T
he Purple Born

Constantine VII's mother, Zoe Karbonopsina, was the mistress to Emperor Leo VI (The Wise) of Byzantium.  But I would think that it was Zoe who was the wiser for because of her foresight, Constantine VII's legitimacy started to take shape simply by the room in the palace where he was born.  Being born in the Purple Room of the imperial palace meant that you were the son of a reigning Emperor of Byzantium.  To secure the throne for her son and also his legitimacy, three days after the christening a marriage took place and Zoe was proclaimed Empress.  Still feeling that the succession was in question,  Leo had his son crowned as co-emperor on May 15, 908, when he was only two years old. 

In 912 Leo VI died and he was succeeded by his younger brother Alexander who reigned until his death in 913.  Constantine was now seven years old.  Although he was now Emperor he was not to rule alone.  It didn't take long before the throne was usurped and intrigues filled the court.  His first regent was Nicholas Mystikos—a very unpopular man.  And so the juggling of power went with his mother becoming regent (twice), then came an admiral, Romanos Lecapenus, who managed to make himself co-emperor in 920.  Emperor Romanos I kept his power until 944 when he was deposed by his sons and Constantine.  In 945, Constantine was at last successful in removing his co-emperors and claiming the throne as his alone.

In 919, at the age of thirteen, Constantine was forced into a loveless marriage of convenience with Helena, daughter of Romanus I.  Fortunately the marriage eventually became a happy one, with Helena advising Constantine and two of their children rising to the throne after the death of their father.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good Emperor, Constantine VII battled his detractors—making survival his major duty—and discharged his duties as best he could.  A patron of the arts, he was a passionate collector and an accomplished painter.  He spent large amounts of time reviewing the Byzantine court ceremonial and his work entitled De Cerimoniis Aulae Byzantinae remains—to this day—an invaluable resource.  He was known for his astute ability to discern the right man for the job and these successful appointments lead to a strong empire both economically and militarily.

On November 9, 959 Constantine at last found peace—in death.  It has been said that the true mark of an Emperor is his ability as an aggressor. Yet ofttimes, as history has shown, it is the quiet, gentle rulers that take precedence.

 

Constantine_VII_pic

Christ crowning Constantine VII

 

 

Linda Abel is the publisher, editor and your faithful Scribe of The Medieval Chronicle. She is also co-published in mystery and self published in non-fiction with books on the medieval period.  She would love hearing from you.  Please contact her at Scribe@TheMedievalChronicle.com.

 

 

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