1. Theodora Porphyrogenita was the last sovereign of the Macedonian dynasty, that ruled the Byzantine Empire for almost 200 years.
22 Facts About Theodora Porphyrogenita
1. 2.
Theodora Porphyrogenita seemingly retired to a convent after Zoe's death in 1050.
3.
When Constantine died, the 74-year-old Theodora Porphyrogenita returned to the throne despite fierce opposition from court officials and military claimants.
4.
Theodora Porphyrogenita was the last ruler of the Macedonian line.
5.
Theodora Porphyrogenita was the third and youngest daughter of Byzantine Emperor Constantine VIII and Helena, daughter of Alypius.
6.
Theodora Porphyrogenita was Porphyrogenita, "born into the purple"; the appellation for a child born in the capital to a reigning emperor.
7.
Theodora Porphyrogenita's father became co-emperor in 962 and sole emperor upon the death of his brother Basil II in 1025.
8.
Consequently, Theodora Porphyrogenita lived a life of virtual obscurity in the imperial gynaeceum.
9.
Theodora Porphyrogenita further claimed that since Romanos and she were third cousins, it was too close a blood relationship for marriage to occur.
10.
Shortly afterwards, Theodora Porphyrogenita was accused of plotting to marry the Bulgarian prince Presian and usurp the throne with him.
11.
Presian was blinded and sent to a monastery; Theodora Porphyrogenita was not punished.
12.
Theodora Porphyrogenita, accustomed to a life of religious contemplation, rejected their pleas out of hand, and fled to the convent chapel to seek sanctuary.
13.
At an assembly at Hagia Sophia, the people escorted the now furious Theodora Porphyrogenita and proclaimed her empress with Zoe.
14.
Theodora Porphyrogenita initially guaranteed Michael's safety before ordering that he be blinded and spend the rest of his life as a monk.
15.
Still jealous of Theodora Porphyrogenita, Zoe had no desire to administer the empire, but she would not allow Theodora Porphyrogenita to conduct public business alone.
16.
The mob was only quieted by the appearance on a balcony of Zoe and Theodora Porphyrogenita, who reassured the mob they were in no danger of assassination.
17.
However, Theodora Porphyrogenita preempted their plans when, despite her advanced age, she vigorously asserted her right to rule.
18.
Theodora Porphyrogenita came out of retirement and convened the Senate, and the imperial guard proclaimed her "emperor" shortly before Constantine's death.
19.
Theodora Porphyrogenita refused to consider marriage, no matter how token.
20.
Theodora Porphyrogenita refused to name an heir to the throne.
21.
Theodora Porphyrogenita was unable to speak, but Paraspondylos decided that she had nodded at an appropriate moment.
22.
Theodora Porphyrogenita died a few hours later and with her death, the Macedonian dynasty's 189-year rule ended.