Episode Summary: SYMHC Classics: Zoë and Theodora

Stuff You Missed in History Class delves into the tumultuous lives of Zoë and Theodora, two influential Byzantine empresses who navigated power, intrigue, and survival in the 11th-century Byzantine Empire. Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson, this episode provides an engaging exploration of their reigns, the political landscape of Constantinople, and the enduring legacy of their leadership.

Introduction to Zoë and Theodora

Holly and Tracy commence the episode by highlighting the complexity of researching historical figures from the Byzantine era. They emphasize the scarcity and reliability of sources, noting, “we don't know if that copy is accurate or how many iterations it may have gone through” ([04:48] Holly Fry). This sets the stage for their deep dive into the lives of Zoë and Theodora, co-empresses whose rule was marked by both collaboration and conflict.

Historical Context: The Byzantine Empire and the Macedonian Dynasty

The hosts provide a comprehensive backdrop of the Byzantine Empire, explaining its origins as the Eastern Roman Empire established in the 4th century. They discuss the pivotal role of Basil II, whose reign ushered in the Macedonian Dynasty’s golden age. Tracy elaborates, “The Macedonian dynasty is described as ushering in the Byzantine golden age, marked by a period of literary and artistic flourishing as well as an expansion of the empire's territory” ([09:33] Tracy V. Wilson). Under Basil II, the empire not only expanded territorially but also solidified its cultural and religious influence, including the spread of Christianity to neighboring regions.

Rise of Zoë and Theodora

Zoë and Theodora were born into the ruling Macedonian family, both bearing the honorific Porphyrogenita, indicating their birth into the purple—the designated empresses’ residence. Tracy notes, “Zoë and Theodora were both known by the honorific Porphyrogenita, or born in the Purple, which was used for the daughters of emperors born during their reign” ([15:23] Tracy V. Wilson). Their ascent to power began after the reign of their father, Constantine VIII, who lacked a male heir.

Political Intrigue and Marriages

Zoë’s first marriage to Romanos Argyrus was orchestrated by the aging Emperor Constantine VIII in hopes of securing a stable succession. However, Romanos proved to be an ineffective ruler. Tracy recounts, “Romanos also spent a lot of money trying to build churches and monasteries” ([19:52] Tracy V. Wilson), highlighting his mismanagement and the resultant strain on the empire’s finances.

Zoë’s personal life further complicated the political landscape. Her affair with Michael, a court eunuch, led to tensions that destabilized her marriage to Romanos. Holly summarizes, “Ignoring this relationship did not work out for Romanos, though” ([20:22] Holly Fry), referring to the eventual poisoning and death of Romanos, suspected to be orchestrated by Zoë and Michael.

Reign of Romanos and His Downfall

Romanos’ reign was marred by strategic blunders and unpopular fiscal policies. Tracy explains, “Romanos' relationship with his uncles had become increasingly contentious” ([28:13] Tracy V. Wilson), leading to his eventual exile and blindness. This period of instability underscored the fragile nature of imperial authority and the perilous balance between personal relationships and political power.

Zoë’s Ascendancy and Michael IV’s Rule

Following Romanos’ demise, Zoë leveraged her influence to install Michael IV as emperor. Tracy details, “Zoë’s efforts to establish Michael as Emperor Michael IV did not work out for her” ([20:22] Tracy V. Wilson). Michael IV’s reign saw continued mismanagement, including tax reforms that alienated both the peasantry and the aristocracy, ultimately leading to widespread dissatisfaction and rebellion.

Michael V and Zoë’s Banishment

In a dramatic turn of events, Michael V usurped power, banishing Zoë to a monastery and attempting to discredit her by accusing her of conspiracy. Holly narrates, “As word spread about Zoe's treatment, the people of Constantinople were outraged” ([27:07] Holly Fry), highlighting the public’s enduring loyalty to Zoë and the ensuing chaos within the empire. The populace’s support for Zoë catalyzed her return and the subsequent proclamation of her sister, Theodora, as co-empress.

Co-Reign of Zoë and Theodora

The dual reign of Zoë and Theodora marked a unique period in Byzantine history. Tracy offers a vivid description of their leadership dynamics, stating, “The elder Zoe was the quicker to understand ideas, but slower to give them utterance” ([29:05] Tracy V. Wilson). Despite their popularity, their joint rule sometimes struggled due to societal expectations that questioned the propriety of female-only leadership.

Marriage to Constantine IX and Continued Challenges

To bolster their authority, Zoë married Constantine Monomachos, an experienced administrator with his own contentious personal life. Tracy explains, “Constantine had a lover named Sflerina, and that by itself would not have raised too many eyebrows” ([32:56] Tracy V. Wilson), but Constantine’s lavish spending and political missteps further destabilized the empire. His inability to effectively govern led to military defeats and uprisings, exacerbating the already fragile state of Byzantine politics.

Legacy and Depictions

Zoë and Theodora’s reign left a lasting imprint on Byzantine history, both through their political actions and their portrayal in contemporary art. Tracy mentions, “There is a mosaic of Zoe and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul” ([36:34] Tracy V. Wilson), indicating their enduring presence in cultural artifacts. The hosts also discuss the complexities and ambiguities in historical accounts, such as potential poisoning and the reliability of sources like the Chronographia by Mikael Pselosh.

Conclusion: The Fall of Byzantium and Enduring Impact

The episode concludes by touching on the eventual decline of the Byzantine Empire, which continued for centuries after Zoë and Theodora’s rule. Tracy summarizes, “The Byzantine Empire was finally conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453” ([36:34] Tracy V. Wilson), underscoring the long-term ramifications of the political instability that characterized their reign.

Holly and Tracy wrap up by reflecting on the intricate interplay of personal relationships, political ambition, and societal expectations that defined the lives of Zoë and Theodora. Their story serves as a testament to the challenges faced by female rulers in a male-dominated political landscape and the lasting legacy of their leadership in Byzantine history.

Notable Quotes

• Holly Fry [04:48]: “We don't know if that copy is accurate or how many iterations it may have gone through.”
• Tracy V. Wilson [09:33]: “The Macedonian dynasty is described as ushering in the Byzantine golden age, marked by a period of literary and artistic flourishing as well as an expansion of the empire's territory.”
• Tracy V. Wilson [15:23]: “Zoë and Theodora were both known by the honorific Porphyrogenita, or born in the Purple, which was used for the daughters of emperors born during their reign”.
• Tracy V. Wilson [28:13]: “Romanos' relationship with his uncles had become increasingly contentious”.
• Holly Fry [27:07]: “As word spread about Zoe's treatment, the people of Constantinople were outraged”.
• Tracy V. Wilson [29:05]: “The elder Zoe was the quicker to understand ideas, but slower to give them utterance”.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a nuanced portrayal of Zoë and Theodora, highlighting their resilience and strategic acumen in navigating the perilous waters of Byzantine politics. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson illuminate the lesser-known facets of Byzantine history, providing listeners with a rich understanding of these two formidable empresses.

For more insights into forgotten corners of history, tune into Stuff You Missed in History Class available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.