Empress Theodora L X / M XI
Θεοδώραν (BBÖ I.19) (Theodora 1)
(Unspecified)
(null)
Narrative
(189)
Authorship
(null)
Death
(16)
Anonymi 7011
persuaded her to honour
Michael 6
with the crown; she agreed at once, crowned his head with the diadem and proclaimed him emperor
τὴν κεφαλὴν ταινιοῖ καὶ ἀναδείκνυσιν αὐτοκράτορα. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 21.1-3
A terrible disease assailed her: her excretory faculty collapsed, suppressed her appetite and discharged itself through her mouth; then she had violent diarrhoea, practically all her insides were cast out and she was left at her last gasp
ἐν ὀλίγαις ἐκείνην καταλελοίπει ταῖς ἐκπνοαῖς. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 19.5-9
All her supporters (
Anonymi 7011
) despaired of her, and immediately fixing their attention on the state and also on themselves, they began to deliberate
αὐτὴν ξύμπαντες ἀπεγνώκεισαν. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 19.9-12
Although the Nazarenes fabricated endless life for her, she was near her fated day ... she had completed the limit of her life and was near the end
τὸν γάρ τοι τῆς ζωῆς ὅρον πληροῦσα αὐτῷ δὴ τῷ τέλει προσήγγισε. Psellos: Chronographia VI 19.1-4
Before she had even died the palace officials were concerned with her succession and after her death they chose
Michael 6
καὶ ὡς τὸ ἀποτέλεσμα παρεστήσατο. Attaleiates: History 52.14-15 / 39.14-16
Contracted an illness and died
Date: in late August of the 9th indiction in the year 6564 (1056) ???? ?? ???? ??? ????????? ????? ??? ????? ???????????ἰλεοῦ νοσήματι περιπεσοῦσα ἀπέθανεν. Skylitzes 480.28-30
Died 5 days after appointing
Michael 6
emperor
Date: on August 27 of the 9th indiction in the year 6564 ??? ?? ? ??? ????????? ?????, ??? ? ? ???????????, ??? ,???? ? ????? Kleinchroniken 143.69, 160.13
Died of an illness, having reached old age, 3 days after proclaiming
Michael 6
emperor in accord with the city
և հասեալ ի խորին ծերութիւնն, հիւանդացաւ զհիւանդութիւն, որով և մեռաւ իսկ։. Aristakes 103.1-2 (94)
Fell ill and died
Date: in the year 6564 (1055/56) ??? , ???? ? ????? ὅλην τὴν ἰνδικτιῶνα θ´ τοῦ ,ςφξδ´ ἔτους βιώσασα ἡ βασιλὶς ἀπέθανεν. Glykas 599.18-20
She confirmed the identity of her successor with her last breath, nodding assent to
Michael 11
that she agreed with the choice, so that he could crown
Michael 6
Psellos Keroularios 359
She died, and
Michael 5
Bringas became emperor in her place
. Lupus protospatharius 59.27
She remained in power for a short time and died one season before the year's end
τινα βραχὺν ἐπιμείνασα χρόνον τῷ κράτει. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 21.3-5
The spirit left her, after she had been sole ruler for one year and nine months
Zonaras 17.29.10
When her act was done the reins of empire were put in the hands of
Michael 6
καταλυθείσης δὲ καὶ τῆς περὶ ταύτην σκηνῆς, .... Psellos: Chronographia VII 56.1-2
While the sun was not yet at its midday peak and she was scarcely breathing and expected to die at once,
Anonymi 7011
were gathered round the throne,
Leon 62
in the middle, scheming whom to set over affairs above the rest
ἡ μὲν βασιλὶς ὀλίγον ἀνέπνει καὶ αὐτίκα τεθνήξεσθαι ἐπίδοξος ἦν. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 20.1-6
[Theodora died at the end of the month of August, 1056, in which the hypomnema of the trial between
Michael 61
and
Elpidios 2101
was drawn up]
