Romanus III in the context of "Constantine IX Monomachos"

⭐ In the context of Constantine IX Monomachos’ reign, how did his approach to the imperial treasury differ from that of his predecessors, Romanus III and Michael IV the Paphlagonian, regarding Empress Zoë Porphyrogenita?

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Romanus III

Romanos III Argyros (Greek: Ῥωμανός Ἀργυρός, romanizedRōmanos Argyros; Latinized Romanus III Argyrus; 968 – 11 April 1034), or Argyropoulos, was Byzantine Emperor from 1028 until his death in 1034. He was a Byzantine noble and senior official in Constantinople when the dying Constantine VIII forced him to divorce his wife and marry the emperor's daughter, Zoë. Upon Constantine's death three days later, Romanos took the throne.

He was recognized as emperor by jure uxoris (by right of his wife), and Zoe became empress. Romanos has been recorded as a well-meaning but ineffective emperor. He disorganised the tax system and undermined the military, personally leading a disastrous military expedition against Aleppo. He fell out with his wife and foiled several attempts on his throne, including two which revolved around his sister-in-law Theodora. He spent large amounts on the construction and repair of churches and monasteries. He died after six years on the throne, allegedly murdered, and was succeeded by his wife's young lover, Michael IV.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Romanus III in the context of Constantine IX Monomachos

Constantine IX Monomachos (Greek: Κωνσταντῖνος Μονομάχος, romanizedKōnstantīnos Monomachos; c. 980/c. 1000– 11 January 1055) reigned as Byzantine emperor from June 1042 to January 1055. Empress Zoë Porphyrogenita chose him as a husband and co-emperor in 1042, although he had been exiled for conspiring against her previous husband, Emperor Michael IV the Paphlagonian. The couple shared the throne with Zoë's sister Theodora Porphyrogenita. Zoë died in 1050, and Constantine continued his collaboration with Theodora until his own death five years later.

Constantine's reign was marked by prodigality, enjoying an abundant imperial treasury following the conquests of his predecessors and the era of economic expansion that the Empire experienced in the first half of the 11th century. While Zoe was deprived of access to this treasure by Romanus III and then Michael IV, her third husband ensured that she could enjoy it as much as she wanted. He also distributed a large number of gifts, both in monetary forms and through donations of land or tax exemptions, especially for the religious world. He made all his decisions with the knowledge and approval of Zoe and Theodora, whether it was an act or an appearance. They were by his side in all ceremonies and their names were included along with his in public praises.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier