Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Michael

MICHAEL, the name of several emperors of Constantinople. Michael I. succeeded to the throne in 811, abdicated, on occasion of a military sedition, in favor of Leo the Armenian, 813. Died in 846. Michael II. succeeded Leo the Armenian, 820; died in 829. Michael III. succeeded in the third year of his age, 842, under the guardianship of his mother, Theodora. In 866 he made Basil, the Macedonian, his associate in the empire, who killed him in 867. Michael IV. was raised to the throne by Zoe, after she had poisoned her husband, Romanus Argyrus, 1034. He died in 1041. Michael V., nephew of the preceding, occupied the throne a few months after his death, and was dethroned by Zoe and Theodora, 1042. Michael VI. succeeded Theodora in 1056. and was dethroned by his officers, who elevated Isaac Comnenus to the imperial dignity in 1057. Michael VII., son of Constantine Ducas and Eudoxia, succeeded his father, 1067; and being dethroned by Nicephorus Botoniates in 1078, retired to a monastery, and died Archbishop of Ephesus. Michael VIII., surnamed Palæologus, regent of the empire during the minority of John Lascaris, whom he deprived of his eyes and throne in 1260, and in the following year took Constantinople. He died in 1288.