Michael VI Bringas
Michael VI Bringas | |
---|---|
Byzantine emperor | |
Reign | 31 August 1056 – 30 August 1057 |
Coronation | 22 August 1056[1] |
Predecessor | Theodora Porphyrogenita |
Successor | Isaac I Komnenos |
Died | after 1057 |
Michael VI (
Byzantine emperor
from 1056 to 1057.
Career
This section needs additional citations for verification. (October 2023) |
Apparently a relative of the powerful courtier
Theodora as her successor shortly before her death on August 31, 1056.[4] The appointment had been secured through the influence of Leo Paraspondylos
, Theodora's most trusted adviser.
Although Michael managed to survive a conspiracy organized by
Constantine IX Monomachos,[2] he was faced with the disaffection of the military aristocracy. His most costly error was to ignore the perceived rights of the general Nikephoros Bryennios, whom he restored to his former rank after his falling out with the Empress Theodora, but refused to restore his wealth and estates.[5] After dismissing Bryennios's grievances in an audience, the emperor completely alienated the military, which remained a powerful element of society.[citation needed] Michael compounded his error by rebuffing Bryennios after he had already ordered the restored general to lead a division of 3,000 men to reinforce the army in Cappadocia.[5] From here Bryennios began plotting to overthrow Michael VI, and it was his capture that precipitated the military nobility to rally around the general Isaac Komnenos, who was proclaimed emperor in Paphlagonia on 8 June 1057.[3]
Although Michael lost heart, the bureaucrats around him attempted to defend their position and assembled an army against the rebels.[
Sources
Primary sources
- Michael Psellus, Chronographia.
- Thurn, Hans, ed. (1973). Ioannis Scylitzae Synopsis historiarum. Berlin; New York: De Gruyter. ISBN 978-3110022858.
Secondary sources
- Norwich, John Julius (1993), Byzantium: The Apogee, Penguin, ISBN 0140114483
- ISBN 978-0195046526
- George Finlay (1853). History of the Byzantine Empire from 716–1057, William Blackwood & Sons.
- public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Michael (emperors)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 18 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 359–360. This article incorporates text from a publication now in the