In 830, Theophilus' stepmother Euphrosyne announced a bride show for the emperor. Beauties from all over the empire gathered in Constantinople. Among them, two stood out in intelligence and beauty, Cassia and Theodora, both daughters of noble parents. Vasilevs really liked Cassia, and he already approached her with an apple, which was intended for the chosen one. But Cassia, according to George Amartol, “stung his heart with a word,” and the Paphlagonian Theodora got the apple.

After the death of her husband, Theodora was declared empress regent with her four-year-old son Michael III.

Using the assistance of the Constantinople nobility, she immediately organized preparations for the restoration of icon veneration. One of the first to suffer was Leo the Mathematician, who lost the post of Metropolitan of Thessaloniki in the year of the death of his patron Theophilus. On March 4, 843, a church council was held in Constantinople. Patriarch John Grammatik was dismissed from the chair, his place was taken by the cunning intriguer Methodius. On March 11, the cathedral announced the complete triumph of icon veneration.

From the soft attitude towards heretics under the iconoclast emperors now there is no trace left. To begin with, the government of Theodora applied grandiose repressions against the Paulicians. In the area of ​​​​their settlements in the east of the country, three military leaders set off with punitive expeditions: Argir, Sudal and Duka. Pavlikians were burned, drowned, nailed to poles. In the name of the triumph of Orthodoxy, up to a hundred thousand people died - a cruelty hitherto unheard of. The protomandatory of the strategist Anatolik, a certain Karvey, a Paulician, took away several thousand of his fellow believers from under the sword of the executioners of the empress and surrendered with them under the protection of the Melitinsky emir. The exiles built the fortress of Tefriku and founded their colony in it, the soldiers of which turned out to be no better than their opponents, taking the most active part in the raids of fierce Muslims on the empire.

The logothete of Droma Feoktist, a rude, arrogant and domineering man, had a great influence on the Empress Dowager. A mediocre military leader, Feoktist repeatedly lost battles to the Arabs. After its next defeat in 844, Byzantium had to conclude an unfavorable peace, and it did not fight with its eastern neighbors for seven years. But from 850 to 852, the empire had to fight off the attacks of the Bulgarian Khan Boris.

In 852, knowing about the plight of Caliph al-Muttawakil, who had difficulty holding power, the Romans made a successful raid into the Nile Delta, ruining Damietta.

The dissatisfaction of part of the capital's nobility with the tyranny of Feoktist caused a conspiracy headed by Vasilisa's brother, the ambitious and, moreover, untalented domestik schol Varda. At the beginning of 856, Theoktist was killed, and Theodora was forced to give up the regency. Leaving the throne, she gave a report to the synclite on the state of the state treasury, where, as it turned out, huge funds were accumulated. After Theodora's abdication, Varda forced his sister and her four unmarried daughters to retire to the monastery of Gastria.

Michael III Drunkard (c. 840 - 867, imp. from 842, actual - from 856)

Michael, nicknamed by his contemporaries the Drunkard, was in striking contrast to his father Theophilus. Almost until the very end of his reign, Michael III took little part in politics, preferring rude pleasures to business: drunkenness, hunting, running, masquerades. According to the testimony of Simeon Magister, “indulging in all sorts of debauchery, Michael squandered the huge sums that his mother had saved. Accepting from holy baptism and adopting children of circus riders, he gave them either a hundred or fifty nomisms. At the table in a drunken company, his companions of feasts competed in outrages, and the king admired this and gave out a reward of up to one hundred gold coins to the dirtiest libertine [Theophan's successor calls him Patrician Imerius, nicknamed Pig. - S.D.], who knew how to emit winds with such force that he could extinguish a candle on the table. Since he [the king] was standing on the chariot, ready to start running, at that time the news came that the Arabs were devastating the Thracian Theme and Opsicium and were approaching the Malangins, and the protonotary, in confusion and fear, handed him the report of the domestic scholia. “How dare you,” the emperor shouted at him, “to disturb me with your talk at such an important moment, when all my attention is focused on ensuring that the middle one does not overtake the left one, which is why I am leading this competition!” But the worst thing was his community in which he liked to rotate: satyrs and shameless people capable of the dirtiest antics ”(). The gang of drinking companions of the young basil was rampant on the streets of Constantinople, arranging buffoonish mysteries, in which the participants in disguise portrayed nobles, clergy, and even the patriarch. It happened that the masquerade procession, led by the "patriarch" Theophilus, nicknamed Grill ("pig") - the emperor's main buffoon, met the procession of real clergy and showered "competitors" with abuse and ridicule. The pranksters communed gaping passers-by with vinegar and mustard. One day, parodying Christ himself, Vasileus and his friends stumbled into some poor woman and demanded lodging for the night for himself and his "apostles", which led her to considerable embarrassment.

Michael III himself acted at the hippodrome as a charioteer under the colors of "blue", and when many began to openly express dissatisfaction about this, he arranged a closed hippodrome and competed there.

To the mother, who loved the dissolute son despite all his hobbies, Mikhail treated without due respect. Once he told the empress that the patriarch was waiting for her. When the pious woman arrived at the indicated hall, she saw a figure wrapped from head to toe in sacred robes on the patriarchal throne. Theodora, unaware of the deceit, came up to ask for blessings, and the disguised Grill (and it was him), jumping up, showed August his butt “and emitted a fetid roar and ugly speeches” (Prod. Feof.,). Mikhail, observing the horror and resentment of his mother, amused himself from the bottom of his heart.

After 856, the policy of the court was determined by the uncle of the emperor, Varda (from 862 - Caesar). The second uncle of the king, Petrona, the strategos of the Thracian theme, was engaged in military affairs. In 856 he struck a blow against the Paulicians of Tefriki. After some time, Carvey with the Arabs responded with a raid on the empire. In 860, Michael personally led the army to the east, but unexpectedly returned, having received news of the Russian attack on Byzantium - the first campaign of Russian princes against Constantinople. The Russians were repulsed, the emperor again went to fight with the Arabs, was defeated and miraculously escaped capture. Three years later, on August 3, 863, in a fierce battle in Armenia, Petrona scattered the detachments of Arabs and Paulicians. Karvey and the emir of Melitina Omar-ibn-Abd-Allah fell in battle.

If in the east the hostilities were generally not entirely bad, in the west the Romans suffered setbacks. In 859 the fortress of Castrogiovanni fell. The Greek fleet sent to the coast of Sicily was sunk by the enemy. In 859 - 864 years. the empire waged an exhausting war with Boris, Khan of Bulgaria.

The activity of Varda was the opposite of the idleness of the emperor. However, the synclitics, who had to endure the power of the domestic schol, did this with obvious displeasure. At first, the opposition placed its main bet on Patriarch Ignatius. It turned out to be extremely easy to excite Ignatius, a severe ascetic, against Varda, for the latter led a life far from the canons of official morality. In 857, the patriarch did not allow Varda to take communion, accusing him of a serious sin - cohabitation with his son's widow. The result was unexpected - Ignatius was immediately dismissed, and in his place Varda proposed to elect a secular official Photius. In violation of all the rules for the appointment of the patriarch, in a week he went through all the steps of initiation into the clergy and took the chair. The Byzantine clergy and laity were divided into groups of supporters of the new and old patriarchs.

