Imperial Antitypes: Progenitors, Successors, and Greed

A change of heart? Theophilos on his deathbed

“…44 Through Theophilos' last action (the kissing of an icon), Theodora secured her husband's post mortem memory, 45 and signalized the end of Iconoclasm. 46 For Theodora it was important that Theophilos should have a positive image: her claim to the throne relied on it, 47 because she needed the support, not only of the iconophiles, but also of the iconoclast party, who would be unwilling to see their emperor condemned. 48 Pseudo-Symeon is the second writer to maintain Theophilos' conversion.…”