Michael VI Bringas
Michael VI, known as Stratiotikos (the Soldier), was chosen by the dying empress Theodora in 1056 as her successor, despite having no Macedonian blood. He was an elderly civil official with a military background, selected partly for his age and apparent malleability. His brief reign of just over a year was immediately troubled by the resentment of the military aristocracy. When senior generals approached Michael VI seeking appropriate honors and rewards following military service, he reportedly insulted them publicly. This triggered a revolt that eventually coalesced around Isaac Komnenos, a capable general from an aristocratic military family. Isaac was acclaimed emperor by the army in 1057. Michael VI attempted to negotiate and fight, but his military position collapsed rapidly. He abdicated in August 1057 and retired to a monastery, where he died in 1059. His brief reign is significant primarily as the hinge point at which the civilian-dominated government of the late Macedonian period gave way to the era of soldier-emperors beginning with Isaac Komnenos.
- Lived: 995 CE – 1059 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state