By the will of history, the Photian schism became an event of international proportions. Ignatius did not stop complaining about the illegality of his deposition, appealing to justice. The imperious Pope Nicholas I intervened in the matter and demanded a revision of the decision. In the spring of 861, a council was held in Constantinople with the participation of papal representatives, confirming the legitimacy of the election of Photius. The pope, who did not expect this from his legates (it was said that the Byzantines bought their consent), punished them and convened his council in Rome, which declared Photius deposed.

Michael III was at first indifferent to church problems and even somehow mockingly remarked that “my patriarch is Theophilus [buffoon Grill. - S.D.], Caesar [Varda] - Photius, and the people have Patriarch Ignatius "(), however, over time, outraged by the persistent attempts of Nicholas I to dictate his conditions to the Eastern Church, he defended Photius and in a letter to the pope quite sharply stated that he did not recognize the primacy of the Bishop of Rome . The Council of Constantinople in 867 excommunicated the pope from the church as a heretic - the pretext was the question of the descent of the Holy Spirit (Byzantium did not recognize the filioque formula - "from the Father and the Son", adopted in the West); there was a schism in the church.

Photius remained in history as one of the most brilliant personalities on the patriarchal throne of the Byzantine capital. But it was not political intrigues that made him a good memory of mankind, but his scientific and encyclopedic work. On the initiative of the most learned Photius and with his direct participation, the Myriobiblion was compiled - a commentary on the manuscripts of 279 (!) Ancient authors, available in the capital's library, with extensive extracts from the originals. These writings themselves subsequently perished in a significant part, and we have the opportunity to get an idea of ​​​​them only thanks to the surviving work of Photius.

On the initiative of the Patriarch and Varda, the Constantinople Higher School was revived. From now on, she began to act in the palace of Magnavra, and Leo the Mathematician was made its rector. The seven liberal sciences, philosophy, jurisprudence, medicine and, of course, theology were studied at Magnavra University. Against the background of the dark barbarism that dominated the West, the Byzantine education of those years is a unique phenomenon. The Roman court under the leadership of Varda used culture as the most important foreign policy tool. In 863, the activities of the enlighteners Constantine (Cyril) and Methodius among the Slavs began - Constantinople asserted its influence in the north.

The capital nobility did not stop trying to get rid of Varda. At the next stage of this struggle, the main character was the new favorite of Michael III, Basil the Macedonian. The latter succeeded in convincing the autocrat, a gentleman despite his shortcomings, to deal with the Caesar after all. For this purpose, in order to isolate Varda from many of his adherents in Constantinople, a campaign was even launched against Crete. On April 21, 866, at a campsite in Asia Minor, Caesar, who unsuccessfully prayed for mercy, was cut down by the swords of the Macedonian and his accomplices at the feet of the emperor. Many of the people condemned this unfounded murder. When Michael III once passed through the city of Akrita (on the Asian coast of Propontis), some daredevil climbed onto a stone and began to shout to the basileus, pointing to the magnificent retinue following him: “You arranged a good parade, you, who shed the blood of your uncle. Woe to you, woe to you, woe to you!"

After some time, Vasily became the master, and soon the co-ruler of Michael III. Relations between the two emperors began to deteriorate rapidly. In September 867, during a feast, Michael III, as usual, overburdened himself, threw off his imperial shoes (campagia) and ordered his new favorite, patrician Vasilikin, to put them on. Pointing to him, the emperor remarked with a laugh, addressing those around him, that they suit Vasilikin more than Vasily, and it would be time to make him co-ruler. Alarmed by this prospect, Basil I decided to act for sure. On September 23, 867, when Michael III went to bed after a copious libation in the country palace of Mamanta, Vasily's henchmen broke into the emperor's bedchamber with swords. He, waking up, tried to defend himself, but one of the attackers cut off both hands of the basileus. Michael III, covered in blood, showered curses on his treacherous friend and co-ruler. The conspirators, after conferring, stabbed Mikhail to death, and, mockingly, wrapped the corpse in a horse blanket. In the morning, the body was mourned by the mother and four nuns called from Gastria. Mikhail was buried without celebrations on the suburban shore of the Bosporus.

When evaluating Michael III, one should, however, take into account the fact that historians of the times of the Macedonian dynasty, wishing to justify Basil III, in every possible way blackened his predecessor. One of the chroniclers, for example, claimed that the emperor, having squandered the treasury on carousing, ordered the golden plane tree of Leo the Mathematician to be poured into coins and ordered the light telegraph to be broken so that unpleasant news would not interfere with the metropolitan mob having fun at the hippodrome. However, this plane tree and light telegraph also existed later, so perhaps other stories about the excesses of Michael are only echoes of a long-forgotten political struggle that have survived to this day.

Book author:

Book Description

Description: A.M. Velichko's five-volume work "The History of the Byzantine Emperors" reveals the events of the reign of all the monarchic dynasties of the Holy Roman (Byzantine) Empire - from St. Constantine the Great until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This is the first comprehensive study in which historical events from the political life of the Byzantine state are depicted in their organic relationship with the life of the ancient Church and the personality of specific kings. The work depicts in detail and in detail the most interesting ups and downs in the history of the Byzantine state, including in terms of inter-church relations between Rome and Constantinople. Numerous events from the time of the Ecumenical Councils are given, the role and forms of participation of emperors in the activities of the Catholic Church are revealed. The work is supplied with portraits of all the emperors of the Byzantine Empire, maps and a wide range of reference material. For all those interested in the history of Byzantium, the Church, law and politics, as well as students of law and history faculties. This volume covers the era from Leo III the Isaurian to Michael III. dynastyXXXI. Emperor Leo III the Isaurian (717-741) Chapter 1. The great commander. Events in ItalyChapter 2. The wise legislatorChapter 3. Iconoclasm. The pope against the emperorXXXII. Emperor Constantine V (741-775). Chapter 1. The Tsar and the Usurper Chapter 2. The Victorious Emperor. Wars with Arabs and BulgariansChapter 3. The state of affairs in Italy. "The Papal Revolution"Chapter 4. The Iconoclastic Crisis. "Ecumenical" Council of 754 XXXIII. Emperor Leo IV Khazar (750-780) Chapter. 1 Iconoclasts against icon worshipers XXXIV. Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Saint IrinaChapter 1. Mother and Son. Struggle in the state and the Church Chapter 2. The Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 Chapter 3. Charlemagne - Emperor of the Western Roman Empire Chapter 4. Independent government of St. Irina. The End of the Isaurian DynastyAppendix No. 7: "Ecumenical Councils" Dynasty of Nicephorus GenikXXXV. Emperors Nikephoros I Geniks (802-811) and Stavraky (811) Chapter 1. Unfortunate reformer. Relations with the WestChapter 2. Conspiracies, Unfortunate Wars, and the Death of EmperorsXXXVI. Emperor Michael I Rangave (811-813)Chapter 1. The pious king. Mistakes, defeats and an unsuccessful attempt to restore icons of veneration outside the dynastic emperor XXXVII. Emperor Leo V the Armenian (813-820)Chapter 1. “Promoter of the common good”Chapter 2. The second stage of iconoclasm. Death of Leo V the ArmenianAppendix No. 8: “The Empire of Charlemagne. "Gift of Constantine"" Amorian dynasty XXXVIII. Emperor Michael II Travel (820-829)Chapter 1. "Lisping" king. The uprising of Thomas the Slav Chapter 2. The war with the Arabs. Loss of Crete and SicilyXXXIX. Emperor Theophilus (829-842)Chapter 1. A just sovereignChapter 2. The war with the ArabsChapter 3. The agony of iconoclasm. Emperor's RemorseAppendix No. 9: "The Emperor, the "symphony of authorities" and iconoclasm. Greek nationalism" XL. Emperor Michael III (842-867) and Empress Saint Theodora (842-856) Chapter 1. Empress St. Theodora and "The Triumph of Orthodoxy"Chapter 2. The beginning of the independent reign of Michael III. The disgrace of the empressChapter 3. "The drunken king." War with the ArabsChapter 4. Patriarchs of St. Ignatius, St. Photius and Pope Nicholas I. "Double" Council of 861 Chapter 5. Three Emperors. Death of Caesar Varda and Michael III

