sentences:  This was an unofficial position known at the time as the "mesazon", and equivalent to a vizier or "prime-minister".John Axouch commanded the forces acting against the Normans of Sicily in Corfu (1148–1149), initially as commander of the land forces, while the "megas doux" Stephanos Kontostephanos commanded the fleet, but after the latter's death in 1149, Axouch assumed command of the entire expedition.When rioting broke out between the Byzantine soldiery and the allied Venetians, Axouch tried to mediate.