Romanos III Argyros

Reign: 1028 – 1034
Life: 968–1034

He was a Byzantine noble and senior official in Constantinople when the dying Constantine VIII forced him to divorce his wife and marry the emperor's daughter, Zoë. He disorganised the tax system and undermined the military, personally leading a disastrous military expedition against Aleppo. He fell out with his wife and foiled several attempts on his throne, including two which revolved around his sister-in-law Theodora. He spent large amounts on the construction and repair of churches and monasteries.

During Romanos III Argyros' reign, Cnut the Great ruled England, Anund Jacob ruled Sweden, and Conrad II ruled Holy Roman Empire.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

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Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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