Michael VI Bringas

Michael VI Bringas (died c. 1057), called Stratiotikos and the Old, was an elderly former military finance minister whom the dying Empress Theodora's advisors chose as her successor in 1056. He foiled one palace plot but enraged the army by restoring a general's rank without returning his estates.

In 1057 generals proclaimed Isaac Komnenos emperor, and Isaac routed his army at Petroe. Michael offered to adopt Isaac and make him caesar, but was rejected. Riots swept Constantinople, and the patriarch persuaded Michael to abdicate; he became a monk and died soon after.