Psellos Hypomnema 309-312
Description
(60)
Younger daughter of
Konstantinos 8
[unnamed]
ἡ δέ γε νεωτέρα . Psellos: Chronographia V 34.5-6
Envy divided her and
Zoe 1
with Zoe in a greater and her in a lesser position, but nevertheless she retained an outward appearance of majesty
φθόνος τὰς ἀδελφὰς διελών, τὴν μὲν ἐν μείζονι, τὴν δὲ ἐν ἐλάττονι μέν, σεμνοτέρῳ δὲ ὅμως κατέσχε προσχήματι. Psellos: Chronographia V 34.18-20
She was the opposite (to
Zoe 1
) in both respects: she did not quickly reveal the thought in her mind, and once launched into conversation she would chatter ably and animatedly
τῇ δὲ Θεοδώρᾳ ἄμφω ἀντίστροφα, οὔτε γὰρ ταχὺ ἐπεδείκνυ τὸ βούλευμα τῆς ψυχῆς, καὶ ἅπαξ εἰς ὁμιλίαν ἑαυτὴν ἀφιεῖσα ἐστωμύλλετο δοκίμῳ καὶ διεγηγερμένῃ φωνῇ. Psellos: Chronographia VI 4.4-7
Yonger sister of
Zoe 1
, she took pleasure each day in her thousands of darics, for which she had even had bronze cases made
ἡ δὲ ἐτέρα καὶ νεωτέρα δαρεικῶν ὁσημέραι μυρίων, ὧν δὴ καὶ θήκας χαλκὰς ἐπεποίητο. Psellos: Chronographia VI 62.6-7
Konstantinos 9
called it a service to share in her pleasures and those of
Zoe 1
and he wanted to oppose them in nothing but bring them all things pleasant
τὴν γοῦν κοινωνίαν τῶν ἀπολαύσεων θεραπείαν ἐκεῖνος ὠνόμαζε, καὶ ἐβούλετο μὲν οὐδὲν ἐκείναις ἐναντιώσασθαι, ἀλλὰ πᾶσαν ταύταις εἰσάγειν γλυκυθυμίαν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 49.3-6
She would count out the coins as she gave them, partly because she did not have the resources to draw unsparingly, partly because she had by nature a mind more controlled in this respect
ἡ δὲ ἠρίθμει τοὺς στατῆρας διδοῦσα, τὸ μέν τοι οὐδ’ ἔχουσα τῶν πηγῶν ἀπαντλεῖν ἀφθόνως, τὸ δὲ καὶ ἐγκρατεστέραν πως περὶ τούτῳ κληρωσαμένη ψυχήν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 4.15-18
The money which
Basileios 2
had stored up in the palace by great sweat and toil became the plaything of
Maria 64
,
Zoe 1
and her, given and received as presents or channelled elsewhere: soon it was all used up and wasted
ἔνθεν ἃ πολλοῖς ἱδρῶσι καὶ πόνοις ὁ βασιλεὺς Βασίλειος ἐν τοῖς βασιλείοις ἀπεθησαύριζε, ταῦτα εἰς ἰλαρὰν ἐκείναις προέκειτο παιδιάν· ἄλλα γὰρ ἐπ᾿ ἄλλοις ἠμείβετό τε καὶ ἀντεδίδοτο, .... Psellos: Chronographia VI 63.1-5
The eunuch
Theodoros 105
was her servant
τὸν τῆς βασιλίσσης Θεοδώρας θεράποντα. Zonaras 18.2.20
Konstantinos 9
reigned with her and
Zoe 1
τοῦ σὺν αὐταῖς Κωνσταντίνου τοῦ Μονoμάχου. Psellos: Chronographia Introduction 8-9
She was contented with the decision (to exile her) and upset neither by her change of dress nor her separation from
Zoe 1
ἔστεργεν οὖν ἡ Θεοδώρα τὰ δόξαντα καὶ οὔτε τὴν μεταμφίασιν ἐδυσχέραινεν οὔτε τὸ πρὸς τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἀκοινώνητον. Psellos: Chronographia V 35.1-3
When
Michael 5
was allotted power he neither knew who she was nor whether she was born of imperial stock nor even, as far as he was concerned, whether she had been born or had passed by here
... ὁ δὲ ἀνεψιὸς ἐλελόγχει τὸ κράτος, οὐδ’ ἥτις ἐστὶν ἡ Θεοδώρα ἐγνώκει, οὐδ’ εἰ βασιλείου ῥίζης ἐβλάστησεν, ἀλλὰ τό γε καθ’ ἑαυτὸν οὐδ’ εἰ ἐγεγόνει αὕτη, οὐδ’ εἰ ἐνταῦθα παρεληλύθει. Psellos: Chronographia V 35.10-13
Although she was [overlooked] like this, or rather although emperors behaved in this way towards her, she made no move against their wishes: she was a willing victim of tyranny
