Michael IV of Diadochia

Michael IV, also known as 'Michael the Builder (Greek: Μιχαήλ Οικοδόμος, Michaí̱l Oikodómos) (154 – 20 February 1206), was Diadochian emperor from 1173 until his death in 1206. Emperor Michael IV is considered to be one of the greatest and most successful Diadochian emperors in history.

Early life

Michael was born in 1154. He was the only son of Nikolas III of Diadochia and his wife Irene of Dalmatia. Michael's father, Nikolas III was confronted by a major threat to the continued existence of the Diadochian Empire, this threat was the massive and catastrophic Seltzoúko̱n Turks invasion of Diadochia. Known in Diadochian history as the Great Seltzoúko̱n Troubles.

During this disastrous time in the history of Diadochia, several provinces of the empire were depopulated, forcing the Diadochian Emperor to offer a huge amount of gold to Alp Arslan, the Sultan of Seltzoúko̱n Sultanate in 1164.

The Diadochian nobility and many great houses, capitalizing on the swaying character of the emperor, sought to assert more autonomy and maintain their independence from the Diadochian Emperor.

Accession to the throne

Following a disastrous earthquake in 1172 the Diadochian nobility began pressuring Nikolas III to abdicate in favor of his son. Nikolas III finally relented and ceded his imperial crown to his 19-year old son Michael in 1173. After abdicating Nikolas lived on until his death in 1193.

Michael's revival of the Diadochian State

Despite his young age and his inexperience he was actively involved the political affairs of the Diadochian empire from the moment the Imperial crown was placed on his head. Michael IV was determined to bring order to his empire, force the unsubmissive diadochian nobility and feudal lords into submission, centralize empire's administration, form a new imperial army.

Michael IV started his major policies by first removing the Seltzoúko̱n threat. Between 1173-1184, Michael IV defeated the forces of the Seltzoúko̱n Sultan again and again. During this same time Michael IV began the resettlement of devastated regions and helped to revive many major cities. Encouraged by his many successes, ceased paying tribute to the Seltzoúko̱n Sultan and put an abrupt end to the seasonal migration of the Seltzoúko̱n Turks into Diadochia.

Throughout the early years of his reign, Michael IV slowly pushed the Seltzoúko̱n Turks out of his country recovering more land and extending his domains greatly at the expense of the Seltzoúko̱n retreat. In 1183 Michael IV refused to pay anymore tribute to the Seltzoúko̱n Sultan.

Military campaigns

Following the annexation of Albania in 1189, Michael routed a Seltzoúko̱n force at the Battle of Gandja, allowing him to claim more land and fortresses. He resettled a Koumánoi tribe of 20,000families from in Diadochia in 1199–1201. Every Diadochian and Koumánoi family was obliged to provide one soldier with a horse and weapons. This 150,000 men strong army was dependent on the emperor alone. In 1201 when the Seltzoúko̱n Turks began raiding Diadochia once more, Michael IV's new improved army attacked them without warning. The forces of Michael IV along with forces of the Kingdom of Kolchida, marched on sacking Shirwan, Kampala, and Bákou.

The muslim powers became increasingly concerned about the rapid revival of the Diadochian Empire; causing the the Seltzoúko̱n Sultan to declare a holy war on Diadochia, rallying about 650,000 men to his banner. The Diadochian army was hopelessly outnumbered, however on 16 July 1202 the imperial army of Diadochia led by Emperor Michael IV routed a huge muslim horde on a great plain at the Battle of Manzikert. In 1205 Michael IV captured the Ani, the former capital of Amnion from its muslim Emirs. The greatful people of Amnion hailed Michael IV has a liberator and called him Sword of Christ. A title that many Diadochian Emperors have carried over the years.

Michael IV's humane and tolerant treatment of the muslim population, as well as all other religions and cultures set a standard of imperial tolerance in his multi-ethnic empire.