Description: A.M. Velichko's five-volume work "The History of the Byzantine Emperors" reveals the events of the reign of all the monarchic dynasties of the Holy Roman (Byzantine) Empire - from St. Constantine the Great until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This is the first comprehensive study in which historical events from the political life of the Byzantine state are depicted in their organic relationship with the life of the ancient Church and the personality of specific kings. The work depicts in detail and in detail the most interesting ups and downs in the history of the Byzantine state, including in terms of inter-church relations between Rome and Constantinople. Numerous events from the time of the Ecumenical Councils are cited, the role and forms of participation of emperors in the activities of the Catholic Church are revealed. The work is supplied with portraits of all the emperors of the Byzantine Empire, maps and extensive reference material. For all those interested in the history of Byzantium, the Church, law and politics, as well as students of law and history faculties. This volume covers the era from Leo III the Isaurian to Michael III. Volume III Contents Contents 3 volumes The Isaurian Dynasty XXXI. Emperor Leo III the Isaurian (717-741) Chapter 1. The great commander. Events in Italy Chapter 2. The wise legislator Chapter 3. Iconoclasm. Pope vs Emperor XXXII. Emperor Constantine V (741-775). Chapter 1. The Tsar and the Usurper Chapter 2. The Victorious Emperor. Wars with the Arabs and Bulgarians Chapter 3. The state of affairs in Italy. "The Papal Revolution" Chapter 4. The Iconoclastic Crisis. "Ecumenical" Council of 754 XXXIII. Emperor Leo IV Khazar (750-780) Chapter. 1 Iconoclasts against icon worshipers XXXIV. Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Saint Irene Chapter 1. Mother and Son. Struggle in the State and the Church Chapter 2. The Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 Chapter 3. Charlemagne - Emperor of the Western Roman Empire Chapter 4. Independent government of St. Irina. The End of the Isaurian Dynasty Appendix No. 7: "Ecumenical Councils" Dynasty of Nicephorus Geniks XXXV. Emperors Nikephoros I Geniks (802-811) and Stavraky (811) Chapter 1. The Unfortunate Reformer. Relations with the West Chapter 2. Conspiracies, Unfortunate Wars and the Death of Emperors XXXVI. Emperor Michael I Rangave (811-813) Chapter 1. Pious Tsar. Mistakes, Defeats, and an Unsuccessful Attempt to Restore Icon Worship Non-Dynastic Emperor XXXVII. Emperor Leo V Armenian (813-820) Chapter 1. "Promoter of the common good" Chapter 2. The second stage of iconoclasm. Death of Leo V the Armenian Appendix No. 8: “The Empire of Charlemagne. "Gift of Constantine"" Ammorian dynasty XXXVIII. Emperor Michael II Travel (820-829) Chapter 1. "Lisping" Tsar. The uprising of Thomas the Slav Chapter 2. The war with the Arabs. Loss of Crete and Sicily XXXIX. Emperor Theophilus (829-842) Chapter 1. A just sovereign Chapter 2. The war with the Arabs Chapter 3. The agony of iconoclasm. The Emperor's Remorse Appendix #9: The Emperor, the "symphony of authorities" and iconoclasm. Greek Nationalism" XL. Emperor Michael III (842-867) and Empress Saint Theodora (842-856) Chapter 1. Empress St. Theodora and "The Triumph of Orthodoxy" Chapter 2. The beginning of the independent reign of Michael III. Opal of the Empress Chapter 3. "The Drunken Tsar". War with the Arabs Chapter 4. Patriarchs of St. Ignatius, St. Photius and Pope Nicholas I. "Double" Council of 861 Chapter 5. Three Emperors. Death of Caesar Varda and Michael III

Glossary: ​​Order of Michael - Moscow Telegraph. Source: vol. XIXa (1896): Order of Michael - Moscow Telegraph, p. 479-482()

