The Other Half: The History of Women Through the Ages 4.04 Marozia: Ruling the Pornocracy
Oct 23, 2021
A deep dive into tenth century Rome where aristocratic families turned the papacy into a prize. It follows Marozia's rise from marriage alliances to senatorial power and political manipulation. The story covers sieges, imprisonments, shocking punishments, and a violent family revolt. It ends by questioning whether contemporary sources unfairly vilified powerful women.
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Saeculum Obscurum Explained
- The tenth-century papacy (904–964) is commonly dubbed the Pornocracy but modern historians prefer Saeculum Obscurum.
- Powerful Roman families, not popes, held real control and shaped papal outcomes during this era.
Theodora Senior's Political Role
- Theodora Senior led the Tusculani and wielded real political power alongside her husband Theophilact.
- Sources call her a "shameless harlot" and accuse her of exercising power in a "manly fashion."
Marozia's Early Relationships
- Marozia became Pope Sergius III's lover at about age 15 and later married Albrecht of Spoleto at 19.
- Contemporary writers allege her son John was Sergius's child, linking family ties to papal influence.
