early eleventh c.: Beginning of the activities of the eunuch John, hailing from Paphlagonia, who appears a man of considerable influence in the circle of Basil II.

1028: Romanos III Argyros ascends the throne. John the eunuch is already in his personal service.

1029: John the eunuch is mentioned with the rank of praepositos.

1033/4: John the eunuch commences his duties as manager of the orphanage of Constantinople. He brings his brother Michael into the palace service.

April 1034: Death of Romanos III Argyros. Michael IV the Paphlagonian ascends the throne. His brother Niketas is appointed doux of Antioch, while his two other brothers, Constantine and George, both receive similar posts.

December 1041: Death of Michael IV and enthronement of Michael V Kalaphates, son of Maria, Michael IV’s sister.

late 1041 – early 1042: Michael V Kalaphates banishes his uncles John Orphanotrophos, Constantine and George, while he castrates all his male relatives. He soon recalls Constantine, to whom he awards the rank of novelissimos.

April 19-21, 1042: The people of Constantinople rise in support of the empresses Zoe and Theodora. Michael V Kalaphates is dethroned and blinded along with the novelissimos Constantine. Fall of the Paphlagonian dynasty.

1043: The exiled John Orphanotrophos is blinded and dies a few days later.