Michael.- the name of several Byzantine emperors. When in 811 the Bulgar Khan Krum utterly defeated the Byzantines and Emperor Nicephorus I died on the battlefield, and his son, Stavratius, grew sick from the incurable wound he had received, the enemies of the latter, hated by all the libertine and incapable tyrant, were elected to the throne M. I Rangavisa, the husband of Tsarevna Procopia Nikiforovna, an honest and direct man, but weak-willed to the same extent as his wife was distinguished by her energy and desire to participate in the reign. M. had no influence on the army at all; between political parties, he hesitated, patronized the clergy, canceled all financial measures directed against him, was extremely generous to the clergy, monasteries and charitable institutions, gave the opportunity to the venerable. Theodore the Studite returned and, under his influence, opened the persecution of the iconoclasts and began to persecute the Paulicians in Asia and Thrace. In 812, Krum flooded Thrace and Macedonia with his hordes; after his victory at Versinicia (near Adrianople) over M. (813), the army rebelled and elected the Armenian Leo emperor (see Leo V). The Church, the Senate and the people stood behind M., but he did not want bloodshed and went to the monastery, where, divorced from his wife, he lived for more than 32 years. M. II tongue-tied was enthroned (820) directly from the prison in which he was kept for conspiring against his predecessor, Leo V. A man of low birth and poorly educated, he remained on the throne until his death, although he had no luck in external affairs. A serious danger threatened him from the side of his old comrade-in-arms Thomas, a Slav by origin, who, with the help of Arabs and other Eastern peoples, revolted in 822, took possession of most of Asia Minor, accepted a crown from the hands of the patriarch in Antioch, attracted to his side standing at Lesbos imp. fleet and laid siege to the capital. M. managed, however, to burn his fleet at the walls of Constantinople; Foma, defeated by the Bulgar Khan Mortogon, was captured by M. and executed (824). At the same time, the Dalmatian cities declared themselves independent from Byzantium; their example was followed by the neighboring Slavic zhupans. In 825, the Arabs took possession of Crete and became a true scourge for the coasts of the Archipelago. With difficulty, the first Greek sailor of this time, Orife, managed to defend the rest of the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea. In 827 the Arabs occupied part of Sicily. In domestic politics, M. tried to act in the spirit of Leo V, maintaining justice and discipline in the army and administration. In religious matters he was indifferent; He brought back from exile the Rev. Theodore the Studite and another leader of the Orthodox, Nikifor, but confirmed the previous laws against the veneration of icons and stood for complete equality before the law of both warring parties. Died in 829. His grandson M.III after the death of his father, imp. Theophilus (842), remained at the age of 4, and management passed to his mother, Theodora, who had a council of three persons (including the Empress' brother, Varda). Despite Theodora's concerns about raising her son, whose leadership was entrusted to Varda, M. turned out to be an incapable, weak-willed and depraved person; in the circus, he often acted as a charioteer himself. He almost did not take a personal part in the affairs of government. The reign of Theodora was marked primarily by the restoration of icon veneration at the Council of Constantinople, at which the feast of the "triumph of Orthodoxy" was established. The Saracens extended their power more and more in Sicily; the Greeks held in their hands only the eastern part of the island with Taormina and Syracuse. The struggle against the Arabs on the eastern border and the campaign against the Arab corsairs who occupied the island of Crete (844) were unsuccessful. The war with Boris Sulgarsky ended in 852 with a peace treaty. After the overthrow of Theodora (856), management passed entirely into the hands of Varda (from 862 - "Caesar"). The deposition of Patriarch Ignatius by Varda (see) and the erection of Photius in his place (at the end of December 857) led to a feud with Pope Nicholas I, which had enormous consequences (see Division of Churches). In 864, after a new war, a second peace was concluded with the Bulgarians; Tsar Boris was baptized, following the example of Rostislav of Moravia, who (in 862) turned to M. with a request to send him capable teachers of the faith, in response to which St. Constantine (Cyril) and Methodius. In the East, the struggle against the Arabs continued. The allies of the Muslims here were the Paulicians persecuted by the Byzantine government. The Byzantine commander Leo successfully fought the Arabs, but M.'s campaigns ended unsuccessfully. The victory won by Varda's brother over Emir Omar of Melitene (863) ensured peace for the Greeks in the East for a long time. By 865, there was a well-known attack on Constantinople by the Russians, who devastated the environs of the capital, but were soon forced to leave. The merit of Varda was his concern for the spread of education. So, he established a new secular academy in Constantinople, headed by the learned Leo (the former archbishop of Thessaloniki). In April 866, Varda died at the hands of M.'s new favorite, Basil the Macedonian, whom M. in May 866 made Caesar and his co-ruler. 23 Sept. 867 M. was killed in a drunken state by Basil's minions (see). - M. IV Paphlagagonian(so called by origin) was the younger brother of the influential eunuch John Orfanotrof under Roman III Argyre, who brought his brother a place in the palace. Empress Zoya (see) was carried away by M., who became her lover. Upon the death of Emperor Roman III (probably poisoned with the knowledge of Zoya and M.), Zoya married M., who was proclaimed emperor (1034). Painful M. was a smart and benevolent man, but did not intervene in the affairs of state administration, which passed entirely into the hands of John Orfanotrof. The latter tried to nominate his relatives and friends, who allowed themselves all sorts of abuses. In addition to the nobility, dissatisfied with the rise of the poor "Paphlagonians", the reign of John caused strong displeasure among the people, who suffered from the rise of taxes: uprisings arose in Serbia and Bulgaria. During the reign of M. IV, the Greeks had to fight the Arabs in the east, the Arabs in Sicily in the west, and the Normans in southern Italy. In Sicily, George Maniac fought happily, but almost all of his conquests were lost by Stephen, who replaced him. The struggle against the Normans in southern Italy was unsuccessful: by the end of the reign of M. IV, the Greeks owned only 4 significant cities in Apulia. Toann Orfanotrof, who sought to consolidate the throne in his house, ensured that Zoya adopted Mikhailov's nephew, Mikhail Kalafat, who was named "Caesar" at the end of 1034 or at the beginning of 1035 and inherited M. IV, who died in 1041 - M. V Calafat, despised by the aristocracy, like an ignorant upstart, he began to seek the favor of the masses of the people in order, relying on them, to strengthen his power. To do this, he had to sacrifice his relatives, hated by the people. John Orphanotroph was removed from business and exiled; many other relatives of M. were also exiled or castrated. Having removed Zoya at first in fact from administration, M. decided to remove her formally; she was accused of magic and the preparation of poisons with which she allegedly wanted to poison the emperor, she was exiled to Prince's Island and tonsured. The ingratitude of M., who dared to violate the rights of the legitimate empress, who came from a Macedonian house respected by the people, caused a popular revolt. An angry mob broke into the treasury and destroyed the hated scribe books. To calm the population of Constantinople, M. returned Zoya from exile, but it was too late. The party of Zoya and her sister Theodora won. The emperor, declared deposed, fled to the Studian monastery, where he took the vows (1042), but was blinded and sent into exile. M. VI Stratiotic, in his youth, having distinguished himself as a warrior (whence his nickname), he was already an old man when, during the life of Empress Theodora, he was declared her successor and proclaimed emperor (1056). Things went under him in the same direction as under Theodore. The commanders, dissatisfied with the emperor, plotted to put Isaac Komnenos on the throne. June 8, 1057 Isaac Komnenos (see) was proclaimed emperor in Asia Minor. The army of Stratioticus, sent against the rebels, was defeated near Nicaea. M. VI entered into negotiations with the winner, offering him adoption, the title of Caesar, and even joining the imperial power. Komnenos was ready to accept these proposals, but an uprising took place in Constantinople: M. was overthrown, tonsured, and soon died. M. VII Doukas, nicknamed "Parapinak", son of imp. Constantine X Doukas, was brought up by the scientist Michael Psel and from the time of his father's death (1067) bore the title of emperor along with the brothers Andronicus and Constantine. When imp. Roman Diogenes (2nd husband of M.'s mother, Evdokia) was taken prisoner by the Turks, control was given to Michael, first with his mother; but soon Evdokia was tonsured and M. (1071), who was then about 20 years old, was proclaimed emperor. Freed from captivity and trying to regain the throne, Roman Diogenes was forced to renounce the throne and promised to get a haircut, for which he received a guarantee of personal safety; nevertheless he was blinded, and so clumsily, that he soon died. M. VII devoted his time to the study of rhetoric and the writing of poetry, while the management was in the hands of his advisers, to whose influence he was completely subordinate. In Asia, the affairs of the empire went from bad to worse; the Seljuks helped the emperor against the pretender to the throne, John Duka, but received a part of Mal. Asia. A new uprising was raised by Nicephorus Bryennius, who was proclaimed emperor and entered Adrianople in 1077, while his brother John approached Constantinople itself, but had to retreat. The affairs of Nicephorus Bryennius took an unfavorable turn for him, but at the same time, M. VII had to reckon with another rebellion that had arisen in the East; Nikephoros Botaniates was proclaimed emperor there. There was also a strong party in the capital for him, consisting of clergy dissatisfied with the taking away of church property and many notable secular persons. Apparently, even some of M's relatives sympathized with Nikephoros. In March 1078, Nikephoros Botaniat approached Nicaea, and on the 25th of that month, many clerics and senators proclaimed him emperor in Constantinople. On March 31, the rebels occupied the palace; Mikhail was tonsured and sent to the Studion Monastery. See N. Skabalanovich, "The Byzantine state and the church in the 11th century." (St. Petersburg, 1884). M. VIII Palaiologos, from a famous family, starting with Alexy III, who was related to the royal house, after the death of Theodore Laskaris (1259), he attracted the upper classes, the army and the clergy to his side and, by common desire, in the rank of despot was called into the guardians of the infant John IV; on coins, M. was depicted with the baby John in his arms. He managed to achieve a solemn wedding with the imperial crown, but in advance he swore an oath to Patriarch Arseny that after John came of age he would give him the crown. First of all, M. turned against the main representative of Greek particularism, Despot Michael II Angel of Epirus, who made an alliance with Manfred, King of Sicily, and with Vilgarduen, Prince of Achaia. Skillfully taking advantage of the strife between the allies, M., with the help of his light cavalry from the Seljuks, Slavs, Cumans and Bithynian shooters, inflicted a terrible defeat on the Epirote militia at Pelagonia. The defeat of M.'s chief commander, Stratigopulus, at Tricorifus (1260) gave the despot the opportunity to defend Epirus itself, but the eastern parts of his state fell into M.'s hands; Vilgarduen was taken prisoner and ceded to M. part of his possessions. In 1260 M. personally undertook a campaign through the Hellespont, took the last Frankish fortresses and threatened Galata. In 1261, he concluded an agreement at Nympheon with the Genoese, who from 1255 fought against the Venetians in Syrian waters. Genoa undertook to help the Greeks with her fleet, and M. gave her for this free trade throughout the empire, almost all of Smyrna and lynching in many places; Venetians were expelled from all markets of the empire. In 1261, M.'s troops succeeded in capturing Constantinople; the Latin emperor Baldwin II fled, the brave resistance of a few Franks and Venetians was broken by the burning of their houses. The people rejoiced, contemporaries spoke of resurrection of the empire. The misfortunes of the empire, however, did not pass. In 1262, the news that M. ordered to blind John IV, led to an uprising in Bithynia. The same reason caused disagreement between M. and Patriarch Arseny, which ended with the exile of the latter and a number of confusions among the clergy. The very nature of M. has changed; he became a stern, suspicious despot. At the same time, it was necessary to resort to fiscal measures hated by the people to replenish the state treasury, depleted by the costs of restoring the plundered capital, for the army, etc. Requisitions became heavy and cruel; the emperor minted a bad coin, in which 15 parts of gold accounted for 9 parts of a different alloy. In 1265, Michael II of Epirus recognized the supremacy of M. When the Genoese made an attempt to change him, he expelled all the Italians from the capital in 1264 and since then, using the services of the Genoese and Venetians temporarily, did not give excessive advantages to either one or the other. When the blind John Laskaris fled to Charles of Anjou, who had taken possession of part of Albania, and Venice was preparing, together with the Pope, for war with M., the emperor decided to delay the danger by submitting to the Pope. On July 6, 1274, the ambassadors of M. at the cathedral in Lyon pronounced the creed according to the Western text and swore on behalf of the emperor to recognize the supremacy of the Pope. This "unia" aroused terrible displeasure among the people, which increased even more when Patriarch Joseph, for resisting the union, was deposed and replaced by Vekk. The successes of a skillful foreign policy only partly atoned for domestic failures. The Italians managed to take part of Euboea; in 1275 John Palaiologos won a naval victory over the Euboean patinas; Greek corsairs inflicted severe harm on the Franks on the islands; in 1281 the Greeks won a brilliant victory in Epirus over the Franco-Albanian army of Charles. The new Pope, Martin IV, turned out to be an enemy of M. and again tried to create a powerful league against Byzantium; M.'s diplomacy managed to avert this danger by concluding an alliance with Aragon. The Sicilian Vespers of 1282 completed the weakening of the worst enemy of Byzantium - Charles of Anjou. Unrest grew within the state. M.'s church policy and the burden of taxes hardened the population against him; from the arbitrariness and oppression of officials, many fled even to the Turkish region; the population looked indifferently at how the Turkish nomads moved to the region of the sources of Rindak, Makest and Meander. M. died in 1282 - M. IX Palaiologos, son of Andronicus II, during the life of his father received the title of emperor (1295) and wore it until his death (1320); unsuccessfully fought with the Turks; treacherously killing the leader of the Catalans who came to help Andronicus, he caused a devastating war with the empire.