ἡ δὲ καὶ οὕτως ἔχουσα, μᾶλλον δὲ οὕτως ἐχόντων αὐτῇ τῶν αὐτοκρατόρων, οὐδέν τι πρὸς τὰς ἐκείνων ἀντεκίνει γνώμας, οὐ τυραννουμένη μᾶλλον ἢ ἑκοῦσα. Psellos: Chronographia V 35.13-15
The second with imperial blood (after
Zoe 1
)
δεύτερον αἷμα βασίλειον. Psellos: Chronographia V 36.9
Michael 61
did not know if any other family was loved by God as much as that of
Zoe 1
and her, and he was amazed on reflecting that their roots were fixed and planted not lawfully, but by slaughters and bloodshed
οὐ γὰρ οἶδα εἴ τι ἕτερον γένος ὡς τὸ περὶ ἐκείνας ἠγάπηται τῷ Θεῷ καὶ θαυμάζω κατανοῶν ὅτι μὴ ἐννόμως αὐταῖς τῆς ῥίζης παγείσης καὶ φυτευθείσης, ἀλλὰ φόνοις καὶ αἵμασιν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 1.6-9
Her character was not like
Zoe 1
's, but she had a steady mind and in one respect, in
Michael 61
's view, a dull one
οὐ μέντοι γε ἐκ τοιούτων ἡ Θεοδώρα κεχαρακτήριστο, ἀλλ’ ὁμαλὸν εἶχε τὸ φρόνημα καὶ καθ’ ἕτερον μέρος, ἵν’ οὕτως εἴπω, ἀμβλύ. Psellos: Chronographia VI 4.11-13
In
Michael 61
's frank opinion, neither she nor
Zoe 1
had a mind suited for rule
καὶ ἵνα γε μηδὲν περικαλυψάμενος εἴπω, ..., οὐδεμιᾷ τὸ φρόνημα πρὸς ἀρχὴν αὔταρκες. Psellos: Chronographia VI 5.1-3
In
Michael 61
's opinion, neither she nor
Theodora 1
had a mind suited for rule: they did not know how to administer nor use solid arguments on politics, often mixing the trivialities of the women's quarters with serious imperial matters
... οὔτε γὰρ οἰκονομεῖν ᾔδεσαν οὔτε στερροτέροις λογισμοῖς χρῆσθαι περὶ τὰ πράγματα, τὰ πλεῖστα δὲ τὰ τῆς γυναικωνίτιδος παίγνια τοῖς βασιλικοῖς κατεκίρνων σπουδάσμασι. Psellos: Chronographia VI 5.1-3
Some people thought that rule belonged to her, since she was responsible for the people's salvation and had not yet experienced marriage
οἳ μὲν γὰρ τῇ Θεοδώρᾳ τὴν ἀρχὴν προσήκειν ἐνόμιζον, ἅτε καὶ αἰτίῳ τῆς τῶν πολλῶν σωτηρίας καὶ οὔπω εἰς πεῖραν ἐλθούσῃ ἀνδρός. Psellos: Chronographia VI 11.3-5
She was an example to hand for
Konstantinos 63
of change of dress: for after enduring (monastic life) she had achieved (the throne)
εἶχε τοῦ τὸ σχῆμα μεταβαλεῖν ἐγγὺς τὸ παράδειγμα· ἡ γὰρ βασιλὶς τὸ πρῶτον παθοῦσα ἐπεποιήκει τὸ δεύτερον. Psellos: Chronographia VI 12.19-21
(
Zoe 1
's marriage to
Konstantinos 9
) saw the end for her and
Zoe 1
of acting for themselves and holding absolute power in government ... After ruling together for three months, she and
Zoe 1
ended their rule
γίνεται ταῦτα ταῖς μὲν βασιλίσσαις τέλος τοῦ δι᾿ ἑαυτῶν τοι ποιεῖν καὶ αὐτοκρατεῖν ἐν τοῖς πράγμασιν ... Αἱ μὲν οὖν τρίτον μῆνα συνάρξασαι παύονται τῆς ἀρχῆς. Psellos: Chronographia VI 21.1-5
No small part of
Konstantinos 9
's lack of moderation was due to the easy-going character of her and
Zoe 1
, and his willingness to succumb like them to luxuries and laughter
γεγόνασι δὲ τούτῳ μερὶς οὐ μετρία πρὸς τὴν τοιαύτην ἀμετρίαν τὰ ῥᾴθυμα τῶν βασιλίδων ἤθη, καὶ τὸ κατ᾿ ἐκείνας ἐθέλειν εἰς τρυφὰς ἀνεῖσθαι καὶ γέλωτας. Psellos: Chronographia VI 49.1-3
If she and
Zoe 1
were inside the rooms allotted them, with one putting her seal on a stream of gold, the other cleaning out the bed of the stream, this replaced all pleasure for them
εἰ δὲ ἔνδον εἶεν τῶν ἀποτετμημένων αὐταῖς οἰκημάτων, καὶ ἡ μὲν τὸ χρυσοῦν ῥεῦμα ἐπισφραγίζοι, ἡ δὲ τὴν ὁδὸν διακαθαίροι τῷ ῥεύματι, τοῦτο αὐταῖς ἀντὶ πάσης ἀπολαύσεως ἦν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 64.23-6
Younger (of
Konstantinos 8
's two surviving daughters)
