1054 The great schism between the Greek and Roman churches begins. Death of Michael. Theodora reigns alone.
1056 Death of Theodora, after appointing Michael (VI) Stratioticus her successor. Attempt of Theodosius Monomachus to seize throne.
1057 Battle of Hades. Defeat of Michael by Isaac Comnenus and Catacalon.
DECLINE AND FALL OF THE BYZANTINE GOVERNMENT (1057-1204 A.D.)
1057 Isaac (I) Comnenus proclaimed emperor. Michael retires to a monastery. The emperor introduces a system of great economy into all branches of the government.
1059 Invasion of the northern frontier by Hungarians and Patzinaks. Treaty of peace concluded. Isaac, after a severe illness, resigns crown into the hands of Constantine (XI) Ducas. Through motives of economy the latter materially reduces the size of the army.
1060-1064 Toghril Beg and Alp Arslan invade the empire from Mesopotamia. Ani captured, 1064.
1064 The Uzes, a nomad Turkish tribe, invade from the north. They are driven back by outbreak of the plague.
1067 Death of Constantine. The imperial title conferred on his young sons, Michael (VII) Ducas Parapinaces Andronicus, and Constantine (XII) Ducas. The empress Eudocia is regent. She marries Romanus (IV) Diogenes, who is proclaimed as emperor. Great ravage of the Turks. Massacre of Cæsarea.
1068-1069 Successful campaign of Romanus against the Turks.