November 1081, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song (r. 1067–1085). The History of Song mentions how the Byzantine diplomat and official named "Ni-si-tu-ling-si-meng-p'an" offered saddled horses, sword-blades, and real pearls as tributary gifts to the Song court. Usurpers Various usurpers attempted to overthrow Michael VII or rule parts of the empire. These included: Nestor – A former slave of Constantine X, Nestor had been promoted to become the dux of Paradounavon, a region bordering the Danube. Having had much of his property and wealth confiscated by the minister Nikephoritzes, he rebelled in around 1076, placing himself at the head of the garrisons under his command, which were already in a state of mutiny due to an arrears in their pay. The troops were eager to plunder the Bulgarians, and Nestor obtained the assistance of one of the chiefs of the Pechenegs before marching onto Constantinople. The rebels demanded the dismissal of Nikephoritzes, but discovering that he didn't have the numbers to attack the capital, Nestor's troops separated into smaller parties and proceeded to plunder Thrace. Defeated by Alexios Komnenos in 1078, Nestor remained with the Pechenegs, and retreated with them back to Paradunavum. Philaretos Brachamios John Doukas (the Caesar), Michael's uncle Nikephoros Bryennios Nikephoros Botaneiates Family Michael VII Doukas married Maria of Alania, daughter of King Bagrat IV of Georgia. By her he had at least one son, Constantine Doukas, co-emperor from c. 1075 to 1078 and from 1081 to 1087/8. He died c. 1095. Gallery See also List of Byzantine emperors Notes References Bibliography see also Attribution: Further reading Primary sources External links Coins of Michael VII 11th-century Byzantine emperors Doukid dynasty Bishops of Ephesus 11th-century Eastern Orthodox bishops 1050s births 1090s deaths Monarchs who abdicated Eastern Orthodox monarchs Studite monks 1070s in the Byzantine Empire Sons of Byzantine emperors 1050 births 1090 deaths