τὴν δὲ νεωτέραν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 144.5
Foolish woman
τὸ τῶν γυναικῶν ἐκείνων ἀβέλτερον. Psellos: Chronographia VI 144.11
The purple in which she had been swaddled, her calm spirit and the suffering of her earlier life were all-powerful for all
ἡ τε γὰρ πορφυρίς, ὑφ᾿ ἧς ἐσπαργάνωτο, τό τε ἥμερον τὴς ψυχῆς καὶ ἡ πάθη τῆς προτέρας ζωῆς πάντα τοῖς πᾶσιν ἠδύνατο. Psellos: Chronographia VI 202.9-11
She knew that no being is so forgetful as a man who has been allocated power by another, and indeed that he is most ungracious to his greatest benefactor, having confirmation from her own situation,
Konstantinos 9
's and
Zoe 1
's cases
οὐδὲν οὕτως ἐπιλησμονέστατον χρῆμα ὡς ἄνθρωπος ὑφ᾿ ἑτέρου βασιλεύειν λαχών, μᾶλλον δὲ περὶ τὸν εὐεργετικώτατον ἀγνωμονέστατος, καὶ τοῦτο ... καὶ τῶν περὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν παραδειγμάτων εἰς βεβαίωσιν δόξης ἔχουσα. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 1.6-10
People expected her to live a longer life than normal, as her body was not at all bent although she was extremely tall; if she had to work or talk at length she was not lacking in intellect
ὁ ... χρόνος αὐτῇ τῆς ζωῆς μακρός ... καὶ πλεον τῆς συνήθους ζωῆς· ἡ δὲ ἄρα οὔτε τὸ σῶμα ἐκάμπετο, καίτοι προμήκης τὴν ἡλικίαν τυγχάνουσα, οὔτε δέον πονῆσαι ἢ μακρότερον διαλέξασθαι ἐνδεὴς τὴν γνώμην .... Psellos: Chronographia VIa 5.1-5
She had advance knowledge of some things, others she thought about on the spot: she had a facility of tongue sufficient to articulate them
τὰ μὲν προλαμβάνουσα, τὰ δ᾿ αὐτομάτως ἐνθυμουμένη, ἀρκοῦσαν εἶχε πρὸς τὴν διάρθρωσιν τούτων καὶ τὴν τῆς γλώττης περιβολήν. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 5.5-8
Her will was hard to change and she wanted what could not be chosen; she didn't have great confidence in her own opinions and was afraid the empire would fare badly thereafter, so trusted others more than herself
αὐτῆς καὶ τὸ βουλόμενον δυσκίνητον ἦν καὶ τὸ ἀπροαίρετον βουλητόν· οὐ γὰρ πάνυ τι θαρροῦσα ταῖς οἰκείαις γνώμαις, εἶτα δὴ δεδοκυῖα μὴ παρὰ ταῦτα τὰ τῆς βασιλείας ἕξει κακῶς, .... Psellos: Chronographia VIa 15.1-5
She did not think of herself as a temporary inhabitant (on earth) and thought that affairs were in good order ... - who would exonerate her from extreme and shameful folly for this?
τὸ δὲ μήτε ἐκείνην περὶ ἑαυτῆς ὡς ἐκδήμου διανοῆσθαι καὶ ἐν καλῷ θεῖναι τὰ πράγματα ... τίς ἂν αὐτοὺς τῆς ἐσχάτης καὶ αἰσχίστης ἐξαιρήσεται εὐηθείας. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 15.16-24
(Love of imperial power) changed her reverence for the higher power and she no longer entirely preserved her sympathetic spirit
τοῦτο γοῦν καὶ τῆς περὶ τὰ κρείττω εὐλαβείας ἠλλοίωσε, καὶ ἔτι οὐ πάνυ τὸ συμπαθὲς τῆς ψυχῆς διεφύλαξεν. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 16.7-9
Whether she was returning to her innate character, so show that her past life was a sham, or whether she cultivated (lack of sympathy) so as not to be victim to the masses nor let anyone sway her with tears,
Michael 61
does not know
οὐκ οἶδα εἴτε πρὸς τὴν ἔμφυτον ἕξιν ἐπανελθοῦσα, ἵνα τὸ φθάσαν τοῦ βίου δείξῃ σκηνήν, εἴτ᾿ ἐπιτηδεύουσα τοῦτο, ἵνα μὴ ἁλωτὸς τοῖς πολλοῖς εἴη, μηδέ τις αὐτὴν κετενέγκοι δακρύων εὐθύς. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 16.9-12
After
Konstantinos 9
, she assumed sole rule more legitimately; she appeared not to turn the strange creature (the state) to complete bestiality, but even she imperceptibly added to it extra limbs
