Michael VI Bringas

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Michael VI Bringas
Byzantine emperor
Reign31 August 1056 –
30 August 1057
Coronation22 August 1056[1]
PredecessorTheodora Porphyrogenita
SuccessorIsaac I Komnenos
Diedafter 1057

Michael VI (

Byzantine emperor
from 1056 to 1057.

Career

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.[

Michael Keroularios convinced Michael VI to abdicate in Isaac's favor on 30 August 1057.[1][7] The emperor duly followed the patriarch's advice and became a monk. He retired to his private home and died there shortly thereafter.[3]

Sources

Primary sources

Secondary sources

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Jonathan Shepard (1977). «Isaac Comnenus' coronation day». Byzantinoslavica 38: 22–30.
  2. ^ a b Norwich, p. 327
  3. ^ a b c Kazhdan, p. 1366
  4. ^ Norwich, p. 326
  5. ^ a b Finlay, p. 533
  6. ^ Finlay, p. 536
  7. ^ a b Norwich, p. 332
Regnal titles
Preceded by Byzantine emperor
1056–1057
Succeeded by