Michael 's brother , the megas domestikos John Palaiologos , to confront the Epirote designs on Macedonia . When Michael Palaiologos was proclaimed emperor in early 1259 , John Palaiologos was promoted to sebastokrator , and Strategopoulos succeeded him as megas domestikos . In 1259 he participated in the campaign that led to the decisive victory over an Epirote – Sicilian – Achaean alliance at the Battle of Pelagonia , where , along with Nikephoros Rimpsas , he took captive the 400 @-@ strong detachment of German knights sent by Manfred , King of Sicily , to aid the Epirotes . 
