In 1068, Eudokia made what many later considered an ill-advised decision. In order to strengthen the Empire’s eastern borders she went back on her oath to never remarry and took Romanos Diogenes as her second husband on the condition that he defer to her in matters of state. Theirs was a tempestuous marriage. Though Romanos bowed to her experience originally, he soon took power for himself at the expense of both Eudokia and Michael. His love of war brought about his downfall when he was captured by the Turks at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
[Constantinople mint, 1067-1017, Classical Numismatic Group, Source: Wikimedia Commons]
In addition to running an empire, Eudokia also found time to write her own dictionary, which she probably completed sometime between 1068 and 1071, given the dedication to her second husband. It was not so much a dictionary as we know the term today as a compilation of stories about gods, heroes, and heroines with some additional commentary by philosophers.
*It’s worth noting that she was Augusta while John Doukas was only Caesar. It’s pretty clear who was supposed to be in charge here.
**He didn’t, at first, force her to become a nun. That came a bit later.
***As was the usual punishment for traitors, they had him blinded and sent him to a monastery.
Michael Psellos: Chronographia, Book 7 - Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Eudokia Makrembolitissa - Wikipedia