Ancient Star

When Emperor Theophilus died in 842 AD, he left a religious crisis. He had spent his reign destroying icons.

Theodora became regent for their young son. She did the unthinkable within a year.

She convened a synod and officially restored the veneration of icons. This move, called the Triumph of Orthodoxy, secured her support from the clergy and the faithful.

Her real test came from outside the walls. In 856 AD, Bulgarian forces pressed against the empire.

Theodora's response was not a call to arms alone. She organized a grand procession through Constantinople.

Carrying sacred relics and icons, she walked with her people, invoking divine protection. The display of unity and piety was a masterstroke.

It solidified her authority, rallied the populace, and projected divine favor to her enemies. Historical accounts suggest the Bulgarian threat receded.

Whether through divine intervention or demoralized foes, Theodora's faith-based strategy worked.

In 1597, Admiral Yi Sun-sin had 13 ships left. Over 300 Japanese warships were coming.

He chose to fight in the Myeongnyang Strait. This waterway had very strong, fast-changing currents.

Yi let the Japanese enter the narrow channel first. The current grabbed their ships.

It smashed them into each other and the rocks. Their neat attack lines fell apart.

From his steady position, Yi's famous turtle ships fired their cannons. The Japanese fleet was badly damaged and had to retreat.

Yi's win stopped the invasion. It is one of the most famous naval battles ever.