Late in the second decade of Maleinos II's reign, his leading general Stylianos declared himself Avtokrator and led troops loyal to him from the frontier with the Khamorth to march on Videssos the city. Maleinos drew troops from the provinces including as far north-east as Skopentzana. His forces succeeded in defeating Stylianos near Develtos at mid-summer forcing the latter to flee back to the frontier. Stylianos marched into Videssos the city and crowned himself Avtokrator of Videssos.