Editing 1056 (section)

==== Byzantine Empire ====
* [[August 31]] &ndash; Empress [[Theodora Porphyrogenita (11th century)|Theodora]] (a sister of the former Empress [[Zoë Porphyrogenita|Zoë]]) dies after a 18-month reign, by a sudden illness at [[Constantinople]]. She is succeeded by [[Michael VI Bringas]] ("the Old"), who had served as [[Logothetes tou stratiotikou|military finance minister]] under the former Emperor [[Romanos III Argyros|Romanos III]]. Michael is appointed through the influence of [[Leo Paraspondylos]], Theodora's most trusted adviser. This ends the [[Macedonian dynasty]].<ref>John Julius Norwich (1991). ''Byzantium: The Apogee – Michael the Aged'', p. 327. {{ISBN|0-394-53779-3}}.</ref>
* [[Theodosios Monomachos|Theodosius]], a nephew of the former Emperor [[Constantine IX Monomachos|Constantine IX]], tries to usurp the Byzantine throne, and liberates all the prisoners who flock to his banner. With their support, he marches through the streets of Constantinople to the Palace. There, the [[Varangian Guard]] forms outside to stop him. Theodosius loses heart and heads for [[Hagia Sophia]]. Later he is captured, and exiled to [[Pergamon]].