 However, their plans were preempted by Constantine's aged sister-in-law Theodora, the last descendant of the Macedonian dynasty, who was brought out of her retirement in a convent and proclaimed "emperor" by the imperial guard shortly before Constantine's death.A purge of senior officials and the leadership of the European military units followed.Bryennios, whom the western "tagmata" apparently wanted to proclaim him emperor instead, was also dismissed and exiled.