μεθ᾿ ὃν ἡ βασιλὶς Θεοδώρα γνησιώτερον αὐταρχήσασα, ἔδοξε μὲν μὴ πάνυ τι ἀποθηριῶσαι τὸ καινὸν τουτὶ ζῶον, ἀλλ᾿ οὖν καὶ αὐτὴ λεληθότως καὶ χεῖράς τινας καὶ πόδας τούτῳ προσέθετο. Psellos: Chronographia VII 55.16-19
Described by the angry mob protesting against Skleraina (
Maria 64
, mistress of
Konstantinos 9
) as their mother, born in the purple
αἱ μάνναι ἡμῶν αἱ πορφυρογέννητοι. Glykas 595.19-20
The third daughter (of
Konstantinos 8
) is said to have declined marriage to
Romanos 3
because
Romanos 3
's first wife (
Helena 102
) had been divorced against her will
ἡ γὰρ τρίτη διὰ τὸ τὴν ἐκείνου εὐνέτειραν ἄκουσαν διαζυγῆναι αὐτοῦ παραιτήσασθαι τὴν μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ συμβίωσιν λέγεται. Zonaras 17.10.23
She was taller (than
Zoe 1
) and physically leaner; her face wanting and out of proportion with the rest of her body; she was more ready in speech and movement; she had no grim looks, but was charming, laughing and eager for all talk
τό τε πρόσωπον ἐνδεῶς ἔχουσα καὶ πρὸς τὸ λοιπὸν σῶμα ἀσύμμετρον, ἑτοιμοτέρα δὲ καὶ τὴν φωνήν, ..., καὶ τὴν κίνησιν· καὶ γοργὸν μὲν οὐχ ὁρῶσα, ἐπιχαρὲς δὲ καὶ σὺν γέλωτι καὶ πρὸς πᾶσαν φωνὴν ἐπιτρέχουσα. Psellos: Chronographia VI 6.13-18
Led a solitary life from childhood until the last day of her old age
τὸν ἄζυγα βίον αἱρεῖται, ὃν ἐκ παίδων καὶ μέχρι γήρως τῆς ἐσχάτης ἡμέρας ἐξήσκησεν. Attaleiates: History 18.9-10 / 15.5-6
The last remaining member and dying ember of the family of Basileios II
τὸ τελευταῖον τοῦ Βασιλείου γένους λείψανον τε καὶ ζωπυρον. Psellos Kategoria 444-445
Of carefree temperament
ἀνειμένων οὔσαις ἠθῶν. Zonaras 17.21.4
Of blessed memory (had died by December of the 1st indiction when
Konstantinos 10
issued his confirmation of her decision concerning Melissourgeion)
τῆς μακαριωτάτης ... τῆς ἐν μακαρία τῆ λήξει. Iveron 2.107.4, 2.107.14-15
Reigned for one year
ἐφ᾿ ἕνα χρόνον τὴν βασιλείαν κατασχούσης. Skylitzes Continuatus 168.7
One of the two sisters (
Zoe 1
and
Theodora 1
) who was sole ruler, lady, her deeds are narrated in the Chronographia of
Michael 61
Χρονογραφία πονηθεῖσα τῷ ... Μιχαήλ, ἱστοροῦσα τὰς πράξεις τῶν βασιλέων, ..., τῆς μονοκρατορίσσης θατέρας τῶν δύο ἀδελφῶν κυρᾶς Θεοδώρας. Psellos: Chronographia Introduction 1-11
Third (daughter of
Konstantinos 8
), tall in her prime, with a succinct and flowing tongue, she was less beautiful than her sister (
Zoe 1
)
ἡ δὲ μετ’ ἐκείνην καὶ τρίτη, εὐμήκης μὲν τὴν ἡλικίαν, καὶ τὴν γλῶτταν σύντομός τε καὶ ἐπιτρόχαλος, τὴν δὲ ὥραν ἐλάττων τῆς ἀδελφῆς. Psellos: Chronographia II 5.9-12
Basileios 2
died without having made any provision in the manner of an emperor for her,
Eudokia 101
and
Zoe 1
οὐδὲν περὶ τούτων φρονήσας βασιλικώτερον ἀπελήλυθεν. Psellos: Chronographia II 5.12-13
Konstantinos 111
was one of her father (
Konstantinos 8
)'s servants
ἕνα τῶν πατρῴων αὐτῇ θεραπόντων. Psellos: Chronographia V 36.10
Both she and
Zoe 1
seemed naturally odd: they scorned fresh air, splendid dwellings, meadows, parks - none of these charmed them
ἀλλόκοτος γὰρ αὐτῇ τε καὶ τῇ ἀδελφῇ ἡ φυσις ἐδόκει· ὀλιγώρως εἶχον καὶ εὐπνουστέρου ἀέρος, καὶ οἰκήματος λαμπροτέρου, καὶ λειμώνων, καὶ παραδείσων, καὶ οὐδὲν αὐτὰς τῶν τοιούτων ἔθελγεν. Psellos: Chronographia VI 64.20-3
She, like her sister
Zoe 1
, was remembered as having specially trusted
