Michael V was Byzantine emperor for four months in 1041–1042, the nephew and successor of Michael IV and the adoptive son of his wife, the Empress Zoe.
Background
He was popularly called "the Caulker" (Καλαφάτης, Kalaphates) in accordance with his father"s original occupation. Michael V was the son of Stephen by Maria, a sister of Emperor Michael IV. His father had been a caulker before becoming an admiral under Michael IV and botching an expedition to Sicily.
Career
On 10 December 1041, Michael V succeeded to the throne. Michael now reversed his uncle"s decisions, recalling the nobles and courtiers who had been exiled during the previous reign, including the future patriarch Michael Keroularios and the general George Maniakes. Maniakes was promptly sent back to Southern Italy in order to contain the advance of the Normans.
His announcement of the event in the morning led to a popular revolt.
The palace was surrounded by a mob demanding Zoe"s immediate restoration. Although he had taken monastic vows, Michael was arrested, blinded, and castrated.
He died as a monk on 24 August 1042.