18. PEGANES, military chief of the thema Obsequium, was the chief supporter of Symbatius, rival of Basil the Macedonian [BASILIUS I. MACEDO], in the revolt to which he was led by his jealousy of Basil's elevation to the rank of Augustus by the reigning emperor Michael III, A. D. 866. Symbatius and George ravaged the open country about Constantinople, and while they reviled Basil, and denied his claim to the throne, spoke with great respect of Michael. Being deserted by their troops, they fled, and George sought refuge in Cotyaeium, one of the cities of his government, where he was soon after taken by the emperor's troops: he was scourged, blinded, and either exiled or detained in custody in his own house. On the accession of Basil as sole emperor, he was restored to his former honours. (Theophan. Continuat. Chronog. lib. v. de Basilio Macedone, 100.19; Symeon Mag. de Michaele et Theodora, 100.44; Georg. Monach. de Michaele et Theodora, 100.31.)