Michael V

Michael V Calaphates,(Greek : Μιχαήλ Καλαφάτης, meaning "the caulker") , nephew and successor as Eastern Roman Emperor of Michael IV and addoptive son of his wife Zoë. His surname reflected the early occupation of his father.

He owed his elevation (December 10, 1041) to his uncle John whom along he almost immediately banished to a monastery. On the night of April 18 to April 19, 1042 he also managed to banish his addoptive mother and co-ruler Zoe to a monastery, to become sole Emperor. His announcement of the event, in the morning, led to a popular tumult in consequence of which he was dethroned after a brief reign of four months, blinded and relegated to a monastery. He died there in August 24, 1042. His unpopularity seems largely due to his attempts at administrative reform, which were strongly resented by the dominant classes, while the lower classes considered him a common usurper.

This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.

Preceded by: Michael IV

Byzantine emperors

Followed by: Zoë