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Coup of Michael V
After Michael IV's death in December 1041, his adopted son Michael V (Kalaphates) swiftly seized real power in Constantinople, sidelining co-empress …
Timeline
- 1041Constantinople · ConstantinopleCo-emperor Michael IV died in Constantinople after long illness, leaving a power vacuum between Empress Zoe and his adopted son Michael V. Court factions quickly maneuvered over succession and control of real power.
- 1041Constantinople · ConstantinopleWith support from some eunuchs and court factions, Michael V was rapidly crowned, placed Zoe under house arrest in the inner palace, stripped her of political voice, and began purging pro-Zoe forces. This was effectively a coup against the Macedonian dynasty tradition of female co-rule.
Sources
- Michael V Calaphates https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-V-Calaphates
- Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium AD 527–1204 — Lynda Garland (1999)