Hello everyone and welcome to the history of Byzantium, Episode 131, False Economy.

Thanks again to all of you who bought the fundraising episode.

For those who didn't, you missed hearing about the life and legacy of Constantine VII.

We discussed his 39 years living in the palace before he became sole emperor, what he

was doing, and what he thought of Romanus Le Capinus.

We were able to do this in part thanks to the amazing amount that Constantine published

once he was on the throne.

Those books have gone on to be deeply influential in our view of Byzantium and the palace.

If you'd like to hear all of that, then go to the history of Byzantium.com and click

on sale instructions in the top right hand corner.

One of the major takeaways from that episode was how Constantine tried to present himself

now that he was sole ruler.

He focused on underlining his position as the legitimate emperor and inheritor of the

Macedonian legacy.

He did this in a number of ways.

First he began to style himself officially as Constantine Pofiro Yehnitos, the Purple

Born, reminding everyone that he was born in the palace, not in some godforsaken heart

halfway up a mountain like some people.

Second he modelled his leadership on that of his father, Leo the Wise.

He too would remain in the palace, leaving military affairs to others.

And he presented himself as an instructor, a lawmaker, and master of ceremonies.

The last time we were all together with the narrative, Romanus and his sons were evicted

...