Zoe and Theodora briefly rule Byzantium

1042

After a violent popular revolt drove out the upstart emperor Michael V, the two aged sisters of the Macedonian dynasty shared the throne for two months, ceremonially reviewing petitions and issuing edicts. Zoe then married Constantine IX Monomachos, and court intrigue resumed its usual patterns inside the palace. Their brief joint reign was the first time two women had ruled the Roman Empire together.