Current page: 1 (total book has 8 pages) [available reading excerpt: 2 pages]

Pavel Bezobrazov
Michael - Emperor of Byzantium

I

In the bay of the Golden Horn, in a dilapidated house that stood alone on the seashore, two brothers were sitting. From the appearance of the elder, from the absence of vegetation, from the earthy complexion, one could guess that he was a eunuch. His impassive face was given some animation only by small narrow eyes, but their expression was unpleasant, roguish. The younger brother did not bear much resemblance to the elder: he was a tall, red-cheeked young man, of athletic build.

“Listen, Mikhail,” said the elder, “what a miserable situation you have, there’s nothing even to lie on ...

What to do, John! the younger objected. “Because you grew up here…

- Yes, but I have lost the habit of such simplicity since I live in the palace ... But that's not the point; I don't understand why you don't want to get a better job? Why do you refuse to enter the court?

When did I refuse? I only told you that it is unlikely that I will be given any position; I haven't received any education, I just know how to read, and if you give me something ancient, for example, Homer, I won't understand it.

“Hey, brother, how do you talk!” Who needs your education? Did I study philosophers or church fathers? And despite this, I am a royal sleeping bag and one of these days I will be entrusted with the supervision of the royal gyno 1
Ginekei - the women's section of the palace.

“You are a clever person, you know how to speak…” drawled the younger one.

“But you have another advantage, much more valuable - beauty, and beauty is everything at the present moment, it is most valued in the palace. I came to offer you something. One of these days you will be given the rank of protospafarius 2
Protospafarius is the first sword-bearer.

And on this occasion, you must introduce yourself to the king and queen. You know that the autocrat Romam honors me with his gracious attention; I told him about you and he already ordered to cook chrisovul 3
Chrysovul - a royal charter, sealed with a golden seal

By which you are affirmed in the rank of protospafarius. Prepare to come with me to the palace next week.

"Can't we do without it, John?" I will be at a loss in the presence of the emperor and empress.

No, it's etiquette. You're a freak, right! Do you seem to want to give up your well-being? Haven't you heard of Empress Zoe? Here, I hope no one can hear us?

John slightly opened the door and, making sure that no one was around, continued:

- You know, of course, that although Tsarina Zoya is fifty years old, she is overwhelmed with passions; until the age of 48, she kept her virginity, and then only her father, autocrat Constantine of blessed memory, married her to the now prosperous reigning Roman. But the emperor is old and, moreover, has antipathy for Zoya. And now, as the wise philosophers say, her striving has turned to the non-existent, and now you could make a passionately desired existent out of this non-existent ...

- What are you, John! I can't and it's scary...

“That’s enough, brother, everything will work itself out. Here is money for you, sew yourself a dress, which is decent to wear a protospafaria, and hope for the help of the Almighty. Listen to what I have to say to you. This night a certain man appeared to me in bright clothes and said: "Everything will belong to your brother Michael" and disappeared.

I don't understand, John.

- You do not understand? John asked, and narrowing his eyes, he looked at his brother with such a picaresque look that a shiver ran through Mikhail's body. - You do not understand? "Everything" means the universe, the universe will belong to you.

– The universe belongs to the God-given Byzantine king.

