Eudokia Makrembolitissa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eudokia Makrembolitissa |
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| Augusta Empress and Autocratess of the Romans |
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Contemporary miniature of empress Eudokia
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| Byzantine empress regnant or regent | |
| Rule | 23 May – 31 December 1067 (also regent for her co-emperor Michael VII) |
| Predecessor | Constantine X |
| Successor | Romanos IV |
| Co-emperors | Michael VII and Konstantios Doukas |
| Byzantine empress consort | |
| Tenure | 1059–1067 (as wife of Constantine X) 1068–1071 (as wife of Romanos IV) |
| Born | c. 1030 |
| Died | after 1081 |
| Spouse |
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| Issue | by Constantine X Michael VII Doukas A son Anne Doukaina Andronikos Doukas Theodora Doukaina Konstantios Doukas Zoe Doukaina by Romanos IV Nikephoros Diogenes Leo Diogenes |
| Dynasty | Doukid |
| Religion | Orthodox |
Eudokia Makrembolitissa was a powerful Byzantine empress. She was married to two emperors, Constantine X Doukas and Romanos IV Diogenes. Eudokia also acted as a regent for her young son, Michael VII. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule. Many historians believe Eudokia was a true empress who ruled on her own. She held power during difficult times for the Byzantine Empire.
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Her Early Life and Family
Eudokia Makrembolitissa was born around 1030. Her father was John Makrembolites. Her uncle was Michael I Cerularius, who was the top religious leader in Constantinople, called the Patriarch.
Eudokia married Constantine X Doukas around 1049. He was 43 years old and it was his second marriage. By 1059, they already had five children. These included their future son Michael VII and another son who died young. They also had Andronikos, Anna, and Theodora.
Becoming Empress of Byzantium
Constantine X Doukas became emperor on November 23, 1059. Eudokia was crowned Augusta soon after. This was a special title for empresses. They had two more children, Konstantios Doukas and Zoe.
In 1066, Emperor Constantine X became very sick. He named his brother, John Doukas, and Patriarch John VIII Xiphilinos as co-regents. Eudokia was supposed to only care for her sons. But Constantine knew she wanted more power. He died on May 23, 1067.
Eudokia's Power as Ruler
After Constantine X died, Eudokia took control. She became the main ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Her son Michael VII was old enough to rule, but he let his mother manage everything. Some historians think he might have had a learning disability.
Eudokia's power was clear in her coins and public art. Sometimes, she appeared on coins without her sons. This was very unusual for an empress. One special silver box called her "Great Empress of the Romans." This showed she had a higher rank than her sons. Some writings from 1067 even used the male title "Emperor" for her.
Her Marriage to Romanos IV
Eudokia had promised her dying husband, Constantine, not to marry again. She even swore this promise to the Patriarch. But she knew she needed a strong leader to protect the empire. The Seljuk Turks were attacking from the East.
She chose Romanos IV Diogenes, a popular general. This was a risky choice because Romanos had been accused of plotting against the emperor. Eudokia hoped his military skills would stop the Turks. On December 25, she gave Romanos important titles. But she still needed the Patriarch's approval to marry.
Some stories say Eudokia tricked the Patriarch. She made him believe she would marry one of his relatives. The Patriarch agreed and cancelled her oath. Eudokia and Romanos IV were married and crowned emperor on January 1, 1068. This surprised many officials.
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Eudokia and Romanos IV had two sons, Nikephoros and Leo. Romanos IV also made Eudokia's son, Andronikos Doukas, a co-emperor.
At first, coins showed Romanos as less important than Eudokia and her sons. Some coins even called him despotes (a lower title) and saved the title basileus (emperor) for Eudokia. One historian said Eudokia called Romanos "a subject, not a ruler." But Romanos soon started to act on his own. Many people in the government and army were unhappy, especially John Doukas.
The Battle of Manzikert and Her Fall
On August 26, 1071, Romanos IV fought Alp Arslan, the sultan of the Seljuk Empire, at the Battle of Manzikert. The Byzantine army was defeated, and Romanos IV was captured. This happened partly because of a general named Andronikos, who was John Doukas's son.
News of the defeat reached Constantinople a few days later. On October 1, the Senate (a council of important people) removed Romanos IV from power. They declared Eudokia and Michael VII as joint rulers. This new government lasted only one month. When news arrived that Romanos was released, Eudokia's enemies grew stronger. John Doukas forced Eudokia to leave the palace and become a nun in a monastery. Her son Michael VII then became the sole emperor.
What Happened Later in Her Life?
Even after being forced to leave, Eudokia still had influence. She worked with Anna Dalassene, another exiled noblewoman, to try and bring Romanos IV back to power. She also held a special funeral for Romanos IV when he died in 1072.
In 1078, Michael VII was removed from power. The new emperor, Nikephoros III Botaneiates, called Eudokia back to Constantinople. He even offered to marry her. But this plan didn't happen, mainly because John Doukas opposed it. Nikephoros still sent Eudokia many gifts. Eudokia died sometime after 1081.
The Mysterious Book
A dictionary of history and myths, called Ionia (meaning Collection or Bed of Violets), was once thought to be written by Eudokia. It was said to be for her husband, Romanos Diogenes. The book was described as a collection of stories about gods, heroes, and philosophers. However, experts now believe this book was not written by Eudokia. It was likely created in the 1500s by someone named Constantine Paleocappa.
Eudokia's Children
Eudokia had seven children with her first husband, Constantine X:
- Michael VII Doukas: He became co-emperor in 1060 and the main emperor after 1071.
- A son who died when he was a baby.
- Anne Doukaina: She became a nun.
- Andronikos Doukas: He was a co-emperor from 1068 to 1078.
- Theodora Doukaina: She married Domenico Selvo, who was the leader of Venice.
- Konstantios Doukas: He was a co-emperor from 1060 to 1078. He died in battle in 1081.
- Zoe Doukaina: She married Adrianos Komnenos, who was the brother of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.
With her second husband, Romanos IV, she had two sons:
- Nikephoros Diogenes: He was blinded because he was accused of treason.
- Leo Diogenes: He died in battle.
Images for kids
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Constantine X and Eudokia in a special box for holy items.
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A drawing of Constantine X and Eudokia with their son, Michael VII.
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A gold coin showing Romanos IV Diogenes and Eudokia.
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See also
In Spanish: Eudoxia Macrembolita para niños
