The Rule of the Harlots and The Pornocracy are names given to a period of the papacy in the early tenth century, beginning with the installation of Pope Sergius III in 904. This period is usually considered to have lasted for 60 years, until the death of Pope John XII in 963. Some sources describe it as ending after 30 years, with the reign of Pope John XI in 935.
During this period, the popes were influenced strongly by three major Roman families, the Theophylacts, the Alberics, and the Tusculans. They were in particular under the influence of powerful women (though not necessarily prostitutes) in these families, especially TheodoraMarozia and Theodora, of the Theophylact family. and her daughters,
It is widely believed that Marozia was the concubine of Pope Sergius III and the mother of Pope John XI. She was also accused of having had Pope John X (who had originally been nominated for office by Theodora) murdered in order to secure the election of her current favourite, Pope Leo VI.
Influence over 10th century popes
Theodora and Marozia undoubtedly held great sway over the popes during this time. In particular, as political rulers of Rome
they had effective control over the election of new popes. However, it
is debatable whether all of the allegations that have been made against
them can be substantiated. Much that is alleged about the pornocracy
comes from the histories of Liutprand, bishop of Cremona. Liutprand took part in the Assembly of Bishops which deposed Pope John XII and was a political enemy of Rome; he is described by the Catholic Encyclopedia as "ever a strong partisan and frequently unfair towards his adversaries." Some of the worst excesses of the time might thus be considered to be no more than ecclesiastic gossip or slander.
List of popes during the pornocracy
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rule_of_the_Harlots
