Michael IV the Paphlagonian
Michael IV the Paphlagonian was Byzantine Emperor from 11 April 1034 to his death on 10 December 1041.
Michael IV, 11th century depiction from the Madrid Skylitzes
Murder of emperor Romanos III Argyros under the order of Michael IV the Paphlagonian, from the Manasses Chronicle
The wedding of Michael and Zoë, as depicted in the Madrid Skylitzes
The Christian widow of the caliph of Egypt sends a letter to Michael IV.
John the Orphanotrophos was the chief court eunuch (parakoimomenos) during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Romanos III. John was born in the region of Paphlagonia. His family were said to be involved in a disreputable trade, perhaps money changing or, according to George Kedrenos, counterfeiting. John was the eldest of five brothers. Two, Constantine and George, were also eunuchs, while the other two, Niketas and Michael, were 'bearded' men; the latter became Michael IV the Paphlagonian after John introduced him to the reigning Empress Zoë. According to Michael Psellos, the two became lovers and may have plotted to assassinate Zoë's husband. Romanos was probably killed in his bath on 11 April 1034. Some contemporary sources implicate John in the assassination.
Zoe asks Sgouritzes to poison John the Orphanotrophos
