John Kourkouas (catepan)

John Kourkouas or Curcuas (Greek: Ἰωάννης Κουρκούας) was the Byzantine catepan of Italy from 1008 to 1010.

John belonging to the Kourkouas family of Armenian descent.[1] According to a deed of grant to the monastery of San Giovanni in Lamis, he bore the titles of anthypatos and patrikios.[2] Kourkouas arrived at Bari in May 1008,[2] as a replacement for Alexios Xiphias,[1] who had died sometime between April and August of the previous year.[3] He served as catepan of Italy until some time before March 1010, when his successor, Basil Mesardonites, is attested in office.[1][2] According to the Italian chronicles of Lupus Protospatharius and Anonymus Barensis, he died in office in 1010.[1][2]

Nothing is known of his tenure, as the only information about him comes from deeds confirmed by his successors, and brief references in Italian sources.[1][2] John's government coincided with the first revolt of the Lombards in Greek Apulia, under Melus of Bari.[1]

A possible descendant or relative, the notary John Kourkouas, is attested in southern Italy some time before 1054.[4]