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George Maniaces (or Georgios Maniakes) (d. 1043)
was a general in the Byzantine Empire in the 11th
century.

He first became prominent during a campaign in
1031, when the Byzantines were defeated at Aleppo
but went on to capture Edessa from the Seljuk
Turks.  His greatest achievement was the partial
reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs beginning in
1037.  Here, he was assisted by the Varangian
Guard, which was at that time led by Harald III of
Norway|Harald Hardrada, who later became king of
Norway.  There were also Normans|Norman
mercenaries with him; although the Arabs soon took
the island back, Maniaces' successes there later
inspired other Normans to invade Sicily
themselves.  

Maniaces' accomplishments in Sicily were largely
ignored by the Empire, and he revolted against
Constantine IX in 1042.  Maniaces was proclaimed
emperor by his troops (including the Varangians),
and marched towards Constantinople, but he was
killed in 1043 when troops loyal to Constantine
met him near Thessaloniki|Thessalonika.