Byzantine imperial women. Sisters in the 'Macedonian Dynasty' (867-1056)

Shaun Tougher explores the place of sisters in the Byzantine ‘Macedonian dynasty’ (867–1056). He compares and contrasts the sisters Zoe and Theodora with other sisters in the dynasty’s history, to understand their collective position and status. Tougher considers the relationship between Zoe and Theodora, the circumstances surrounding their co-rulership, and their status as sources of power. Turning to sisters (and half-sisters) during the dynasty’s earlier history, Tougher argues that some were pawns of their brothers, some formed a visible presence at their parents’ court and others were significant through their marriages, especially in the absence of male heirs. There was an ever-present risk that male siblings would consign their sisters (and indeed mothers) to nunneries, although some of these imperial women did emerge to regain authority. Even as nuns they could feature in depictions of the dynasty, for instance on mosaics. Tougher also takes steps to remove Zoe and Theodora’s sister Eudokia from the shadows to which she had previously been consigned.