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Michael V ( 1015August 24 , 1042 ), called '''Calaphates''' (in Greek Μιχαήλ Καλαφάτης, meaning "the Caulker"), was the nephew and successor as Byzantine Emperor of Michael IV and adoptive son of his wife Zoë . His surname reflected the early occupation of his father.

He owed his elevation on December 10 , 1041 to his uncle John The Eunuch , whom he almost immediately Banish ed to a Monastery . On the night of April 18 to April 19 , 1042 he also banished his adoptive mother and co-ruler Zoe as well, becoming the sole Emperor. His announcement of the event in the morning led to a popular revolt; he was dethroned after a brief reign of four months, blinded, castrated, and relegated to a monastery. He died there August 24, 1042. His unpopularity seems largely due to his attempts at Administrative Reform , which were strongly resented by the dominant classes, while the lower classes considered him a common usurper.


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