Constantine IX "Monomachos"
(ca. 980 - January 11, 1055) Byzantium
Emperor
In 1042 he married the Empress Zoe, vidowed of two husbands and sixty-two year-old, and could so become emperor. Also after the death of Zoe in 1050, he succeeded in keeping the throne, in spite of he rebellion of some of his generals.
A cultivated and refined person, Constantine IX promoted the arts and the studies, opened a new law school, enriched Bysantium with beautiful buildings, and founded welfare institutions. But also a weak and extravagant ruler, he mismanaged the Empire's finances, economized on its defence, and left it in a considerably weaker position. Cultural activities, however, flourished, and he refounded the University of Constantinople in 1045.
During his reign Byzantine influence in Italy practically disappeared, owing to the conquest of Lombardy by the Normans.
Byzantine enamel plaques probably parts of a crown representing the emperor Constentine IX Monomachos (1042 - 1056), the Empress Zoe and her sister Theodora. (Budapest museum)
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