Title: Emperor of Byzantium
Alternate names/spellings:
Dates: 905 - 959 ()
Constantine VII was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 913 to 959, although he was not the sole emperor for this entire period. He was given the name Porphyrogenitos, or "born in the purple," to signify that he was born in the Purple Room of the imperial palace in Constantinople. This name was meant to legitimize his right to rule despite the fact that his mother was Emperor Leo VI’s illegitimate fourth wife. Constantine VII is principally known as a scholar whose writings give much insight into the Byzantine Empire. His most important works are De ceremoniis aulae Byzantinae ("On Ceremonies") and De administrando imperio ("On the Administration of the Empire"). TLM