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Constantin IX MonomahByzantine Emperor (1042-55)
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
Biography of Constantine IX Monomachos
Constantine IX Monomachos was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 1042 to 1055. He ascended to the throne after marrying Empress Zoe Porphyrogenita, and they ruled together until Zoe's death in 1050.
Early Life
Constantine's father, Theodosios Monomachos, was a prominent official under Basil II and Constantine VIII. However, his career came to an abrupt end when he was accused of conspiracy. This accusation also had a negative impact on Constantine, but he managed to regain his position by marrying the niece of Emperor Romanos III Argyros.
Constantine quickly established himself at court, forming a close relationship with Empress Zoe. However, this friendship eventually led to his downfall, as the courtiers considered him dangerously ambitious. He was ultimately exiled for plotting against Emperor Michael IV the Paphlagonian. It was only after the death of Michael IV and the overthrow of Michael V that Constantine was able to return from exile.
Reign
Upon coming to power, Constantine continued the purge of Michael V's relatives from the imperial court, a policy initiated by Zoe and her sister Theodora. However, Constantine was not known for his political talents. He prioritized his personal pleasures, had a quick temper, and often saw conspiracies everywhere. He was heavily influenced by his mistress, Maria Skleraina, who happened to be the niece of his second wife.
One of the first crises of Constantine's reign was caused by his relationship with Skleraina. Giving in to her influence, he dismissed General George Maniakes from his position, which led to Maniakes rebelling and declaring himself the new emperor. Constantine narrowly escaped defeat when Maniakes was mortally wounded in battle.
During his reign, Constantine also faced attacks from the Russian fleet, which were repelled with the use of Greek fire. He married his daughter Anastasia to Vsevolod I of Kiev, future prince of Kiev. However, rumors emerged that Constantine planned to kill both Zoe and Theodora, which led to a rebellion in Constantinople in 1044. Only the appearance of Zoe and Theodora, convincing the anxious citizens of their safety, saved Constantine from harm.
Constantine's reign also saw the conquest of the Armenian Kingdom of Ani in 1045. However, this conquest brought more harm than benefit, as it increased the empire's enemies. The Byzantines encountered the Seljuks for the first time in 1046, leading to their first battle in 1048. A peace agreement was signed in 1049, but Constantine disbanded the Armenian troops in 1053 to save money, leaving the eastern border vulnerable. This carelessness ultimately led to the disastrous defeat at Manzikert in 1071.
Legacy
In 1054, the Greek and Roman churches finally split, with Patriarch Michael Keroularios being excommunicated. This rupture dashed Constantine's plans to form an alliance with the Pope, which was crucial for dealing with the Normans in southern Italy. Unfortunately, Constantine did not have the opportunity to resolve this issue, as he passed away on January 11, 1055.
Overall, Constantine IX Monomachos' reign was tumultuous, especially in terms of military actions. His lack of political skills and his addiction to pleasure made his rule challenging for the Byzantine Empire.
