Michael IV the Paphlagonian

Michael IV the Paphlagonians (Greek MICHAEL Paphlagōn Μιχαὴλ Παφλαγών, from the province of Paphlagonia '; * 1010, † December 10, 1041 ). Was Byzantine emperor from April 11, 1034 He owes his elevation of the Empress Zoe, a daughter of the Emperor Constantine VIII and wife of Emperor Romanos III. , which in 1034 fell in love with her ​​chamberlain, Michael, her husband murdered and Michael married immediately.

Michael was of weak character and suffered from epilepsy. He left the government to his brother, the eunuch John Orphanotrophos, who had already been a minister under Constantine and Romanus, and probably Michael had introduced to the Empress in order to secure its influence.

John's army and financial reform set for a while, the strength of the Empire restored. On the eastern border of the important town of Edessa was conquered after a long siege. In the West, the Saracens were driven by Georgios Maniakes from Sicily (1038-1040), various operations against the southern Italian Normans proceeded, however, lossy, and the island itself went to Maniakes 'Recall' ( 1041 ) soon lost again.

In the north, the Serbs dared 1040 a successful revolt, far more dangerous revolt of the Bulgarians and other Slavs, who threatened the cities of Thrace and Macedonia, however, were suppressed with a triumphant campaign, the emperor undertook himself shortly before his death.

• Kaiser ( Byzantium )
• Paphlagonia
• Born in 1010
• Died in 1041
• Man