Manuel I Comnenus was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 1143 to 1180. He was a member of the Comnenus dynasty and is known for his efforts to strengthen the Byzantine Empire through military campaigns and diplomatic alliances. His reign was marked by attempts to restore the empire's former glory and expand its territories. Manuel I was also notable for his patronage of the arts and architecture, contributing to the cultural revival of the empire. He engaged in various military conflicts, including those against the Seljuk Turks and the Normans, and sought to maintain Byzantine influence in the Mediterranean.