From 1042 to 1055 the Byzantine Empire was ruled by Constantine Monomachos. He was a man of noble origin, attractive and with refined manners. He detested serious matters as well as unpleasant news, and aspired to pass the years of his reign peacefully. Apart from this, Michael Psellos mentions that he was by nature prone to pleasures and delights. Despite the reactions of the people in support of the legitimate successor Zoe, the emperor settled his mistress Maria Skleraina in the palace, vesting her with the title of sebaste.
Besides, in order to gain the favour of Constantinople's people, he placated them with many gifts of offices and money. For the same reason he offered attractions to the Capital by bringing exotic animals from Egypt that caused widespread admiration. Emperor΄s lavish life, noted by many writers, such as John Skylitzes and Kekaumenos, caused serious problems for the state coffers and led to the imposition of heavy taxation.

Characteristic features of Monomachos΄ period were on the one hand emperor΄s indifference to affairs of state and on the other the intrigues, the moral corruption and the bad faith among his advisors. This climate caused a series of revolts. It is characteristic that in the 32 years Monomachos ruled, 30 rebellions were recorded, with the result that many generals were exiled, executed or blinded. George Maniakes as well as Theophilos Erotikos, who was governor of Cyprus, even Leo Tornikes who reached the walls of Constantinople, all rebelled, without success.

Both the internal and external problems of the state were gradually increasing and Constantine proved unable to cope with them. The state, however, continued to enjoy the fruits of Basil΄s II reign and the bad administration was not manifest to its extent.