In 1055, a 70-year-old princess became the last sole ruler of the Macedonian dynasty
At the age of 70, Empress Theodora emerged from a convent to become the sole ruler of the Byzantine Empire in 1055, marking the end of a legendary dynasty.
In 1055, the death of Constantine IX left the Byzantine Empire without a male heir. Theodora Porphyrogenita, a 70-year-old princess who had spent much of her life in forced retirement at a convent, stepped forward to claim her birthright as the sole Empress.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz