Michael V Kalaphates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael V Kalaphates |
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| Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans | |
Michael V, 11th century depiction from the Madrid Skylitzes
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| Byzantine emperor | |
| Reign | 13 December 1041 – 21 April 1042 |
| Predecessor | Michael IV |
| Successor | Zoe and Theodora |
| Born | roughly 1015 |
| Died | Monastery of Stoudios, Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) |
| Dynasty | Macedonian (by adoption) |
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Michael V Kalaphates (Greek: Μιχαήλ Καλαφάτης, Michaḗl Kalaphátēs) was a Byzantine emperor who ruled for only four months, from late 1041 to early 1042. He was the nephew of the previous emperor, Michael IV. He was also adopted by Michael IV's wife, Empress Zoe. People often called him "the Caulker" because his father used to work as a caulker, someone who seals boats.
Michael's Family and Rise to Power
Michael V was the son of Stephen and Maria. We don't know his exact birth date, but it's thought he was born around c. 1015. His mother, Maria, was the sister of Emperor Michael IV. His father, Stephen, was a caulker before becoming an admiral (a high-ranking naval officer) under Emperor Michael IV.
Even though Emperor Michael IV preferred another nephew, Michael V was chosen to be the next ruler. This was thanks to his other uncle, John the Orphanotrophos, and Empress Zoe. In 1035, Michael IV gave him the important title of kaisar (Caesar). He also adopted Michael V as his son, along with Empress Zoe.
When Emperor Michael IV passed away on December 10, 1041, Michael V was declared emperor just three days later by Empress Zoe.
Michael's Time as Emperor
Michael V wanted to rule all by himself. He quickly had disagreements with his uncle, John the Orphanotrophos. Michael V soon sent his uncle away to live in a monastery.
The new emperor then changed many decisions made by his uncle. He brought back nobles and important people who had been sent away during the last emperor's rule. Among them were Michael Keroularios, who would later become a patriarch (a high church leader), and the general George Maniakes. Maniakes was quickly sent back to Southern Italy to stop the advance of the Normans.
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Michael V made a big mistake on the night of April 18, 1042. He sent his adoptive mother and co-ruler, Empress Zoe, away to an island called Principo. He accused her of trying to harm him. By doing this, he became the only emperor.
When he announced this the next morning, people were very angry. A large crowd gathered around the palace, demanding that Zoe be brought back right away. The palace guards had to give in, and Zoe was returned, though she was dressed in a nun's habit.
Showing Zoe to the crowds in the Hippodrome (a large arena) did not calm them down. The angry people attacked the palace from many directions. The emperor's soldiers tried to fight them off. By April 21, about three thousand people from both sides had died. Once inside the palace, the crowd took valuables and destroyed tax records.
Also on April 21, 1042, Zoe's sister, Theodora, was declared Empress. She had been taken from her nunnery against her will earlier in the uprising. Michael V then ran away to find safety in the Stoudion monastery with his remaining uncle, Constantine. Even though he had taken monastic vows (promised to live like a monk), Michael was arrested. He was then blinded (had his eyes put out) and sent to a monastery by the leader of the Varangian Guard, Harald Hardrada.
See also
