Byzantine Empress. She was a daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII, who wished her to marry his intended successor, Romanos Argyros; she refused, forcing Argyros to marry instead her sister Zoë. Theodora then retired from public life, but was later accused of conspiring with Presian of Bulgaria and banished to a monastery. She remained in exile until the death of the emperor Michael V in 1042 when she was made co-empress with her sister. In 1055, at the age of seventy, she took full power following the death of Zoë's last husband, Constantine IX. Now Empress in her own right, she proved a strong ruler, but was criticised for her tendency to persecute her own personal enemies and to be influenced by low born advisors. She died after a short illness in 1056, leaving no heir, and was therefore the final ruler of the Macedonian dynasty.
Byzantine Empress. She was a daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII, who wished her to marry his intended successor, Romanos Argyros; she refused, forcing Argyros to marry instead her sister Zoë. Theodora then retired from public life, but was later accused of conspiring with Presian of Bulgaria and banished to a monastery. She remained in exile until the death of the emperor Michael V in 1042 when she was made co-empress with her sister. In 1055, at the age of seventy, she took full power following the death of Zoë's last husband, Constantine IX. Now Empress in her own right, she proved a strong ruler, but was criticised for her tendency to persecute her own personal enemies and to be influenced by low born advisors. She died after a short illness in 1056, leaving no heir, and was therefore the final ruler of the Macedonian dynasty.
Bio by: js
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
See more Theodora the Macedonian memorials in:
Advertisement
