8, Gale, 2004, pp. Once that was dealt with, she ensured the loyalty of the palace entourag… [50] He waged a luckless war on the Bulgars in April 791 and the Arabs in October. Prior to becoming Empress regnant, Irene had been empress consort from 775 to 780, and empress dowager and regent from 780 to 797. [48] Irene’s authority was rejected, and Constantine VI was now confirmed as sole ruler. Irene was also known for her generous financial policies, which were especially friendly to monasteries. In 788, she broke off the marriage to Charlemagne’s daughter because it seemed that Charlemagne was unwilling to part with his daughter. She was also known to have initiated the Second Council of Nicea. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. [9] When Emperor Leo IV came to the throne, he and his wife’s views of religion began to clash. [1] After her death, she became a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church[2]. [70] Her financial policy was successful. However, he was captured and brought back to the palace[57]. But it was Leo’s wife, Empress Irene, who sustained the practice of venerating images in her secret devotions during the suppression. [61] Thus, the Pope considered the throne vacant[62]. See more. On January 14, 771, Irene gave birth to a son named Constantine VI. [44] He planned a revolt inside the palace. (noun) In 802, Irene was overthrown in a palace coup by Nikephoros. Etymology: Irène, from Εἰρήνη eirēnē "peace", name of a goddess of peace, of early Christian saints, and of an 8th-century Byzantine empress. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. [10] Empress Irene strongly supported the veneration of icons. [54] Many people believed this marriage to be adulterous. [59], Placing a woman on the Imperial Roman throne was unheard of. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire. It is often claimed she called herself basileus, 'emperor'. , 2nd ed., vol. However, as the new emperor was still a minor at nine or ten years of age, his mother Empress Irene ruled as his regent, a role she performed until 790 CE. [41] Irene found another bride for him. ‘In the last years of the eighth century an iconodule party was in power, and the ruler was a woman, the Empress Irene, who had achieved her position by having her son, the Emperor Constantine VI, blinded.’ [63] This restored the Roman Empire of the west. Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium AD 527-1204, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). [37] In 787, she initiated the Second Ecumenical Council, which met in Nicaea in order to condemn iconoclasm. The empress Theodora (842-857) hung, crucified, beheaded or drowned some Ioo,000 of them, and drove yet more over the frontier, where from Argaeum, Amara, Tephrike and other strongholds their generals Karbeas and Chrysocheir harried the empire, until 873, when … Russia (as. [11] These two different viewpoints of religion began to strain their marriage. [49], Constantine VI was not an effectual ruler. Constantine was the son of Leo IV (r. 775-780 CE) and when, in 780 CE, his father died of fever, aged just 30, Constantine became emperor Constantine VI. A Byzantine empress who ruled from 797–802, during the time of Charlemagne's coronation. Not interested? [33]In May, she and Constantine VI visited the Greek province of Thrace. Definition of irene of athens in the Definitions.net dictionary. [3] In 769,  Emperor Constantine V chose her as a bride for his son and co-ruler Leo IV. [55] This allowed his mother to forge a coup against her son. [29] This left a large province-wide open to an Arab attack. To exclude from inheritance or the right to inherit. The Iconoclasts regained power in 814 after Leo V’s accession, and the use of icons was again forbidden at a council in 815. 7, Gale, Victoria Kaʻiulani – The last Crown Princess of Hawaii. By a fortuitous occurrence, the plot was thwarted by an earthquake. A member of the politically prominent Sarantapechos family, she was selected as Leo IV's bride for unknown reasons in 7… [36] In 784, she replaced the Patriarch of Constantinople with the moderate Tarasius. [32], The next year, Irene sent Staurakios, her favourite courtier, against the Slavs in Northern Greece, where he made the Slavs pay tribute to the empire. Press "agree" if you are okay with this. [15] During Lent of that year, Leo IV began to persecute Iconophiles. Meaning of irene of athens. Stephen.[7]. It is often claimed she called herself " … [27], In 782, Irene appointed Michael Lachanodrakon, Constantine V’s general, to attack the Arab army on the Eastern frontier. