Eudokia Dekapolitissa

Eudokia Dekapolitissa was the empress consort of Michael III (r. 842–867), the last member of the Phrygian Dynasty to rule the Byzantine Empire. Marriage Michael III had succeeded to the throne in 842, when he was two years old. His mother, Theodora, and Theoktistos jointly served as his regents. In 855, Michael III was fifteen years old and had one mistress, Eudokia Ingerina. Theodora did not approve of the relationship and organized a bride-show for her son, where Dekapolitissa was one of the contenders. Her background is unknown, though entry to a bride-show required noble origin and courtly connections. Through the bride-show, Dekapolitissa was chosen to become empress.