Michael 61
αἱ πορφυρογέννητοι βασιλίδες. Psellos Letters (Gautier) 35.60
Third daughter (of
Konstantinos 8
)
ἡ τρίτη τῶν ἀδελφῶν. Psellos: Chronographia II 5.17-18
Born in the purple
τῆς πορφυροτοκήτου. Iveron 2.109.5
Gained absolute power too old, but was unwilling to put an emperor in command of government
ἡ δὲ βασιλὶς Θεοδώρα ἔξωρος τῆς αὐταρχίας κρατήσασα βασιλέα τοῖς πράγμασιν ἐπιστῆσαι οὐκ ἤθελεν. Zonaras 17.29.1
It was whispered by some that rule was more suited to her (
Theodora 1
) [than to
Zoe 1
] because she was the cause of the overthrow of the tyrant (
Michael 5
)
Zonaras 17.20.4
Successor to
Michael 5
, born in the purple, lady, her deeds are narrated in the Chronographia of
Michael 61
Χρονογραφία πονηθεῖσα τῷ ... Μιχαήλ, ἱστοροῦσα τὰς πράξεις τῶν βασιλέων, ..., τῶν ἑξῆς ... πορφυρογεννήτων ... καὶ τῆς κυρᾶς Θεοδώρας. Psellos: Chronographia Introduction 1-8
Not long before her rule
Michael 61
retired to the better life
ἐτύγχανον μὲν γὰρ οὐ πρὸ πολλοῦ τοῦ τῆς Θεοδώρας κράτους μεταταξάμενος πρὸς τὴν κρείττω ζωήν. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 10.1-2
Was, as had been said, too old and full of years when she gained the sceptre, but nevertheless was still measuring out long years for herself; but her body had become weaker and did not turn very easily to toils
ἔξωρος δέ, ὡς εἴρηται, καὶ πλήρης ἡμερῶν ἡ βασιλὶς αὕτη τῶν σκήπτρων κρατήσασα ὅμως μακροὺς ἔτι τῆς ζωῆς ἑαυτῇ ἐπεμέτρει ἐνιαυτούς. εἶχε δὲ καὶ τὸ σῶμα ἐρρωμενέστερον καὶ μὴ ῥᾷστα πόνοις καμπτόμενον. Zonaras 17.29.5
The plant (of her family) blossomed and put out so many shoots, each with royal fruit, that it was not possible to compare others with it either in beauty or grandeur (in
Michael 61
's view)
οὕτω τὸ φυτευθὲν ἐξηνθήκει καὶ τοσαύταις προὐβάλλετο βλάστας, καὶ ἑκάστην μετὰ τοῦ βασιλείου καρποῦ, ὡς μὴ ἔχειν ἑτέρας ἀντισυγκρῖναι ταύταις, οὔτε πρὸς κάλλος οὔτε πρὸς μέγεθος. Psellos: Chronographia VI 1.10-13
Basileios 2
felt affection and strong love for her,
Eudokia 101
and
Zoe 1
, but took no more noble care for them; while guarding the power for his brother (
Konstantinos 8
) he put their care in his hands
ἠγάπα ... καὶ δεινῶς ἔστεργεν, οὐδὲν δέ τι γενναιότερον περὶ τούτων ἐφρόντισεν ... ἐπ’ ἐκείνῳ τὴν περὶ τούτων φροντίδα ἔθετο. Psellos: Chronographia II 4.10-13
Delighted in power for the whole time she survived as empress and was herself mistress of all things, guided in this also by her attendants (
Anonymi 7011
), whom she put in command of the greatest offices
ἀλλ᾿ ἡδυνθεῖσα τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ, παρ᾿ ὅσον ἐπεβίω τῇ βασιλείᾳ καιρόν, αὐτὴ τῶν ὅλων ἦν ἐγκρατής, πρὸς τοῦτο καὶ παρὰ τῶν αὐτῆς θεραπόντων ἐμβιβασθεῖσα, οὓς καὶ ταῖς μεγίσταις ἐπέστησε τῶν ἀρχῶν. Zonaras 17.29.1
She reigned for 12 months
… καὶ μῆνας δέκα τῆς ἀρχῆς σὺν δύο βασιλεύσας. Manasses, Chronicle 6231-6231a
Reigned for one year
Θεόδωρος ὁ ἀδελφὸς τῆς Ζωῆς ἔτος ἕν. Glykas 459
As she was enjoying what she wanted she was less concerned than
Zoe 1
(about
Maria 64
)
ἡ ἀδελφὴ δέ, ἀπολαύουσα ὦν ἐβούλετο, τῆς ἀδελφῆς ἐφρόντιζεν ἔλαττον. Psellos: Chronographia VI 62.12-13
Dignity/Office
(38)
Augousta
Αὐγούσταις. Mauropous: Orations 32.1
τῆς αὐγούστης. Skylitzes Continuatus 168.7
τῆς Αὐγούστης. Attaleiates: History 17.12 / 14.6
αὐγούσταν. Psellos: Chronographia V 36t.2
augusta. Lupus protospatharius 59.24
αὐγούστα.
Seal 0
αὐγούστα.
Seal 0
αὐγούστα.