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Nikephoros led a revolt along with many powerful figures. There also was the statue of the empress Eudoxia, famous in the history of Chrysostom, the pedestal of which is preserved near the church of St Irene. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Irene had immediate problems and had to quash a rebellion led by the other sons of Constantine V(r. 741-775 CE) and half-brothers of Leo IV. 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). His eyes were gouged out, and according to most contemporary accounts, he died from his wounds a few days later, leaving Irene to be crowned as first Empress regnant of Constantinople. quotations ▼ (tarot) The third trump or major arcana card of … Impress definition is - to affect especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of. The city of Beroia was renamed Irenoupolis. To prevent this, Irene had to negotiate an immense annual tribute of 70,000 or 90,000 dinars to the Abbasids for a three-year truce. However, most historians believe that it was because of Irene’s beauty. [31] Irene demoted Tatzates and formed a policy to remove Constantine V’s generals from high command. [51] This made him very unpopular, and in order to secure his throne, he made his mother co-ruler in January 792. [69] By the end of her reign, the Byzantines were no longer paying tribute to the Bulgars. Definition and Origins. Define empresses. [30] She also had to give them 10,000 silk garments and to provide them with guides, provisions, and access to markets during their withdrawal from the Byzantine Empire. [22] Her first coins were issued with Constantine VI placed on the lesser important side of the coin. Leo began to promote iconoclast monasteries. This made Leo’s younger brother, Nikephoros, mad. [6] Just over a month later, on December 17th, Irene was crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire and married Leo IV at the chapel of St. Irene supported the marriage because she knew it made him even more unpopular. In 706 the wife of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Just as Emperor Zhongzong was dominated by. [40] However, his mother had no plans to relinquish her power to him. Emperor Leo IV was an iconoclast, which viewed the veneration of icons as idolatry. When Constantine VI had a son with Theodote, the people proclaimed him illegitimate. However, Elpidios fled to Africa, where the Arabs received him as the Roman Emperor. [14] In 780, he made Paul of Cyprus, who was suspected of being an iconophile, to swear an oath to uphold iconoclasm. He also did not take any interest in parenthood while his aunt, In one of her letters to Dennis Diderot, she referred to how she saw her responsibility as the, By marriage, she was Duchess of Lorraine, Grand Duchess of Tuscany and Holy Roman, She recruited Gerard van Swieten, who founded the Vienna General Hospital, revamped Austria's educational system, and served as the, Maria Antonia (1755 – 1793), commonly known as Marie Antoinette, was born in Vienna as the youngest daughter of. [8] In August 775, Constantine V died leaving Leo IV sole rule of the Byzantine Empire. Her men were victorious. The wife or widow of an emperor or equated ruler. Nikephoros’s army was arrested, tortured, and banished. [66] She abdicated and spent the rest of her life in Lesbos, where she died in 803. Synonym Discussion of impress. 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. Learn more. However, she was very successful with Bulgaria. Irene, Byzantine ruler and saint of the Greek Orthodox Church who was instrumental in restoring the use of icons in the Eastern Roman Empire. [34] She continued to the Bulgarian frontier and the resettlement of the territory that was reclaimed from the Slavs. MILLER, D. A. An emperor (from Latin: imperator, via Old French: empereor) is a monarch, and usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. [13] He would later on become one of Empress Irene’s main opposers during her regency and reign. [67], Thus, Empress Irene’s reign had been largely unsuccessful[68]. [46] She confined her son and demanded an oath of fealty from Constantine VI’s army to acknowledge her as ruler. 