Jul 8
Emperor Michael Rhangabes (770-844) was named Byzantine emperor (811-813) after a palace revolt against his brother-in-law Stauratius in 811.
The most striking feature of Michael's reign was his great liberality, which marked a definitive break with the economic restrictions of Nicephorus I. He made lavish donations to the Church, members of the Senate, and the soldiers who had supported his candidacy. Within 18 months, he had squandered most of the funds raised by his father-in-law.
He ended his days as a monk on the island of Prote, where he lived for more than thirty years, until his death in 844.