Seal 0
Autokrator
αὐτοκράτορα. Skylitzes 478.92
αὐτοκράτορες. Attaleiates: History 18.3 / 14.18
αὐτοκράτωρ. Zonaras 17.28.20
Autokratorissa
αὐτοκρατόρισσα. Glykas 599.6-7
Basileus
βασιλεῖς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως. Glykas 459
τὴν βασιλείαν κατασχούσης. Skylitzes Continuatus 168.7
βασιλέων. Psellos: Chronographia Introduction 1.3
Basilis
ἄνασσαν. Skylitzes 418.39
(ἔστεψεν). Kleinchroniken 166.12
ἐπελάβετο καὶ τῆς μοναρχίας αὐτῆς. Attaleiates: History 51.19-20 / 39.1
βασιλὶς. Zonaras 17.19.17
βασιλίδες. Psellos: Chronographia VI 3.18
βασιλίδα. Psellos: Chronographia VI 202.2-3
βασιλίδα. Psellos: Chronographia VI 202.2-3
կալաւ զթագաւորութիւնն. Aristakes 95.24-25 (88)
βασιλίδι. Psellos Keroularios 357
βασιλίδων. Psellos Apologetikos 1-2 (tit.)
βασιλίδος. Psellos Hypomnema 125-126
Basilissa
τῆς βασιλίσσης. Psellos Oratoria minora 1.1
βασιλίσσαις. Psellos: Chronographia VI 21.1-5
τὰς βασιλίσσας. Manasses, Chronicle 6105
Despoina
δεσποίνης. Iveron 2.77.1, 2.107.4, 2.109.4
τῶν ἁγίων δεσποινῶν. Nea Mone, Miklosich-Müller 5.6, 5.9
Despotis
δεσπότιδος. Psellos Hypomnema 125-126
Porphyrogennetos
πορφυρογέννητος. Kleinchroniken 143.69, 160.13
αἱ πορφυρογέννητοι βασιλίδες. Psellos Letters (Gautier) 35.60
τῶν πορφυρογεννήτων. Nea Mone, Miklosich-Müller 5.6
πορφυρογέννητος.
Seal 0
πορφυρογέννητος.
Seal 0
πορφυροβλάστητον. Manasses, Chronicle 6228
Education
(1)
She,
Eudokia 101
and
Zoe 1
were thought worthy of an imperial upbringing and education in the palace itself [unnamed]
ἐπὶ τοῖς βασιλείοις αὐτοῖς βασιλικῆς ἠξιοῦντο καὶ ἀνατροφῆς καὶ παιδεύσεως. Psellos: Chronographia II 4.8-10
Ethnic label
(null)
Second Name
(null)
Kinship
(37)
daughter of
Helena 103
θυγατέρας. Psellos: Chronographia II 4.7
τρία ... θυγάτρια. Zonaras 17.10.7
daughter of
Konstantinos 8
θυγατέρα. Kleinchroniken 166.12
θυγατέρας. Psellos: Chronographia II 4.7
(πατὴρ). Psellos: Chronographia II 5.14; 5.19
θυγάτηρ. Psellos: Chronographia V 34.4
τὴν τοῦ Κωνσταντίνου παῖδα. Psellos: Chronographia VIa 1.2
τρία ... θυγάτρια. Zonaras 17.10.7
դուստր. Aristakes 95.24 (88)
filiae. Lupus protospatharius 59.9
daughter (third) of
Konstantinos 8
θυγατέρων τριῶν...ἡ τρίτη. Skylitzes 374.32-35
τῶν θυγατέρων ... ἡ γὰρ τρίτη. Zonaras 17.10.22-23
daughter (youngest) of
Konstantinos 8
τριῶν θυγατέρων. Glykas 580.16
kin of
Romanos 3
διὰ τὸ συγγενές. Skylitzes 374.35-36
niece of
Basileios 2
(θεῖος). Psellos: Chronographia II 5.12; 5.18
sister of
Eudokia 101
τρία ... θυγάτρια. Zonaras 17.10.7
sister of
Zoe 1
ἀδελφῇ. Skylitzes 375.65
Θεόδωρος ὁ ἀδελφὸς τῆς Ζωῆς. Glykas 459
τῇ ἀδελφῇ. Kleinchroniken 166.12
αὐταδέλφαις. Mauropous: Orations 32.1
τὴν ὁμαίμονα. Attaleiates: History 16.4 / 13.6
αὐταδέλφων. Psellos: Chronographia Introduction 7
ἀδελφῶν. Psellos: Chronographia V 22.12
ἀδελφῇ. Psellos: Chronographia V 34.7; 34.9; 34.13; etc.