– You probably know, Mikhail, that every baby, leaving the womb, has a special expression and that this expression can be used to predict his fate. When you were just born, there was a special gleam in your eyes and a radiance was seen around your head.

Mikhail's right eye and cheek began to twitch nervously; this was always done to him when he was in great agitation. Noticing the impression he had made, John continued:

- If you want to know the future, I can show you two surest ways, or turn to the miraculous icon of Blachernae, or to the prophetess Dosithea, the one who walks with the monks of Chios. Well, that's enough, I have to go, take me.

The brothers left the house and walked towards the Grand Palace. They walked in silence. Parting, John pointed to St. Sophia and whispered to his brother: "Look, what a majestic dome, reaching almost to the sky. All this will be yours." Mikhail returned home puzzled, his thoughts were confused, his brother's words seemed strange and, at the same time, the young man felt that, perhaps, he really had a bright future ahead of him. “Didn’t the current reigning emperor Roman,” he thought, “get on the throne by chance, just because Zoya was married to him? Zoya is the last offspring of the Macedonian house, the fate of the empire is in her hands.”

When it began to get dark, he went to the church of the Blachernae Mother of God; at the entrance he was met by a familiar monk. Mikhail explained to him that at the end of Vespers he was going to pray to the miraculous icon and learn from her the future. The icon, well known to all the inhabitants of Constantinople, was placed to the right of the royal doors and was covered with a curtain, so that it was impossible to see the face of the Virgin. But once a week, on Fridays, after the Vespers, a miracle happened: the veil opened by itself and the divine face appeared to those praying. This was considered a good omen; a miracle could also appear at an unusual time through prayer.

As soon as the service ended, Michael stood up in front of the icon and fervently prayed to the Mother of God to reveal a miracle, if something extraordinary should really happen to him. A few minutes later, he noticed that the veil was shaking, as if the wind had blown on it, and Michael saw before him the merciful face of the Mother of God.

Michael left the church in the most joyful frame of mind. Now he had no doubt that he would occupy a high position. Thank God, he will finally come out of poverty. Before him appeared pictures one another more fantastic. It seemed to him that he was standing in the midst of a crowd and this whole crowd of thousands was falling on their knees before him. It reaches his ears! "... for many, many years." He rests on a velvet couch and is embraced and caressed by a beauty in a diadem and purple...

He was going home, but somehow, unnoticed by himself, he found himself at a tavern called "Sweet Food". “Is it possible to come in?” thought Mikhail. “Perhaps it is indecent, I will soon be a dignitary. He lifted the curtain that replaced the outer door and entered. He was greeted with a friendly smile by the owner of the tavern, Alexander.

- Good evening, brother Alexander, how are you? Your belly keeps growing and growing.

- And everything from worries, brother Michael.

- Well, yes, from worries ... What worries do you have? There is only one thing - to mix more water into the wine.

"That's how you talk, you ungrateful people!" I fight all day, feed you and sing, and how do you respond to this? Say: innkeeper! .. There is no more contemptible word; an innkeeper is the same as a thief, a rogue. He is not allowed anywhere, the court does not recognize his evidence, well, is that fair?

- That's it, brother Alexander, I've heard it many times. Pour some better Maroon wine, but tell me something funny.

- You must have got money that you drink maroon.

- Come on, get it! Mikhail answered cheerfully and took out a gold coin from his pocket.

Mikhail drank half of the goblet served to him in one gulp.

- Tell me, brother Alexander, how is the health of your daughter, the beautiful Anastaso?

- But what is she doing? .. She is healthy, but she is of no use.

“What good is it to you?”

- It is known which one, - the girl is 16 years old, it would be time to get married long ago. But who will take it?

“You are joking, dear Alexander; if they don't take such people, who will they marry?

“Well, what are you pretending to be?” As if you don't know that only a notorious swindler would agree to become the husband of an innkeeper's daughter. I don’t dream about it, I’m not so stupid, I don’t ask for that ...

“Listen, Alexander, Anastaso…” Mikhail suddenly stammered.

What is Anastaso?

I mean, she's beautiful.

- Yes, you already said that.

– No, I wanted to ask if she is well?

- You already asked that.

- I'm not talking about that. Has she gone somewhere from Constantinople?

"Dude, where can she go?" Hey Anastaso, come here!

Michael praised Anastaso's beauty for a reason. No one could resist the burning look of her black eyes. It was impossible to look indifferently at her thick black braid. Her figure, as if sculpted, resembled the statues of ancient masters that adorned the squares of Constantinople. Only her hands - too large - betrayed her far from aristocratic origin.

“Greetings to you, Anastaso,” Mikhail said, stood up and bowed.

“Welcome,” the girl replied and, nodding her head slightly, stood in a corner and lowered her eyes.

Mikhail finished his wine, looked at Anastaso, blushed, looked at Alexander, who was counting the money, looked again at Anastaso, who did not raise her eyes, and could not start a conversation. He wanted to tell a lot, but he did not know where to start, and, most importantly, he was embarrassed by the presence of the innkeeper.

- Why are you silent? Alexander said with a yawn. I am silent because I want to sleep. You would go to that room, and I'll lie down here.

“Let's go,” Mikhail said almost in a whisper, and the young people, throwing back the curtain that separated the tavern from the living room, went out.

II

- How do you live, lovely Anastaso? Mikhail asked when the young people were alone.

“Bad, Mikhail,” the young girl replied. Can't you see that my eyes are weeping? It's all the father's fault. Of course, we should have respect for our parents and obey them, but always?

- I think always. Of course, if the father orders something illegal, then you can disobey.

- That's what it is. And you can't imagine what father wants to do to me. Yesterday Peter Ikanat came to us, you know, that nasty man whose nostrils were torn out for some crime. He was sent by the wealthy Genoese merchant Rufini; he came to us two times and saw me. My father whispered to this Peter for a long time and then ordered me to talk to him. He was drunk, he smelled terribly of wine, and it was terrible to look at his crimson face and bulging eyes, he spoke incoherently, but for a long time. I did not understand everything, at every step he repeated that I was beautiful, that Rufini was rich. I refused to continue this conversation, I asked my father to drive him away. He left but said he would be back soon. Father, instead of standing up for me, began to scold me. According to him, I am a proud woman who is destined to die in poverty ...

The young girl had tears in her eyes; she stepped aside and covered her face with her hands.

Michael went up to her, hugged her and said:

– Do not be sad, dear Anastaso, better times will come soon. I will finally come out of poverty, and then, oh, then ... Listen to what I will tell you. My brother John assigns me to the service. I will be given the rank of protospafarius and then they will call me to the palace for royal feasts, the king himself will give me a rug 4
Ruga - a salary issued once a year to persons who had some rank.

After all, this is only the beginning, and who knows what awaits me ahead? Look, I had a dream, a strange dream. I saw, it’s even scary to say, as if I was sitting on a throne, as if there were a sea of ​​​​heads around me, these heads bowed, and behind me some people with axes, with spears ...

- Oh, your dream is terrible! Anastaso interrupted him. - He's not good.

- So what's wrong with that? It only means that I will not remain in obscurity for a century.

So much the worse for me. You will be an important dignitary, then you will not enter our tavern and you will forget Anastaso.

