The period of Constantine Monomachos IX in the Byzantine Empire (1042-1055)

When Constantine VIII died in 1028, he left no male successor. Since the legitimacy of the Macedonian Dynasty was not a matter of debate, the Byzantine Empire was ruled by the hands and agency of Constantine VIII's daughters, Zoe and Theodora. In this context, Konstantinos IX, who was Zoe's third wife and ruled between 1042 and 1055, is the last Emperor of the Macedonian Dynasty. The reign of Constantine IX is the most stable time in the crisis period of Byzantium in the 11th century, between the periods of Basil II and Alexios I. Nevertheless, the reign of Constantine IX was very active in terms of domestic and foreign politics. Constantine IX managed to maintain his power against many rebellion and conspiracy attempts, especially the rebellion of Georgios Maniakes in 1042, the most important commander of the period. After fending off the Russians who attacked the capital, he annexed the Armenian Kingdom of Ani. Afterwards, troubled days began for Constantine IX. Constantine IX had to fight simultaneously with the Normans, who invaded Southern Italy in the west, Seljuks, who raided the Empire lands in the east, and in the north Pechenegs, who crossed the Danube. This is one of the most important breaking moments in Byzantine history. As if all this were not enough, in 1054 there was a great conflict between the Churches of Rome and Constantinople. Despite the intensity of political and military developments, Constantine IX patronized scholars and established two schools in Constantinople that gave education in law and philosophy. He also carried out many construction activities within and outside the borders of the Empire.