ἀδελφῇ. Zonaras 17.11.5, 17.19.27
τὴν σύγγονον. Zonaras 17.19.16
(ἀδελφῆς). Zonaras 17.19.16
ἀδελφῆς. Zonaras 17.19.16
(τὴν ὁμαίμονα). Zonaras 17.19.24
τὴν ἀδελφήν. Zonaras 17.19.26
αὐταδέλφων. Zonaras 17.21.1
քոյր. Aristakes 50.16 (39)
ὁμόγονον. Psellos Orationes panegyricae I, 208
sororum. Lupus protospatharius 58.26
ταὐτόσπορον. Manasses, Chronicle 6229
sister-in-law of
Konstantinos 9
(γαμβροῦ). Psellos: Chronographia VIa 13.5
(γαμβροῦ). Psellos: Chronographia VIa 13.5
cognata. Lupus protospatharius 59.12
Language Skill
(null)
Location
(31)
Constantinople: Chalke
sat beside
Konstantinos 9
in the vestibule at the triumph [over
Georgios 62
] Chalke (Church of the Saviour at ) τοῦ ἐν τῇ Χαλκῇ λεγομένῃ τοῦ Σωτῆρος ναοῦ. Zonaras 17.22.19
watched the triumph from the church of Christ at the Chalke τῆς οὕτως λεγομένης Χαλκῆς Φυλακῆς. Psellos: Chronographia VI 88.1-6
Constantinople: Great Palace
put in at Great Palace τὸ μέγα ἀνάκτορον. Zonaras 17.28.19
returned from Hagia Sophia to the Great Palace εἰς τὸ παλάτιον. Skylitzes 420.79
sailed to Palace τὰς τῶν ἀνακτόρων αὐλὰς. Psellos: Chronographia VI 202.8
was brought up and educated in Palace βασιλείοις. Psellos: Chronographia II 4.9-10
was expelled from the Great Palace τῶν ἀνακτόρων. Skylitzes 377.3-4
was hurried by her supporters to the Great Palace τὸ παλάτιον. Glykas 599.6
was taken on a dromon and proclaimed sole emperor in the Great Palace τὰ τοῦ μεγάλου παλατίου ἀνάκτορα. Skylitzes 478.91
after
Zoe 1
, she enjoyed the splendour in the palace βασιλείοις. Psellos: Chronographia V 34.9
by
Romanos 3
at
Zoe 1
's instigation was removed from the palace βασιλείων. Psellos: Chronographia V 34.15
Constantinople: Hagia Sophia
was led to Hagia Sophia τὸ μέγα τέμενος τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ λόγου Σοφίας. Zonaras 17.19.16
was waiting in Hagia Sophia τῷ μεγάλῳ τεμένει. Zonaras 17.19.23
arrived from Petrion in order to take hold of power at Hagia Sophia τὸν περιβόητον καὶ θεῖον ναόν. Attaleiates: History 16.17 / 13.16
returned to the palace from Hagia Sophia τῆς μεγάλης...ἐκκλησίας. Skylitzes 420.78-79
she was in Hagia Sophia ὁ μέγας τῆς θείας Σοφίας περίβολος. Psellos: Chronographia V 50.12-13; 51.3
was crowned by
Alexios 11
in Hagia Sophia ἐν τῇ Ἁγίᾳ Σοφίᾳ. Kleinchroniken 166.12
was led by the people to Hagia Sophia τὸν μέγαν ναὸν τῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ Σοφίας. Psellos: Chronographia V 37.9-10
was proclaimed emperor after leaving the church of Hagia Sophia ναοῦ. Attaleiates: History 17.24-18.1 / 14.16
was proclaimed empress in Hagia Sophia εἰς τὴν μεγάλην ἐκκλησίαν. Skylitzes 418.38
Constantinople: Hagia Sophia, Patriarchal apartments
spent the night forming a new government at Hagia Sophia, Patriarchal apartments εἰς τὰς τοῦ πατριάρχου διαγωγάς. Attaleiates: History 16.18 / 13.17
Constantinople: Hippodrome
went in procession to Hippodrome θέατρον. Psellos: Chronographia VI 61.6-10
Constantinople: Mangana
made a donation to Saint Georgios of Mangana τοῦ τροπαιοφόρου. Mauropous: Orations 37
Constantinople: Petrion
lived for many years as a private individual (in a monastery?) at Petrion ἐξ ἑνὸς τῶν Πετρίων. Attaleiates: History 16.5-6 / 13.7
was a nun at Petrion τοῦ Πετρίου. Kleinchroniken 166.12
was banished to Petrion Τὸ Πέτριον. Zonaras 17.11.6
was brought by the crowd (protesting against her sister
Zoe 1
's banishment) out of her residence at Petrion ἐξ ἑνὸς τῶν Πετρίων. Attaleiates: History 16.5-6 / 13.7
was brought to Hagia Sophia from Petrion τοῦ Πετρίου. Skylitzes 418.38
was confined in the so-called Petrion Πετρίον. Skylitzes 377.4
was tonsured by her sister
Zoe 1
at Petrion τὸ Πετρίον. Skylitzes 385.35-36
Nea Mone, Chios
contributed to the growth of the monastery of Nea Mone, Chios Νέα Μονή. Nea Mone, Miklosich-Müller 5.6
Occupation/Vocation
(3)
Nun
μοναχήν. Skylitzes 385.36
(ἀποκεκαρμένην οὖσαν). Kleinchroniken 166.12
Possession
(null)
Religion
(null)
Eunuchs
(null)
Alternative Name
(1)
Theodoros
Θεόδωρος: this information appears in a list of emperors in some mss only; clearly a mistake for Theodora:. Glykas 459