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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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