MICHAEL IV., The Paphlagonian, Emperor of Constantinople, was raised to the throne in 1034 by Zoe, daughter of Constantine IX., the last of the Macedonian dynasty. This princess was married to Romanus III.; but becoming enamoured of Michael, her chamberlain, she poisoned her husband, and married her attendant. He, however, being of a weak character, and subject to epileptic fits, possessed the supreme power only in name, and was a mere instrument in the hands of his brother John. During his reign the Bulgarians made an incursion into Thrace and Macedonia, and Constantinople itself was in no small danger; but the indolent and infirm emperor, much to the surprise of friends and foes, put himself at the head of the army, and gained a victory, which compelled the invaders to retire. Michael returned in triumph to Constantinople, and shortly after died in 1041, after a reign of seven years.