The Rise and Rivalry of Zoe and Theodora

Zoe and Theodora, daughters of Emperor Constantine VIII, played significant roles in the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century, marked by political intrigue and power struggles. Both women were known as Porphyrogenita, meaning 'born in the purple,' which emphasized their royal lineage. Their relationship was tumultuous, characterized by a rivalry that culminated in Zoe's efforts to eliminate her sister as a political threat, including incidents where Theodora was confined to the women's quarters and later sent to a monastery. Ultimately, their reigns were intertwined, as both women shared the imperial spotlight for a brief period before taking different paths in their quest for power.