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Theodora crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire

Theodora Porphyrogenita was Byzantine Empress from 21 April 1042 to her death on 31 August 1056, and sole ruler from 11 January 1055.

Theodora Porphyrogenita was Byzantine Empress from 21 April 1042 to her death on 31 August 1056, and sole ruler from 11 January 1055. She was the last sovereign of the Macedonian dynasty that ruled the Byzantine Empire for almost 200 years.

Theodora was the youngest daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII. After Theodora's father died in 1028, her older sister Zoë co-ruled with her husbands Romanos III and Michael IV, kept Theodora closely watched. After two foiled plots, Theodora was exiled to an island monastery in the Sea of Marmara in 1031.

Historical Significance

Theodora Porphyrogenita was Byzantine Empress from 21 April 1042 to her death on 31 August 1056, and sole ruler from 11 January 1055.

Events Before

  1. Philip I is born

    Philip I is born

  2. The Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches begins when Roman Cardinal Humbert issues a bull of excommunicatio

    The Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches begins when Roman Cardinal Humbert issues a bull of excommunication against Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the altar of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople

  3. Pope Leo IX escapes captivity and returns to Rome

    Pope Leo IX escapes captivity and returns to Rome

  4. Brightest known supernova SN 1054 (creates the Crab Nebula) 1st reported by Chinese astronomers

    Brightest known supernova SN 1054 (creates the Crab Nebula) 1st reported by Chinese astronomers

  5. Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Caerularius, as head of a Synod held in Constantinople excommunicates Cardinal Humbe

    Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Caerularius, as head of a Synod held in Constantinople excommunicates Cardinal Humbert of the Western church (Rome)

Events After

  1. Supernova Crab nebula last seen by the naked eye

    Supernova Crab nebula last seen by the naked eye

  2. The Ostromir Gospel, now the oldest surviving Russian manuscript is recorded completed by its scribe Deacon Grigory [1]

    The Ostromir Gospel, now the oldest surviving Russian manuscript is recorded completed by its scribe Deacon Grigory [1]

  3. Frederick of Lorraine elected as the first Belgian Pope Stephen IX [X]

    Frederick of Lorraine elected as the first Belgian Pope Stephen IX [X]

  4. Bishop Giovanni "Minchus" ["the thin"] elected as Anti-Pope Benedict X

    Bishop Giovanni "Minchus" ["the thin"] elected as Anti-Pope Benedict X

  5. Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops

    Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops and Cardinals not appointed by their predecessor

More from the 1050s

The Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches begins when Roman Cardinal Humbert issues a bull of excommunicatio

The Great Schism between Western and Eastern churches begins when Roman Cardinal Humbert issues a bull of excommunication against Cerularius, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the altar of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople

Pope Leo IX escapes captivity and returns to Rome

Pope Leo IX escapes captivity and returns to Rome

Bishop Giovanni "Minchus" ["the thin"] elected as Anti-Pope Benedict X

Bishop Giovanni "Minchus" ["the thin"] elected as Anti-Pope Benedict X

German Bishop Gebhard of Dollnstein-Hirschberg named Pope Victor II

Pope Victor II (1018 – 28 July 1057), born Gebhard von Dollnstein-Hirschberg, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 13 April 1055 until his death in 1057.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 11, 1055?
Theodora Porphyrogenita was Byzantine Empress from 21 April 1042 to her death on 31 August 1056, and sole ruler from 11 January 1055. She was the last sovereign of the Macedonian dynasty that ruled the Byzantine Empire for almost 200 years. Theodora was the youngest daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII.
Why is Theodora crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire significant?
Theodora Porphyrogenita was Byzantine Empress from 21 April 1042 to her death on 31 August 1056, and sole ruler from 11 January 1055.

Explore More

January 11 in HistoryYear 1055