Leo VI

:This article is about the Byzantine Emperor. There is also an article on Pope Leo VI

Fourth marriage dispute

Leo caused a major scandal with his numerous marriages which failed to produce a legitimate heir to the throne. His first wife, whom Basil had forced him to marry, died in 897, and he re-married Zoë Zaützina, daughter of his counsellor Zaützes, though she died as well in 899. Upon this marriage Leo created the title of basilopator ("father of the emperor") for his father-in-law.

Related Topics:
897 - 899 - Basilopator

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After Zoë's death a third marriage was technically illegal, but he married again, only to have his third wife die in 901. Instead of marrying a fourth time, which would have been an even greater sin than a third marriage (according to the Patriarch Nicholas Mysticus) Leo instead took a mistress, Zoe "of the coal eyes". He was allowed to marry her when she gave birth to a son in 904, but with many penalties, such as the refusal to legitimize his wife as empress.

Related Topics:
901 - Nicholas Mysticus - Zoe "of the coal eyes" - A son - 904

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