Theodora Porphyrogenita

Macedonian Dynasty c.980-1056

Empress Theodora was more suited to governing than her sister Zoë, which was proven when she had Michael V blinded to stop him reclaiming power. She lived with her sister’s jealousy for years and was confined to a monastery during the Romanos’ reign. When Zoë was restored to the throne, Theodora was reluctantly crowned beside her. After the deaths of Zoë and her husband, their co-ruler Constantine IX, Theodora ruled alone and the Macedonian dynasty ended with her.

The name ‘Porphyrogenita’ means ‘born into the purple’ — it refers to the fact that Zoë and Theodora were born to a reigning emperor

The reluctant empress provided the stability for Byzantine Empire Zöe was 50 years old when she married Romanos.