- Of course, I won’t go to the tavern, but I will never forget you. Is it possible to forget you, your eyes, all your captivating beauty? Whoever saw you at least once, your image is forever imprinted in his soul. No, dear Anastaso, you are as beautiful as the sky, your look is like the rays of the sun - I will not give you to anyone, to anyone!

– Yes, and there is no one to give me, Michael; who marries the daughter of a despicable innkeeper?

- It's true. But I came up with one thing. Someone can adopt you, then you will no longer be Anastaso, the daughter of the innkeeper Alexander, but will be the daughter of some titled person.

There are no crazy people who would do such a stupid thing.

“You are inexperienced, Anastaso. They won’t do anything for money – if only there was gold, it can do anything. Believe me, when I am noble and rich, everything will change, and then you will know what I can do.

Footsteps were heard in the next room.

“It must be him,” Anastaso said, turning pale, and clung to Mikhail.

- Who is he?

“Yes, Peter,” the girl whispered.

"Sit here, I'll go and have a look."

Michael went out into the tavern and really saw in front of him Peter Ikanat, whom everyone knew in Constantinople. There was something terrible in his brutal physiognomy, and the mutilated nose was terrifying.

What do you need, Peter? Michael asked.

– What do you need? Peter spoke in a rough voice.

- Alexander is sleeping and asked me to stay here instead of him if someone comes.

“Well, you can't do what I need from Alexander.

- And maybe I can ... Tell me, why did you come?

They tell you you can't. First, he always brings me wine and does not take money for it.

- Well, so what? Come on, drink! Michael handed him a full goblet. - Yes, look what wine, Maroon, is the best.

Peter drank greedily, but still did not want to say why he had come. However, after the second cup, his tongue loosened:

“I probably don’t need Alexander, but I want to get to his daughter Anastaso.

- She's gone, she went to the village, to her aunt, and will stay there for three days.

- How do you know that?

Yes, Alexander told me.

- You're lying, maybe - why do you need to know what Anastaso is doing?

- Why you asking?

- I have been given an assignment, I can make a tidy sum, and this will not hurt at the present time.

- I do not understand.

- What are you pretending to be? It's a well-known case, and you must be familiar with it. And yet, you don't have any money.

- Yes or no, and you tell me what you need from a girl?

- I don’t need anything, but one rich man needs, and not just anything, but everything.

- Well, now I understand. It's a good thing, I wish you success. But today you can't do anything anyway. Anastaso is not at home.

- No, it's not. I'll be back in three days. I have another business nearby, it will be easier there, there is no such stubbornness. Farewell, I never asked your name; thank you for the treat, see you sometime, maybe I'll be useful to you. Don't forget Peter Ikanat.

With these words, he left, and Michael felt relieved. He was always afraid that Peter would not believe him, that he would go into the next room and see Anastaso there.

- Gone? Anastaso asked, sticking her head out from behind the curtain.

“Gone, and for at least three days, will leave you alone.

The young people sat on the bed.

- Do you feel good with me? Mikhail said almost in a whisper, drawing Anastaso to him. - Good?

“Yes,” the girl replied. She wanted to say something else, but she could not, because Mikhail covered her lips with kisses. The girl felt terribly from these hugs, experienced for the first time. Some kind of sweet excitement seized her, her head was spinning, she ceased to understand what was happening to her ... Something fell in the tavern, and she suddenly remembered herself, jumped out of bed.

“What if your father woke up?” I heard some noise.

“Nothing,” Mikhail said, but, nevertheless, he went to make sure. Alexander was lying in the same place and snoring all over the room. “Alexander,” he shouted, “wake up!”

But the innkeeper didn't even move.

“We are completely safe,” Mikhail said, returning to Anastaso, “your father sleeps so that no demons can wake him up.”

He sat Anastaso back on the bed.

“Tell me, Michael, how is the rank of protospafarius given? she began.

But Mikhail did not want to talk, and he was generally not able to conduct a coherent conversation. From time to time fragmentary exclamations broke out from him:

- Oh, how beautiful you are! What wonderful eyes! You are mine, I won't give you up!

The moon had just risen and looked right through the window. Anastaso lay on the bed, pale as a sheet, her eyes closed. Mikhail stood with his back to her, leaning his head against the wall. After standing like that for some time in a kind of stupor, the young man seemed to remember something, went up to Anastaso, kissed her, and silently left the room.

At the very moment when he passed by the innkeeper, he woke up. When he saw Michael, he asked:

- How long did I sleep?

“No, very little,” Mikhail lied. - Goodbye.

“Wait, I didn’t have time to talk.

- Yes, what to talk about?

- Look how proud you are! Tell me, did you talk to Anastaso?

- Yes, that is, no, only two words, I did not have time. Then a visitor came, I poured wine for him. On you for two goblets,” and he handed the innkeeper a silver coin.

- Thanks to. That's what you are, reason with my daughter.

- Reason ... how to reason with her? Well, I'll go.

Mikhail went home in a special mood: he was both ashamed of something and sweet.

The cold night air sobered him up and he began to wonder what he should do. Marry? He has wanted this for a long time. But to marry the daughter of an innkeeper is shameful, it can only be done by some rogue like Alexander or Peter Ikanat.

Mikhail remembered the brutal face without nostrils and shuddered. After all, he will not be an official today or tomorrow, maybe he will get a job. It will be necessary to consult with John, he lives at court and knows all the rules, he is smart and, of course, he will not advise bad people. The closer he got to the house, the more he tried to convince himself that he was less to blame than Anastaso. Like she didn't want it? Why did she forget women's modesty? It was the devil who possessed her and deceived him. However, well, let, in fact, some dignitary adopt her, then you can get married.

Arriving home, Mikhail lay down, but he could not sleep. He had a fever, various visions flashed through his head, and he did not know whether it was a dream or reality. Anastaso was in the foreground, but behind her was another woman who haunted him. “What do you need this girl, the daughter of a despicable innkeeper?” she said. “I am noble and rich, I can do anything, I will exalt you.”

He could hear Anastaso's sobs and the laughter of that other woman dressed in purple, adorned with gold bracelets and precious stones.

"Who are you?" he asked, rising up on the bed and trying to make out that face, which he seemed to see, but which he could not remember.

There was no answer; Exhausted, he sank back into bed. Suddenly, both women disappeared, and he saw that some kind of spirits with the faces of ugly old women were flying everywhere. “Kill him, kill him!” they sang in unison.

III

When Michael woke up, he still couldn't calm down. He remembered visions and could not understand them. There must be some meaning to them. So, without a reason, nothing happens. This is a prediction. Yesterday's incident worried him even more. It's a sin, a grave sin, whatever you say. Don't fix it; you need to pray for him, you need to repent. Mikhail decided to go to confession and thereby relieve his soul.

Around noon, a court servant came to him, sent by his brother John. He said that the decree on granting him, Michael, the rank of protospafarius had already been written in the imperial office. Today, the dignitary in charge of the royal inkwell will present the document for signing to the emperor, and he will imprint his name on it. Sleeping bag John asks Michael to be ready, as at any moment he can be called to the palace. This news made Michael very happy, but he can’t come to the palace in this chiton, in which he walks at home. He immediately went to the merchants of Asia Minor to pick up suitable material for himself. But since he was little versed in these matters, he went for his friend Constantine Psellos. He was a 17-year-old boy, the son of very poor parents, but despite this, he received a good education. Psellos took Michael to a merchant he knew, chose fabric for him, and even asked his mother Theodota to sew a dress for Michael, as she was an excellent craftswoman and cut and sewed beautifully.

