was possibly done at the emperor's behest, for Bardas is said to have favoured a more "elegant" removal of his rival.

Ascendancy and fall

With the death of Theoktistos, the regency was at an end; in early 856, Michael proclaimed his assumption of full imperial power, and in 857 Theodora was forced to retire to the Gastria Monastery. Nevertheless, as Michael was more interested in his pleasures and his continuing affair with Eudokia Ingerina, Bardas now became the de facto regent of the

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