MICHAEL VII., Parapinaces, Emperor of Constantinople, was the son of Constantine XI., and was appointed by his father in 1067 joint emperor along with his brothers Andronicus and Constantine. Michael, however, was in reality sole emperor, as his brothers were contented with mere empty titles and honours; but he was by no means fitted for the duties of his station, being a man of narrow mind, and a dabbler in philosophy and rhetoric. At length two generals of the name of Nicephorus, surnamed Bryennius and Botaniates, simultaneously rebelled against him, when Michael in 1078 resigned the purple, and retired into a monastery. He was afterwards made Archbishop of Ephesus.