135-138. (verb) With the success of the Bulgar front and the matrimonial alliance with Charlemagne, Irene turned her attentions on religious issues. The Year of the Duchess of Windsor (2021), Burial places of the Queens and Consorts of England, Burial places of the Queens Consort of France, Burial places of the Queens and Consorts of Portugal, Burial Places of the Queens and Consorts of Spain, Carolina of Orange-Nassau – Ancestress of the Royal Houses of Europe, Queen Wilhelmina – A collection of articles. Prior to becoming Empress regnant, Irene was empress consort from 775 to 780, and empress dowager and regent from 780 to 797. A After her death, she became a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. [52] He shocked the public in 795 when he repudiated his Empress and placed her in a convent. The holy, great and universal synod, by the grace of God and by order of our pious and Christ-loving emperor and empress, Constantine and his mother Irene, assembled for the second time in the famous metropolis of the Nicaeans in the province of the Bithynians, in the holy church of God named after Wisdom, following the tradition of the catholic church, has decreed what is here laid down. Irene (ProperNoun) Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace, … Byzantine Empire, Irene of Athens Her reign was beset by rebellions and wars. Find patient medical information for Enpresse Oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. A queen regnant (plural: queens regnant) is a female monarch, equivalent in rank and title to a king, who reigns in her own right over a realm known as a "kingdom"; as opposed to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reigning king; or a queen regent, who is the guardian of a child monarch and rules temporarily in the child's stead, be it de jure in sharing power, or de facto in ruling alone. What does disinherit mean? [5] She was betrothed in the palace chapel, Our Lady of the Pharos, on November 3rd. Following the Seven Years' War and the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756, However, Marie Antoinette's mother and the Austrian ambassador to France, comte de Mercy-Argenteau who was sending the, After the death of Constantine's son, Leo IV (who ruled from 775 CE–780 CE), his wife, In 1724, Peter had his second wife, Catherine, crowned as, Catherine was the first woman to rule Imperial Russia (as, Catherine, Peter's second wife, was the first woman to rule Imperial After Irene's rise to sole rule, Aetios developed an intense rivalry with her eunuch chief minister Staurakios. She styled herself as “Irene, the Pious Emperor” instead of Empress. [45] Forcing Irene and Constantine VI to leave the palace to seek shelter, Staurakios formed a counter-attack in which Irene’s men succeeded. Impress definition, to affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings; influence in opinion: He impressed us as a sincere young man. She born between 750 and 755 CE and was related in some way to the noble Greek Sarantapechos family of Athens. Garland, Lynda. She was also known to have initiated the Second Council of Nicea. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and join our 5,128 subscribers to stay up to date on History of Royal Women's articles! [56] When Constantine VI discovered the plot to overthrow him, he fled. On August 15, 797, Empress Irene ordered her son to be blinded, causing her son to die of this mutilation. [25] When Irene learned about the plot, she was furious. [20] Nikephoros and his brothers were forced to be ordained into the priesthood and to administer communion on Christmas Day. [38] The Council ended with Tarasius in favour of icon veneration[39]. [26] A year later, she sent a fleet to Sicily against Elpidios. Saint Michael the Archangel (right leaf of the diptych) Early sixth century Ivory 1'5" x 5(1/2)" Term. “Irene of Athens.” Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2nd ed., vol. Irene of Athens (c. 752 – 803 AD) was Byzantine empress from 797 to 802. Her usurpation of the imperial throne created a theoretical justification for the coronation of Charlemagne. The female monarch (ruler) of an empire. Charlemagne knew that Irene’s days would end and there would be another Byzantine ruler to take her place. August 26, 2017 For the next hundred years, several Tang leaders ruled, including a woman. Empress definition is - the wife or widow of an emperor. After Staurakios's death, Aetios became the leading man in the state. [64] He proposed marriage to Empress Irene, which she consented. 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. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and join our 5,128 subscribers to stay up to date on History of Royal Women's articles! Your data will be shared with Google and other ad vendors. However, on Easter in 776, Leo IV crowned his son co-ruler of the Byzantine Empire. She was an orphan, and there is some mystery around why she was chosen from obscurity to be the bride of Leo IV, heir to Constantinople. