1041 Michael drives them back and brings the country again to Byzantine rule. Death of Michael. Zoe attempts to rule alone, but finds herself unequal to the task. She adopts her husband’s nephew, Michael (V) Calaphates, and makes him emperor. He expels Zoe. At his imprudent acts the people rise in rebellion.
1042 After a fierce battle between the people of Constantinople and the adherents of Michael, the latter and his uncle flee. Zoe and her sister Theodora are proclaimed co-empresses. Zoe has the eyes of Michael and his uncle put out. Jealous of her sister, Zoe marries Constantine (X) Monomachus. Rebellion of Maniaces, brother of Constantine’s mistress Sclerena. He is murdered in the midst of his camp.
1043 Invasion of the Russians; driven back after a defeat by Catacalon.
1045 Successful war with Cacicus, vassal king of Armenia and Iberia, ending in destruction of his kingdom.
1047 Rebellion of Tornicius.
1048 The Patzinaks invade the empire with a large army. Attack of the Seljuk Turks under Toghril. Indecisive battle of Capetron.
1050 Toghril retires to Persia. Death of Zoe.
1052 Second invasion of Toghril.
1053 The Patzinaks driven back to their own territory.