Porphyrogenita

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Porphyrogenita (Greek: Πορφυρογέννητη) is the female form of the Byzantine Greek title Porphyrogenitos, meaning "born in the purple".

Being "born in the purple" means that one was born as the child of a reigning Byzantine Emperor. Being Porphyrogenita added much status to a person. For males it meant they were the legitimate successors of the last emperor, and had a real claim to the throne against rebellious generals. For females it meant they had higher status as a princess and had more value if they were used in diplomatic marriages.

Examples of Porphyrogenita:

• Empress Zoe