Three days later new news came from the palace. The emperor agreed to enroll Michael in the imperial office, so that he would immediately receive both the rank and the place. This was on Tuesday, but on Thursday he was ordered to appear at the palace, where he was to receive the rank of protospafarius from the hands of the king.

On Thursday, at three o'clock, Michael was in the palace. Here John met him and explained to him everything that needed to be done. Michael was so timid that he would be ready to give up his place and rank, if only he would not introduce himself to the king.

- What nonsense! John said. “I spoke a lot about you to the emperor. If you make any awkwardness and make a mistake in something, the autocrat will forgive you, as you are not yet accustomed to ceremony. Come on, the ceremony is about to begin.

John led his brother into a small hall and said to him: "Stay here until they come for you, and I need to take my place in the royal retinue." Mikhail was left alone in the empty hall; several minutes of painful waiting passed, and finally the silver doors leading from the room where Michael stood to the front hall, called the chrysotricline, opened.

Michael entered and was struck by the splendor of the hall. The entire floor was covered with a mosaic of multi-colored stone, it depicted flowers and trees. In the middle of the hall, on a golden throne, sat the emperor Roman in a purple robe studded with stones, in purple shoes, with a scepter in his hand. Behind him stood his honor guard, axes slung over their shoulders. To the right and left of the throne, courtiers and dignitaries were seated in a semicircle.

As soon as they took a few steps around the hall, Michael knelt down and bowed to the king. Then he was brought almost to the throne itself. “With the fear of God, justly and impartially,” the emperor told him, “correct the position entrusted to you. Never deviate from the law in anything, remember that for every injustice you have done here, you will be rewarded a hundredfold in the next world. Be be considerate and kind to your colleagues, be respectful to your superiors, do not take illegal bribes, remember the commandments of God, keep them, and good will be."

To this, Michael answered, as his brother had taught him: “God-crowned, most powerful, most divine king and autocrat! Like the sun you shine in the sky, you illuminate and warm with your rays the entire universe subject to you. You are an example of unspeakable kindness, you are an example of supreme justice; we will imitate this lofty model, although it is beyond the reach of us mortals, let us try to become like you, the most philanthropic king, the most just king, the king who stands above all, superior in virtue to the great Constantine.

After that, the king again said to him, rising from the throne: "In the name of the Lord, my God-given kingship favors you with asikrit" 5
Asikrit - an official, an employee of the office.

The king sat down, and Michael fell on his face, bowed again, and, going up to the throne, knelt down again and kissed the emperor's foot.

Logothete 6
Logothete is the first minister in the Byzantine Empire.

He announced loudly: “Our holy king, led by God, granted Michael to the asikrits!” All the courtiers said in chorus many years to the emperor, and then “many years to Asikrit Michael.”

Logothete brought to the king on a silver platter a gold chain adorned with precious stones. The emperor personally laid the chain on Michael. The Logothete proclaimed that the tsar would honor Michael with the rank of protospafarius, and again they sang many years. The king descended from his throne and, accompanied by his retinue, went into the bedroom adjoining the chrysothriklip.

- Well, are you satisfied? John asked as he walked out with his brother after the ceremony.

“Now I’m happy that it’s all over, but it wasn’t okay. What a beautiful chain! - Mikhail, like a child, could not tear himself away from the gold glittering on his chest. – Can I wear this jewelry all the time?

- Yes, you are right. After all, this chain is the sign assigned to the rank of protospafarius. But no one wears it at home, it is worn only in the palace and in general on solemn occasions. Well, now follow me, you must report to the Empress.

At this time, one of the sleeping eunuchs came and reported:

– The Sovereign Empress is waiting for the Asikrit and Protospafarius Michael.

John led his brother to the gynecium, to the women's half of the palace, he led him into the hall where the empress was sitting, and, bowing low, left. Queen Zoya sat on an armchair with an elongated high back; it was the throne she sat on when she received guests.

Mikhail bowed from the waist and said the learned phrase: “I greet you, the most powerful queen, you, the faithful companion of the great king, the moon of our sun, casting her soft light on him and on us. I marvel at your beauty, not only bodily, but mental and spiritual. If Homer or Hesiod were present here, even they would not be able to sing your virtues; there are no words to express your kindness, the purity of your thoughts, the loftiness of your soul, all your charms moral and physical. mortals, I am silent, wishing you, most powerful, wisest, most humane queen, to reign and prosper for many, many years.

“You speak very well, Protospatharios Michael,” Zoya replied to this greeting. “I am glad that the autocrat honored you with a rank. We have known your brother for a long time - a worthy, good man. And knowing him, we also feel affection for you.

“Thank you, sovereign empress,” Mikhail said, bowing. He was afraid to look closely at Zoya, but he wanted to get a better look at her, because it seemed to him that she looked like the woman he had seen in a dream.

“Tell me, Archpriest Michael,” the queen continued, “the king granted you asikrit, as I was told, what will be your duties?”

Michael blushed in embarrassment. He did not know at all what duties the asikrit had, but he found himself and said:

- My service is not easy, but, in any case, honorable, for it was entrusted to me by the autocrat. The main duty of the official is to carry out the will of the king; I will take care of this first of all and hope to earn the royal favor.

- Try and you can be sure that we will not leave you. The autocrat is philanthropic and he lavishes his favors on the deserving. In such a beautiful body as yours, there must be a beautiful soul. Are you satisfied with your fate, Michael?

- Approaching the kings is bliss, how can I not thank fate?

“You will see something else, Protospafarius Michael. At the same time, Zoya threw a tender look at the young man. “Know,” she continued, “that we are always ready to receive you and contribute to your happiness. When you have any need for us, warn your brother John about it and he will report to us. Now go in peace, mindful of our words.

Michael bowed and left. Zoya wanted to talk with him longer - she really liked Mikhail's ruddy cheeks and stately growth, but etiquette did not allow this. She clapped her hands three times and her close patrician Eustratia entered the room.

- Are the braziers ready? she asked the newcomer.

“Everything is ready, sovereign queen.

– Have they brought ambergris, aloe and other fragrances from the east?

- No, they didn’t, but there is still a residue of ambergris and aloe.

- This is terrible, this is again some kind of intrigue of the king. He finds that I spend too much money on fragrances. He forgets that I am the daughter of the great Constantine, that he came to the throne and can manage the state treasury only because I agreed to marry him.

– The autocrat is old and cannot understand the desires and aspirations of the queen.

– Yes, you are right, Eustratia, but this is irreparable.

“Queen, there is nothing irreparable in the world; what has happened can be destroyed.

“It’s better not to think about unpleasant things. I now had Michael, the brother of our John.

- Heard about him. What, what is he?

- Handsome, very handsome; it looks like the statue of Achilles that stands in the emperor's bedroom. Do you know Konstantin Monomakh? Everyone considers him handsome, and Mikhail is no worse than him. Only he is very young.

Well, that's an advantage. Will he be twenty years old?

- Twenty? Yes, but no more. Well, let's go, Evstratia, it's time to get down to business.

Braziers were placed in the next room, and the empress, surrounded by court ladies, began to prepare aromas.