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Rise of John the Orphanotrophos

Type Event Region Eastern Mediterranean Time 1034–1041

After Michael IV's accession in 1034, his brother, the eunuch John the Orphanotrophos, quickly became the de facto ruler of the Byzantine Empire.

Timeline

  1. 1033–1034Imperial Palace, Constantinople · TurkeyJohn had already served as parakoimomenos (chamberlain) under Romanos III; between 1033 and 1034 he also took charge of the imperial orphanage in Constantinople, gaining the title Orphanotrophos. He used this to expand his administrative influence and had already dominated court personnel arrangements before his brother Michael's accession.
  2. 1034–1038Constantinople · TurkeyAfter Michael IV's accession, John appointed his brother Niketas as Duke of Antioch, Constantine as commander of the fleet, and George as protovestiarios, and arranged for his nephew Michael V to be adopted by Zoe to secure the succession. Skylitzes wrote that 'with John's help, all his brothers entered the palace.'
  3. 1037–1041Constantinople · TurkeyAs Michael IV's epilepsy worsened, John effectively controlled state affairs, dealing with the Bulgarian rebellion, Pecheneg invasions, and famine while limiting Zoe's political influence. In 1037 Zoe plotted to poison John but failed. John also attempted to interfere in church affairs, plotting in 1037 to depose Patriarch Alexios.

Sources