Manuel the Armenian was a prominent Byzantine general of Armenian origin, active from circa 810 until his death in 838. After reaching the highest military ranks, a palace conspiracy forced him to seek refuge in the Abbasid court in 829. He returned to Byzantine service the next year, receiving the position of Domestic of the Schools. According to one report, he died on 27 July 838 of wounds received while saving Emperor Theophilos (r. 829–842) from capture during the Battle of Anzen. Some chronicles, however, record his survival past this date and report that he died some time around 860. His niece, Theodora, became empress to Theophilos and ruled as regent for many years after Theophilos's death.