Family Michael V was the son of a couple named Stephen and Maria. His birth date is not known, but is sometimes given as 1015, probably because he was considered "young" in 1035. Michael's mother was a sister of the Byzantine emperor Michael IV and Stephen had been a caulker before becoming an admiral under Michael IV and then botching an expedition to Sicily. Although the emperor preferred another of his nephews, the future Michael V was advanced as heir to the throne by his other uncle John the Orphanotrophos and the Empress Zoe. In 1035, Michael IV granted him the title of kaisar (caesar), and, together with Zoe, adopted his nephew as a son. Michael IV died on 10 December 1041 and Michael V was proclaimed emperor three days later by Zoe.
Family Michael V was the son of a couple named Stephen and Maria His birth date is not known but is sometimes given as 1015 probably because he was considered "young" in 1035 Michael's mother was a sister of the Byzantine emperor Michael IV and Stephen had been a caulker before becoming an admiral under Michael IV and then botching an expedition to Sicily Although the emperor preferred another of his nephews the future Michael V was advanced as heir to the throne by his other uncle John the Orphanotrophos and the Empress Zoe In 1035 Michael IV granted him the title of kaisar (caesar) and together with Zoe adopted his nephew as a son Michael IV died on 10 December 1041 and Michael V was proclaimed emperor three days later by Zoe