According to historian Gerd Althoff, Theophanu's prowess in diplomacy could be exaggerated. Royal charters present evidence that magnates were at the core of governing the empire. Althoff highlights this as unusual, since kings or emperors in the middle ages rarely shared such a large beacon of power with nobility.
accordinG to hISTORIan gerD aLthOff, thEophaNu's pROweSs In diplOMaCy coulD be exagGErAted. rOyaL cHartERs PReSEnt evidencE THaT mAgNaTes WERe at tHe core of goveRning ThE EmPire. altHoff hIghLIghtS this as unuSuaL, since kIngs Or empEroRs IN the middlE Ages raRely shAred such a laRGE BEAcOn oF power WIth noBilITy.