Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos of Byzantium

Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos was a Byzantine emperor (r. 913-959) of the Macedonian Dynasty during the height of the Byzantine Empire's cultural and military power of the medieval world. He was born in 905 as the son of the Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise from his troubled marriage with Empress Zoe Karbonopsina. Constantine VII came to power in 913 at only 8 following the death of his uncle Alexander (r. 912-913) who succeeded his brother Leo VI and only ruled for a year. Constantine VII had a troubled early reign with a troubled regency until the admiral Romanos Lekapenos seized the throne in 919 as emperor though keeping Constantine in power but removing his significance. Constantine VII would return finally running the empire himself in 945 after Romanos I was dethroned and exiled by his sons who were then removed from power by Constantine. As an emperor, Constantine VII as a scholar and artist put all his attention in scholarly and artistic matters making Byzantium a sophisticated cultural center. He is best remembered for writing books about Byzantine court ceremonies and managing the empire and for impressing foreign ambassadors with the luxuries of the imperial court such as the throne he sat on that could be elevated and a golden tree with golden birds that could sing. Constantine VII died in 959 allegedly poisoned by his daughter-in-law Theophano married to his son Romanos II who here succeeded him as emperor.

My take on Emperor Constantine VII here is a black and white illustration with an intricate border. The emperor here is seen with a book and pen reflecting his scholarly nature while here he wears the Byzantine imperial robe known as the "Loros", a golden scarf wrapped around the body. Behind him is the skyline of Constantinople in the 10th century.

© Powee Celdran, 2021