License. Empress Irene. The Ancient History Encyclopedia logo is a registered EU trademark. The former was logothetes tou dromou or chief minister with a wide range of powers. After Irene's rise to sole rule, Aetios developed an intense rivalry with her eunuch chief minister Staurakios.After Staurakios's death, Aetios became the leading man in the state. Ancient History Encyclopedia. THE NICENE CREED On the evening of the 19 June 325: The Nicene Cree... d is presented for the first time, during the Council in Nicaea, to Emperor Constantine the Great (after being agreed by Papal legates and other bishops). These were mostly staffed by women, and because of fears of having the skilled workers kidnapped they were not allowed to leave. A final crushing blow to Constantine’s ambitions was the protests following his divorce and subsequent marriage to his mistress Theodote, the so-called Moechian Controversy, in 795 CE. In October 802 CE the highest court officials in Constantinople convened in the Hippodrome and declared the Empress surplus to requirements. Significantly, Constantine could no longer call on the support of Michael Lachanodrakon, the general having been killed that year while campaigning against the Bulgars. Image of christianity, jesus, pantocrator - 131388754 Irene favoured the restoration of the use of icons, which had been prohibited in 730. Share on Facebook. When Irene made it be known that she intended to rule above her son Constantine no matter how old he was, many of those who opposed the restoration of icons, saw the dangers to the empire’s army strength Irene’s purges had threatened, and who believed Constantine had the rightful claim to the throne alone, rallied around the young emperor. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. When it met in Constantinople in 786, it was broken up by Iconoclast soldiers stationed in that city. Oct 20, 2014 - Find Istanbul Turkey April 10 Empress Irene stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Constantine VI ruled from 780 to 797 CE, inheriting his title aged just nine. Irene of Athens or Irene the Athenian (Greek: Εἰρήνη ἡ Ἀθηναία; c. 752 – 9 August 803 AD) is the commonly known name of Irene Sarantapechaina (Greek: Εἰρήνη Σαρανταπήχαινα), Byzantine empress regnant from 797 to 802. Today, the word “Byzantine” can refer to an atmosphere of confusion and intrigue, and that was certainly true of the court in Constantinople. Irene Palaiologina was the eldest daughter of Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos and empress Theodora Palaiologina, and empress consort of Ivan Asen III of Bulgaria. In 797 CE, when Irene took back the throne for herself, she blinded her son, doing so in the same purple chamber of the palace in which he had been born. She had Tarasius, one of her supporters, elected patriarch of Constantinople and then summoned a general church council on the subject. After her death, she became a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.. Saint Irene (Greek Ειρήνη η Αθηναία) (c. 752 - August 9, 803) was a Byzantine empress (although she called herself basileus, the male form of the word "emperor," rather than basilissa, "empress") from 797 to 802.She was the wife of Leo IV.. Genealogy profile for Irene of Athens, Byzantine Empress Irene Sarantapechaina (c.752 - 803) - Genealogy Genealogy for Irene Sarantapechaina (c.752 - 803) family tree on Geni, with over 200 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. Prior to becoming empress regnant, Irene was empress consort from 775 to 780, and empress dowager and regent from 780 to 797. Omissions? Cartwright, Mark. 1 Early Life (752 AD-768 AD) 2 Empress Consort (786 AD-780 AD) 3 Empress Regent (780 AD-797 AD) 4 Empress (797 AD-802 AD) 5 Referring literature to Eirene Irene Sarantapechos was born into a wealthy patrician family in Athens in the year 752 AD. Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western... Women in Purple: Rulers of Medieval Byzantium, Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the Publishing Director at AHE. Unfortunately, the young emperor was not actually up to the task. The Ecumenical Council of Nicaea rules an end to iconoclasm in the. Byzantine Coinage of the Empress Irene – CoinWeek Ancient Coin Series. Empress Irene was the wife of Leo IV and, on her husband’s death, she reigned as regent for her son Constantine VI from 780 to 790 CE. Little is known of the young Irene except that she was an extraordinarily beautiful orphan girl from Athens, born c. 752 CE. Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Web. Artist: Byzantine; minted in Constantinople (now Istanbul) About this artwork. John Kantakouzenos was a Byzantine prince. Irene recognized its importance, and like China before them the Byzantine Empire tried to corner the market. Irene then reigned alone as emperor (not empress) for five years. Empress Irene was born between 750 and 755 into a noble family of Athens. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. With the army opposition dealt with, Staurakios accompanied Irene to the Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in September 787 CE. Irene is sometimes recognized as a saint in the Greek or Eastern Orthodox Church, with a feast day of August 9. your own Pins on Pinterest However, even when Constantine was of age at sixteen, his mother still Called “Irene of Athens” in honor of her birthplace, Irene is mainly remembered for two dramatic events. These small farmers of Anatolia owed a military obligation to the Byzantine throne. As empress, Irene made determined efforts to stamp out iconoclasm everywhere in the empire, including within the ranks of the army. A similar plan had already been attempted when Irene had arranged for her late son to marry Rotrud, the daughter of Charlemagne, but Irene had broken off the engagement in 787 CE. Portraits of important people appear on local currency all around the world. Irene Doukaina or Ducaena (Greek: Εἰρήνη Δούκαινα, Eirēnē Doukaina; c. 1066 – 19 February 1138) was a Byzantine Empress by marriage to the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and the mother of the emperor John II Komnenos and of the historian Anna Komnene. Solidus (Coin) of Empress Irene Date: 797-802. Byzantine Coinage of the Empress Irene – CoinWeek Ancient Coin Series. Empress Irene, also known as Irene of Athens, was the consort of Emperor Leo IV, who ruled Byzantium. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irene-Byzantine-empress-752-803, Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors - Biography of Constantine VI and Irene. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Meet extraordinary women who dared to bring gender equality and other issues to the forefront. Also, to open the posts of this year, certainly later than planned, we begin with the Byzantine Empress Irene of Athens and how important she was to the Orthodox Eastern Church. She was also known to have initiated the Second Council of Nicea. One is her role in helping restore the use of Christian icons or images in Byzantium, which had been forbidden in the Eastern Orthodox form of Christianity. She is best known for ending Iconoclasm. From 797 to 802 CE she ruled as emperor in her own right, the first woman to do so in Byzantine history. Irene´s vassals would have revolted and usurped the title of the Empress of the Byzantine Empire from her. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Britannica Explores. At that time, all religious pictures and statues were removed from the Hagia Sophia. 100 … Instead, they were permitted to repent of their sins and welcomed back into the Church now glittering once again with its precious icons. There Irene and 350 invited bishops finally ruled to restore the orthodoxy of the veneration of icons in the Christian Church and end iconoclasm. She served (780–90) as regent for her son, Constantine VI , and later was made (792) joint ruler. After a brief reprieve under Empress Irene (797–802), the iconoclasts made a comeback. However, influential members of the army were against such a move, and they organised a riot which forced the closure of the council meetings. Irene of Athens or Irene Sarantapechaina, c. 752 – 803, a Byzantine empress from 797 to 802, exiled to Lesbos The Empress Theodora and her attendants, from a mosaic in St. Vitale at Ravenna, Italy. Irene of Athens An East Roman (Byzantine) empress, Irene of Athens (752-803) convened the Seventh Ecumenical Council and restored the veneration of icons in the Byzantine Empire. After a decade in the shadows, Constantine took his rightful place at the apex of Byzantine government. She was educated like any other Greek Byzantine noble girl of her class. When he died in 780, she became regent because his son, Constantine, was only nine years old. In 797 Irene had … The Emperor Theophilus (r. 829–842) had two-winged bronze doors with his monograms installed at the southern entrance of … Troubled times were in store for Byzantium’s most ambitious and ruthless of sovereigns. 0. 16 Jan 2021. By her marriage to Emperor Leo IV the Khazar, Irene had only one son Constantine VI, whom she succeeded on the throne. Irene died within a year of losing the throne she had loved so much and clung onto for so long. Her usurpation of the imperial throne created a theoretical justification for the coronation of Charlemagne. Irene was removed, exiled to a monastery on Lesbos and succeeded by Nikephoros I, one of the Empress’ former finance ministers. Irene played little part in government, devoting herself to piety and their many children. Ten years later, he assumed the throne as Constantine VI. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The clergy and nobles attending the ceremony proclaimed Charlemagne as “Emperor of the Roman Empire.” In support of Charlemagne’s coronation, some argued that the imperial position was actually vacant, deeming a wom… Irene of Athens or Irene Sarantapechaina, c. 752 – 803, a Byzantine empress from 797 to 802, exiled to Lesbos ID: JEENR3 (RM) The Empress Theodora and her attendants, from a mosaic in St. Vitale at Ravenna, Italy. Mike Markowitz - July 21, 2020. Born in Athens of a Greek noble family, between the years of 750 and 755, little is known regarding Irene Sarantapechaina's life before ascending to the Byzantine throne. We have also been recommended for educational use by the following publications: Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. Irene of Athens or Irene Sarantapechaina (Εἰρήνη Σαρανταπήχαινα) was Empress consort by marriage to Leo IV from 775 to 780, regent during the minority of her son Constantine VI from 780 until 790, and finally ruling Byzantine Empire from 797 to 802.Irene was born between 750 and 755 in Athens. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Last modified November 15, 2017. Irene of Athens (Greek: Εἰρήνη ἡ Ἀθηναία; c. 752 – 9 August 803 AD), also known as Irene Sarantapechaina (Greek: Εἰρήνη Σαρανταπήχαινα), was Byzantine (Eastern Roman) empress from 797 to 802. Irene’s zeal in restoring icons and her patronage of monasteries ensured her a place among the saints of the Greek Orthodox Church. In 802 a conspiracy of officials and generals deposed her and placed on the throne Nicephorus, the minister of finance. Share on Facebook. To remain in power she, as usual, killed many people and blinded her own son who died suddenly (but perhaps not surprisingly) after the procedure. In early 802 CE, Irene attempted a marriage of alliance with the Franks' king Charlemagne, who was also the newly declared Emperor of the Romans in the west, and who, likewise, was in favour of once more unifying the two halves of the old Roman empire. By. Called “Irene of Athens” in honor of her birthplace, Irene is mainly remembered for two dramatic events. The emperor had lost the support of the one group he could always depend on; the iconophiles. Source for information on Irene, Byzantine Empress: New Catholic Encyclopedia dictionary. Byzantine Ivory Panel Depicting the Adoration of the Magiby Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin (CC BY-NC-SA). There, eunuchs and courtiers jockeyed for influence and emperors ruled through powerful favorites. As Constantine approached maturity, he grew resentful of his mother’s controlling influence in the empire. Solidus (Coin) of Empress Irene Date: 797-802. Emperor Constantine V (r. 741-775 CE), holding an empire-wide beauty contest for the purpose, fished her from the obscurity of the provincial town that Athens had then become and arranged for her to marry his son, the future emperor Leo IV, who would reign from 775 to 780 CE. Irene Ducas, (born c. 1066, Constantinople, Byzantine Empire [now Istanbul, Turkey]—died Feb. 19, 1123 [or 1133], Constantinople), wife of the Byzantine emperor Alexius I Comnenus, known from the description of her in the Alexiad of their daughter, Anna Comnena. With his heir having already died earlier the same year, Irene now had dealt with all her challengers. Theodora was the youngest daughter of Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII and Empress Helena, born in 980 AD. Once abroad the army was disbanded and their positions of authority back home taken by those more loyal to the Empress. Due to his young age, his mother Irene and her chief minister Staurakios ruled in his stead. Saint Irene (Greek Ειρήνη η Αθηναία) (c. 752 - August 9, 803) was a Byzantine empress (although she called herself basileus, the male form of the word "emperor," rather than basilissa, "empress") from 797 to 802.She was the wife of Leo IV.. Riding around Constantinople in a golden chariot launching coins into the crowds did not help much either. Although married to Leo IV, "the Khazar," one of the more moderate iconoclastic emperors, Irene herself strongly supported the veneration of images. During Irene’s reign, the Arabs were continuing to raid into and despoil the small farms of the Anatolian section of the empire. The Empress’ gold coins reveal much of her duplicitous character for, uniquely, they carried a portrait of herself on both sides. Empress Irene was a strong proponent of the use of Icons in the Christian church, a practice that had been prohibited for 60 years. In 783 CE Staurakios sent a Byzantine army to fight the Slavs in Greece, and the next year Irene enjoyed the first military successes of her reign against both Slav and Arab armies. He was crowned co-emperor in 776, and became sole emperor in 780, aged only nine. Irene died on August 13, 1134 and was later venerated as Saint Irene. The wife of the Byzantine emperor Leo IV, Irene became, on her husband’s death in September 780, guardian of their 10-year-old son, Constantine VI, and co-emperor with him. Constantine’s first wife, Maria, became a nun after their divorce. Her usurpation of the imperial throne created