Michael IV the Paphlagonian
Michael IV the Paphlagonian came from a humble family in Paphlagonia and rose to imperial dignity through his handsome appearance and the patronage of his brother John the Orphanotrophos, a powerful eunuch official at court. His affair with the empress Zoe began while Romanos III was still alive, and on the day Romanos was found drowned in his bath, Zoe married Michael and he became emperor. Despite his undistinguished origins, Michael IV was not entirely without ability, but he suffered from severe epilepsy that worsened through his reign, leaving actual governance largely in the hands of his brother John. His reign nonetheless saw some genuine military achievements: his general George Maniakes won spectacular successes in Sicily in the late 1030s. The most dramatic event was the great Bulgarian revolt led by Peter Delyan in 1040-1041, which Michael IV personally led the army to suppress in a final display of imperial energy despite his failing health. He returned to Constantinople gravely ill and died in December 1041 after taking monastic vows.
- Lived: 1010 CE – 1041 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state
