in the subsequent trepizuntine civil war the greek party, supported by the genoese, and by byzantine mercenaries were opposed by the local nobles, who considered themselves the patriotic champions of native rights. the opposition persuaded anna, called anachoutlou, the elder daughter of emperor alexios ii of trebizond and his georgian wife jiajak jaqeli, to quit her monastic dress and escape to lazia, where she was crowned empress and gained control over the region, and all the native laz and the tzan people, recognised her as the legal heir to the throne for being nearest legitimate heir of her brother basil.