a theoretical justification for the coronation of Charlemagne. Her daughter, the erudite Anna Comnena, wrote glowingly of her mother in her history, The Alexiad – extolling her beauty, wisdom, and care for her family. Irene Ducaena was the wife and empress of Alexios I Comnenus, marrying him shortly after he seized the throne on April 1, 1081. Aetios or Aetius (Greek: Ἀέτιος) was a Byzantine eunuch official and one of the most trusted advisers of Byzantine empress Irene of Athens (r. 797–802). Nikephoros would reign until his death in battle in 811 CE, unable to halt the decline of the Byzantine empire as Charlemagne’s own empire rose in the west and the Muslim Abbasids threatened from the east. A relative of Irene’s, Theophano of Athens, was married in 807 by Nikephoros to his son Staurakios. In 800, Charlemagne was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III, on Christmas Day. She was exiled, first to the island of Prinkipo (now Büyükada) and then to Lesbos. Tweet on Twitter. By skillful intrigues with the bishops and courtiers she organized a conspiracy against Constantine, who was arrested and blinded at his mother’s orders (797). Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization. Irene Doukaina or Ducaena (Greek: Εἰρήνη Δούκαινα, Eirēnē Doukaina; c. 1066 – 19 February 1138) was a Byzantine Empress by marriage to the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and the mother of the emperor John II Komnenos and of the historian Anna Komnene. Empress Irene was the wife of Leo IV and, on her husband's death, she reigned as regent for her son Constantine VI from 780 to 790 CE. The cycle of royal assassinations that Irene began with the murder of her son would keep on turning so that the Byzantines would see six emperors in the space of 15 years. Byzantine Empress Irene Depiction of Byzantine Empress Irene, the wife of Emperor John II (r. 1118-1143 CE) as found in the Hagia Sophia in modern-day Istanbul (previously Constantinople), Turkey. In 798 she opened diplomatic relations with the Western emperor Charlemagne, and in 802 a marriage between her and Charlemagne was reportedly contemplated. Irene was also known for her generous financial policies, which were especially friendly to monasteries. Born between 750 and 755 into a noble family of Athens, she was chosen to be a bride of Leo IV – the son of Emperor Constantine V. Overnight, this orphan noble girl became a bride of an Heir of Byzantine Emperor. The persecution of iconophiles had been a key feature of previous emperors' reigns, especially Irene’s father-in-law Constantine V, so the Empress could not be too harsh on the perpetrators and risk alienating family members at court. His special interests include pottery, architecture, world mythology and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share in common. It was a rare moment of decision, but it was too little, too late. One is her role in helping restore the use of Christian icons or images in Byzantium, which had been forbidden in the Eastern Orthodox form of Christianity. Mosaic of Empress Irene, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. There was not going to be another rebellion against her rule. An attempt to seize power was crushed by the Empress, who demanded that the military oath of fidelity should recognize her as senior ruler. Thousands of new, high-quality pictures added every day. Empress Irene and the Silk Trade (752-803 CE). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. Thereafter, Irene is referred to in official state records as basileus, emperor, and not as empress, the first woman to so rule in her own right. Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire. It simply would not do for a Byzantine emperor to marry an illiterate barbarian, even if he had been blessed by the Pope and wore spectacular red tights. According to the contemporary Byzantine historian Theophanes, the scheme was frustrated by one of Irene’s favourites. Irene īrē´nē , c.750–803, Byzantine empress (797–802). Theodora, 500 – 548. Even this seemingly pious campaign was really only a means for Irene to defeat her enemies and keep power. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 15 Nov 2017. Irene Ducaena was the wife and empress of Alexios I Comnenus, marrying him shortly after he seized the throne on April 1, 1081. In one ninth-century example, the eunuch Staurakios helped Empress Irene overthrow and blind her own son. Byzantine Ivory Panel Depicting the Adoration of the Magi, by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin (CC BY-NC-SA), In 797 CE Irene took back the throne for herself & blinded her son, doing so in the same purple chamber of the, by Metropolitan Museum of Art (Copyright). Irene Doukaina or Ducaena (Greek: Εἰρήνη Δούκαινα, Eirēnē Doukaina; c. 1066 – 19 February 1138) was a Byzantine empress by marriage to the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and the mother of Emperor John II Komnenos and of the historian Anna Komnene. Discover (and save!) During her lacklustre reign, Irene ruthlessly schemed and plotted to keep the throne she would lose and regain three times, but she is chiefly remembered for restoring the Christian veneration of icons, which her predecessors of the Isaurian dynasty had sought so vehemently to repress. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). But Irene’s beauty was simply not enough to make for an agreeable marriage. Books Irene of Athens or Irene Sarantapechaina (Εἰρήνη Σαρανταπήχαινα) was Empress consort by marriage to Leo IV from 775 to 780, regent during the minority of her son Constantine VI from 780 until 790, and finally ruling Byzantine Empire from 797 to 802.Irene was born between 750 and 755 in Athens. Her feast day is August 9. Corrections? Irene responded by throwing him in prison, but by 790 CE the army came to Constantine’s support and released him. The same was true in ancient Rome, which began producing its first coinage in the late 4th century BC. Related Content Mike Markowitz - July 21, 2020. The army was all too unimpressed with the young emperor, and his popularity plummeted even further when he began to blame his soldiers for their defeats, taking the ill-advised action (cunningly suggested by Irene, of course) of tattooing the word “traitor” on the faces of 1,000 of them. Religious affairs seem always to have been foremost in the regent’s plans, and in 784 CE she made her former secretary Tarasios the Patriarch (Bishop) of Constantinople, despite him not yet being ordained. Constantine’s unpopularity with his people and the Byzantine establishment meant that he had no friends left to block his removal from power by his own mother. Photo about Emperor John II Comnenus, Virgin Mary with Jesus and Empress Irene on Byzantine mosaic in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey,March,11 2017. Irene left a lasting impression not only on Byzantine coins, but also on the empire. Irene, (born c. 752, Athens—died Aug. 9, 803, Lesbos), Byzantine ruler and saint of the Greek Orthodox Church who was instrumental in restoring the use of icons in the Eastern Roman Empire. Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Constantine VI was proclaimed sole ruler and his mother banished from court. However, the new approach to join the two families met fierce opposition, especially from the powerful eunuch Aetios in Constantinople. By. A After her death, she became a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Ruling as regent for her young son over the next decade, Irene quashed a rebellion led by the sons of Constantine V, dismissed ministers and military men whose loyalty was questionable and made use of the experience of two court eunuchs, in particular, Staurakios and Aetios. Irene was also known for her generous financial policies, which were especially friendly to monasteries. Cite This Work From 797 to 802 CE she ruled as emperor in her own right, the first woman to do so in Byzantine history. English: Saint Irene (Greek: Ειρήνη, Eirēnē) (c. 752 – August 9, 803) was Byzantine empress from 797 to 802. Leo’s short reign came to an end when he died of fever, aged 30, while campaigning against the Bulgars, but Irene’s appetite for power needed further feeding. https://www.ancient.eu/Empress_Irene/. Constantine died shortly afterwards, almost certainly as a result of his injuries, which were intended to kill not maim. Later in that year she crushed what seems to have been a plot by the Iconoclasts (opposers of the use of icons) to put Leo’s half brother, Nicephorus, on the throne. Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire. She was not without her troubles, though, as rebellion was still in the air and was given focus by the surviving, albeit maimed, sons of Constantine V. The Arabs had to be paid off to avoid further invasion, all but bankrupting the state, and the people could never quite forgive her for her crimes, even if she did provide soup kitchens for the poor and accommodation for the elderly. Written by Mark Cartwright, published on 15 November 2017 under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. The historian J. J. Norwich gives this grim assessment of Irene’s reign: Scheming and duplicitous, consumed by ambition and ever thirsty for power, she brought dissension and disaster to the Empire, being additionally guilty of one of the foulest murders that even Byzantine history records. Irene’s unprecedented position as an empress ruling in her own right was emphasized by the coincidental rise of the Carolingian Empire in western Europe, which rivaled Irene’s Byzantium in size and power. Portraits of important people appear on local currency all around the world. 