In 913, an eight-year-old boy became the nominal ruler of the Byzantine Empire
The ascension of eight-year-old Constantine VII in 913 launched a reign defined by intellectual brilliance and a massive 10th-century effort to preserve the ancient knowledge of the Roman world.
In June 913, Constantine VII became the nominal ruler of the Byzantine Empire at just eight years old. Because he was born in the purple room of the imperial palace to an unofficial fourth wife of Leo VI, his legitimacy was initially questioned by the church, leading to a complex regency council headed by the Patriarch of Constantinople.
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