Emperor Michael 3. Dark times and secrets of the Byzantine Empire

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.

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 reigning Emperor Romanus," 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, Mikhail; 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.

In 410 AD Rome was taken by the Visigoths September 4, 476 the leader of the Germans Odoacer forced the last emperor Western Roman empire Romulus Augustus abdicate the throne. Thus ended the centuries-old dominion of Rome.

After the Western Roman Empire fell, The Eastern Roman Empire - Byzantium, with its capital in Constantinople, existed for another 1000 years. The Byzantine court soon became known as a real hotbed of intrigue and secrets and a place of merciless struggle for the throne. Nobody could trust anyone.

Emperor Constant II

Murders. The Byzantines have always believed that an unpopular ruler can be replaced, a number of emperors died a violent death. Byzantine Emperor Constant II beaten to death with a soap dish while taking a bath. Constant II (November 7, 630 - September 15, 668) - Byzantine emperor in 641-668, son of Constantine III, grandson of Heraclius I. Constant II came to power by eliminating his stepmother Martina and uncle Heraklon.

Byzantine Emperor Michael III Drunkard - the last ruler of the Amorite Macedonian dynasty, ruled in 840-867, the son and successor of Emperor Theophilus (821-842). Officially received power at the age of four. After 856, the policy of the court was determined by the uncle of the emperor, Varda (from 862 - Caesar) . Second uncle of Tsar Michael, strategos of the Thracian Theme Petrona, was engaged in military affairs.

Michael III took little part in politics, preferring rude pleasures to public affairs: drunkenness, hunting, running, masquerades. On September 23, 867, the conspirators, led by their perfidious friend and co-ruler Vasily, broke into the emperor's bedchamber with swords. Vasilevs Michael III, covered in blood, trying to defend himself, lost both hands from a blow with a sword.

Emperor Nikephoros Phocas , the son of the commander Varda Foki the Elder, ruled in 963-969, was warned of a conspiracy and ordered to search the palace, but his wife Queen Theophano hid the killers in her bedroom, where the guards could not enter. In December 969 Nicephorus was brutally murdered in his own palace by John Tzimisces and a group of conspirators. At midnight the emperor's corpse was secretly taken to the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Emperor of the Byzantine Empire Leo V Armenian (Levon Artsruni - July 11, 813 - December 25, 820). He came from a noble Armenian family Artsruni, for which he received the nickname "Armenian". Repelled the Bulgarian attack on Constantinople. When the evening festive Christmas service began, Leo stood next to the singers and sang along with them. At this time, the conspirators rushed at him, but the Emperor managed to hide in the altar, grabbed the chain from the censer, and then the cross, he tried to defend himself. There were many conspirators, and they inflicted many wounds on Leo, killed him and cut off his head.

Disfigurement as a way to fight competitors.

The Byzantines believed that a disfigured person could not claim the throne. As a result, emperors often mutilated their rivals rather than killed them. The most popular ways to disfigure a person were blinding, as well as cutting off the nose and tongue. In later years, castration became the most common practice. In a sense, self-mutilation was considered more humane. For example, John IV Laskaris lived for 40 years after he was blinded. Empress Irina blinded her own rebellious son in the room where she gave birth to him. The young man died from his wounds a short time later. However, sometimes injuries did not interfere with actually ruling the country. Basil Lecapenus was castrated as a child so that he would not claim the throne. But Basil became a “grey eminence” and actually ruled Byzantium through several puppet emperors. Noseless Emperor Justinian II.

The Byzantine Emperor Justinian II was first deposed in 695 AD. The rebels cut off his nose and cut his tongue down the center to the base before exiling him to the Crimea. Justinian fled to the lands of the Khazars and began to make plans for a return to power. The new emperor bribed the Khazars to kill their guest, but Justinian was warned about this, and he personally strangled the killers, and then fled to Bulgaria in a fishing boat.

Having concluded an alliance with the Bulgarian Khan, Justinian returned to Constantinople, entered the city with his soldiers through the sewers and brutally avenged his enemies. Returning to the throne, he ruled for another six years. Appearing in public, he put on a golden nose and spoke through an interpreter who learned to understand the gurgling that the emperor issued with a cut tongue.

Emperor Justinian was so cruel that in 711 he was again overthrown, only this time he was not exiled, but killed.

Intrigues as part of Constantinople.

At the imperial court in Constantinople, an atmosphere of secrets and intrigue reigned. Everyone fought for influence - from eunuchs to courtiers, and the empire, in fact, was often ruled by favorites of emperors. For example, in the 9th century, the eunuch Staurakios helped Empress Irene depose and blind her son. Staurakios himself was soon removed from informal power by the eunuch Etios, who schemed to make his brother emperor. But Ethios also failed to defend himself against Nicephorus, the finance minister, who organized the coup? and he himself reigned as emperor until he was killed by the Bulgarians. This atmosphere of intrigue reigned until the fall of Constantinople.

Civil War.

In the ninth century, Michael 1 Rangave was forced to abdicate under pressure from three of his generals: Leo the Armenian, Michael the Amorian, and Thomas the Slav. Leo became emperor in 813, but in 820 he was killed during a Christmas service by the followers of Michael the Amorian. Thomas the Slav rebelled against Michael, sparking a massive civil war that greatly weakened the empire, which was waging war against the Arabs. Similar problems arose in the 10th century, when the rebellion of Varda Fok was put down by the general Varda Skleros. But the eunuch Vasily Lekapinus began another uprising, secretly freeing Fock from prison and supporting him in the war against Skliros. Although Phoka defeated Skliros, later the three of them and Lakapin united against the young Basil II Bulgar-Slayer. But internal strife between them led to the fact that Vasily II took the throne.

Crimson kids.

The Byzantines considered lilac and purple as imperial colors, so only members of the imperial family were allowed to wear clothes of such colors. In the end, the emperor ordered the construction of a special room with walls made of porphyry, a purple-colored stone. Imperial children born in this room were called "Purple-born". It was considered very prestigious and such children were not supposed to marry outside the empire, although the Kyiv prince Vladimir demanded a purple-born bride as a price for military assistance and the conversion of Russia to Christianity.

Porphyrogenitus enjoyed a very large support of ordinary people. For example, when Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus was overthrown at a young age, the status of Porphyrogenitus protected him, and he was also allowed to remain as co-ruler for 24 years.

Riots

The inhabitants of Constantinople, the greatest city on Earth, were not afraid to express their opinions, and often not in the most peaceful way. It is known how fans of the "blue" and "green" chariot racing teams rebelled against Justinian I. The emperor was already ready to flee the city, but he remained in power thanks to his wife Theodora, who declared that she would rather die as an empress than live, like a commoner. The rebels were soon killed. However, not all unrest destabilized the empire. Thus, one particularly bloody civil war actually ended thanks to a prison riot. When the great duka Alexei Apokavk was inspecting his new prison, the political prisoners rebelled and killed him, after which Apokavk's supporters stopped the struggle for power.
Byzantine eunuchs.

Eunuchs in the Byzantine state could be found in any position: from court priests to generals. They were usually perceived as harmless, unpretentious people, since eunuchs did not have children who could inherit their status. However, eunuchs were not always "harmless". For example, John Orfanotrof (caretaker of the Constantinople orphanage) became famous for playing a key role in the reign of the emperors Roman III (1028-1034) and his brother Michael IV (1034-1041).

Castration was illegal in the empire. Therefore, many eunuchs were originally slaves, who were castrated outside the empire at a young age, and only then brought to Byzantium. But there were also cases when impoverished Byzantine parents castrated their sons in the hope that when these boys grow up, they will be provided with lucrative positions at court.

Byzantine passions.

Several contemporary sources claimed that eunuchs were often used as sex slaves. It was officially banned, and the church went out of its way to find a way to stop the practice without directly condemning slavery (and thus the emperor). The problem is illustrated in the writings of the 10th century saint Andrew the Shut, who wrote that "... if a slave does not obey, then he will be punished ...". But Andrew insisted that "if the slaves do not support the disgusting passions of their masters, then they are thrice blessed, for they can be considered martyrs."

Emperors and revolutionaries.

In 1341, the empire experienced another civil war. The new emperor was nine years old, and his father's friend John VI Kantakouzenos was appointed regent. The boy's mother Anna of Savoy and the great duka Alexei Apokavk formed an alliance against the usurper regent, which caused a massive conflict. But suddenly, in the city of Thessaloniki, an anti-aristocratic political group of ordinary people seized power and started a movement for the autonomy of the city. These revolutionaries, who called themselves "zealots", defended the rights of the poor and often attacked rich people, killing them. A council of fanatical zealots ruled Thessalonica during the civil war. Although they swore allegiance to the great duke Alexios Apokavkos, the zealots remained hostile to the aristocracy and eventually asserted their independence by killing his son. The revolution was put down only after John VI Kantakouzenos became emperor.

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 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. The 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

Pavel Bezobrazov

Michael - Emperor of Byzantium

“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…

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

“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, and on this occasion you should 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 the preparation of khrisovul, with which you are confirmed 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:

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

I don't understand, John.

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

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:

- 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 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?

“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!

“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.