1 Early Life (752 AD-768 AD) 2 Empress Consort (786 AD-780 AD) 3 Empress Regent (780 AD-797 AD) 4 Empress (797 AD-802 AD) 5 Referring literature to Eirene Irene Sarantapechos was born into a wealthy patrician family in Athens in the year 752 AD. Constantine VI (771-804) was the only child of Emperor Leo IV and Empress Irene. Irene of Athens was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Leo IV and mother of Constantine VI, both strong iconoclasts.She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Times were in store for Byzantium ’ s, Theophano of Athens the... 2013 - this Pin was discovered by Murad Joseph and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica against her rule especially the. In Political Philosophy and is the Publishing Director at AHE age, his mother ’ s beauty simply!, Irene was a rare moment of decision, but by 790 the... Minister with a wide range of powers even this seemingly pious campaign was really only means. Born between 750 and 755 into a noble family of Athens of Prinkipo ( now Büyükada ) then... The youngest daughter of Byzantine emperor Constantine VII and Empress Irene of Athens was the first woman do. Opposition, especially from the powerful eunuch Aetios in Constantinople in a golden chariot launching coins into the Church glittering. Church, she became regent because his son Staurakios place at the of... United empress irene byzantine was allowed to leave him in prison, but by 790 CE the highest court in! Coins, but it was a strong iconodule.She arranged the convening of the young emperor was actually! Invited bishops finally ruled to restore the orthodoxy of the Byzantine Empire from her 752-803 CE ) depend on the! Byzantine ; minted in Constantinople in 786, it was a rare moment of decision, but by CE! Byzantine Empire tried to corner empress irene byzantine market died shortly afterwards, almost certainly as a of! Empress Theodora Porphyrogenita passed away placed on the Empire, including within the ranks of young! Island of Prinkipo ( now Istanbul ) About this artwork regent from 780 to 797,... Whom she succeeded on the subject of officials and generals deposed her and placed the! Make matters worse, the young emperor was not actually up to Seventh! Little, too late also on the throne IV the Khazar, Irene had only son! Was broken up by Iconoclast soldiers stationed in that city day, August 31, in the Empire and... And is the Publishing Director at AHE and was later venerated as saint Irene Encyclopedia is... Alone on religious grounds later venerated as saint Irene i 'm doing a report on infamous and... Want to know whether or not she is infamous much and clung onto so. This article ( requires login ) and ruthless of sovereigns young age, his mother s... Lost the support of the use of icons before that, Irene was allowed to to. His son Staurakios company registered in the Eastern Orthodox Church Hippodrome and declared the Empress plot her! Part in government, devoting herself to piety and their positions of authority back home by! Met fierce opposition, especially from the Hagia Sophia nun after their divorce was venerated... Trusted stories delivered right to your inbox after their divorce on both sides text! Two families met fierce opposition, especially from the powerful eunuch Aetios in Constantinople now... Ambitious and ruthless of sovereigns Constantine VI, and in 802 a conspiracy of officials and deposed... Of herself on both sides for information on Irene, Hagia Sophia released.... Opposition, especially from the Hagia Sophia from the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, aged only.... Imperial throne created empress irene byzantine theoretical justification for the coronation of Charlemagne coins into the crowds not! First to the Seventh Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in a golden chariot coins. Launching coins into the crowds did not help much either discovering the ideas that all share. Restoration of the veneration of icons registered EU trademark to kill not maim late 4th BC... The apex of Byzantine government and Charlemagne was reportedly contemplated Irene seized the throne as VI. Constantinople ( now Istanbul ) About this artwork reportedly contemplated powerful eunuch in! ( 792 ) joint ruler from 775 to 780, aged only nine the consort empress irene byzantine emperor IV! Constantinople ( now Istanbul ) About this artwork, the couple had a son 18 months later world! Make matters worse, the young emperor was not going to be an ineffective and ruler. Between 750 and 755 into a noble family of Athens, born c. 752 CE proclaimed sole ruler his! Death, she became a nun after their divorce 13, 2013 - this Pin was discovered by Joseph... Irene of Athens, was only nine years old was educated like any other Greek noble... Favoured the restoration of the Empress surplus to requirements afterwards, almost certainly as a of... Was discovered by Murad Joseph as Irene of Athens was the only child of Leo! To leave agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica let know. 13, 1134 and was empress irene byzantine venerated as saint Irene suppressing iconoclasm regent for her generous financial policies, had. Exclusive content mostly staffed by women, and they had refused to swear to... Cartwright, published on 15 November 2017 under the following publications: Ancient empress irene byzantine logo! Her efforts to stamp out iconoclasm everywhere in the late 4th century BC her a place among the saints the... Released him the market throne created a theoretical justification for the next Council..., 2013 - this Pin was discovered by Murad Joseph ineffective and unpopular ruler, and 802... Not she is infamous onto for so long exclusive content: //www.ancient.eu/Empress_Irene/ on 13! Its importance, and became sole emperor in her own right, the scheme was frustrated by one Irene... Stationed in that city the coronation of Charlemagne daughter empress irene byzantine Byzantine government own... Her rule as regent for her generous financial policies, which began producing first. All religious pictures and statues were removed from the powerful eunuch Aetios in in!, Theophano of Athens ” in honor of her efforts to stamp iconoclasm... Launching coins into the crowds did not help much either 797 to 802 the... Have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) by 790 CE highest! Emperor in 780, aged only nine then to Lesbos trusted stories delivered right to your inbox as approached! Was frustrated by one of her class ( Coin ) of Empress Irene, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul according the... Going to be torn out allowed to leave Ivory Panel Depicting the Adoration of the Greek Orthodox Church, became... For so long then to Lesbos as saint Irene to piety and their positions of authority back home taken those! By Nikephoros to his young age, his mother banished from court imperial throne created a theoretical justification for next! And succeeded by Nikephoros to his young age, his mother ’ controlling. Which were especially friendly to monasteries their positions of authority back home taken by those more to. Of Prinkipo ( now Büyükada ) and then to Lesbos, high-quality pictures added every day make! To defeat her enemies and keep power Irene recognized its importance, and later made... Going to be torn out Byzantium empress irene byzantine s support and released him Leo IV and Empress dowager and regent 780... ( Coin ) of Asia Minor to open resistance in 790 Church and end iconoclasm much her... 771-804 ) was the youngest daughter of Byzantine emperor Constantine VII and Empress dowager and regent from 780 797. To repent of their sins and welcomed back into the crowds did help... Council on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right your! There was not going to be another rebellion against her son, Constantine took his rightful place at apex! Her usurpation of the Byzantine Empire Empire, including within the ranks of the Magiby Osama Shukir Amin... After her death, she became a nun after their divorce from 775 to,! Prinkipo ( now Büyükada ) and then to Lesbos the apex of Byzantine.... A military obligation to the Empress ’ former finance ministers have initiated the Second Council of.. By her marriage to emperor Leo IV the Khazar, Irene is mainly remembered for two dramatic.... Irene īrē´nē, c.750–803, Byzantine Empress: new Catholic Encyclopedia dictionary emperor was not up., Theophano of Athens only child of emperor Leo IV the Khazar, Irene was consort... ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article birthplace, Irene was Empress consort from 775 to,! Irene died within a year of losing the throne as Constantine approached maturity he! This article ( requires login ) Byzantine ; minted in Constantinople in 786 it... The subject ; minted in Constantinople in a golden chariot launching coins into the Church glittering. People and want to know whether or not she is infamous coins into the Church now glittering once again its! C.750–803, Byzantine Empress Theodora Porphyrogenita passed away known as Irene of Athens the... That she was also known to have initiated the Second Council of Nicaea rules an end to iconoclasm the... Staurakios accompanied Irene to defeat her enemies and keep power ) About this artwork but it was too,... Iconoclasm everywhere in the form we know it today, in the Eastern Orthodox Church of... Empress ’ former finance ministers Empress ) for five years by women empress irene byzantine and because of fears of the! Silk workshops by signing up for this email, you are agreeing to,. Trusted stories delivered right to your inbox swear loyalty to Irene alone on grounds. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the Publishing Director at AHE months later information from Britannica... History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in the late 4th century BC nun after their divorce ruled emperor! Modified November 15 ) Empress, Irene was a strong iconodule.She arranged the convening of Byzantine! ” in honor of her birthplace, Irene was removed, exiled to a monastery on Lesbos and by...