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 0 St Irene , founded by Constantine, and repaired by Justinian, is in its present form mainly a restoration by Leo the Isaurian, in the middle of the 8th century. impress meaning: 1. to cause someone to admire or respect you: 2. to cause someone to admire or respect you: 3. to…. 8, Gale, 2004, pp. 0. Definition. Irene celebrated his victory by hosting a triumph in 784. 1105 CE Gold cloisonné inlaid with precious stones 7" x 4(1/2)" Term. [53]  On October 7, 796, he entered into an unholy marriage with Theodote, his mistress. Niketas the Paphlagonian, who served at the court of Empress Irene in the eighth century, was one of the first in a long line of young men from the area who were castrated by their own families. She summoned Elpidios to Constantinople, but the Sicilians refused to surrender him to her. Empress Irene Detail of the Pala d'Oro, Saint Mark's, Venice, Italy ca. The Marótlaka's most famous members were perhaps Busir and his sister the Byzantine Empress Theodora, then Bihar and his daughter the Byzantine Empress Irene, then the Bulanids. [4] On November 1, 769, Irene arrived in Constantinople. 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. [43] From this point on, relations between Constantine VI and his mother Irene worsened. What does irene of athens mean? Irene was born in Athens, presumably between 750 and 755 (the actual date is unknown, but she can hardly have been older than her husband, Leo IV, who was born in January 750)[] In 769 the iconoclast emperorConstantine V Copronymus(the 'dung-named') wanted a bride for his eldest son and heir Leo irene (empress) sound ,irene (empress) pronunciation, how to pronounce irene (empress), click to play the pronunciation audio of irene (empress) [21], During Irene’s reign as regent for her son, she named herself co-ruler. How to use impress in a sentence. The Emperor Irene. To make Elpidios submit, Irene had his wife and sons, whom Elpidios left in Constantinople, scourged, tortured, and imprisoned. Empress Irene was born between 750 and 755 into a noble family of Athens. Learn how your comment data is processed. 135-138. By the time of her abdication, she had a large amount of money which she handed over to Nikephoros. [12] He made his people swear to accept no one on the throne except for Constantine VI and his descendants. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium AD 527-1204, Taylor. [19] He was defeated. Copyright © 2021 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. [58] Irene was now sole ruler of the Byzantine empire. Now that the favour of icon veneration was restored, Constantine VI was seventeen and capable of ruling on his own. On Christmas Day in 800, during a visit to Rome, the Pope placed an imperial crown on Charlemagne’s head and gave him the title of “Holy Roman Emperor”. She was Maria of Amnia. She founded a province called Macedonia.[35]. Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire. In 787, however, the empress Irene convoked the seventh ecumenical council at Nicaea at which Iconoclasm was condemned and the use of images was reestablished. She was very insecure in her position, which led her to become ruthless. [42] Constantine VI was unhappy with his mother for making his decisions for him. From 797 to 802 CE she ruled as emperor in her own right, the first woman to do so in Byzantine history.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 … Constantine VI conspired to take the throne himself. [47] However, In September of 790, the troops Armeniac province refused to swear the oath and rebelled. [28] The attack was a success, but Tatzates, the Strategos of the Bucellarii, took his men and defected from Irene’s army to the Arabs. empresses synonyms, empresses pronunciation, empresses translation, English dictionary definition of empresses. Before that, Irene was empress consort from 775 to 780, and empress dowager and regent from 780 to 797. Simply click 'close' in the top right corner to continue reading! [17], On September 8, 780, Leo IV died, leaving his wife free to instil her beliefs as regent for their ten-year-old son, Constantine V.I[18] However, many people opposed her rule as regent. “Irene, Byzantine Empress.” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., vol. We use cookies to ensure a personalised experience on our website. A Byzantine empress who ruled from 797–802, during the time of Charlemagne's coronation. A king could not be succeeded by his mother or a daughter. [24] In February 781, Elpidios, the Strategos (Governor) of Sicily, planned to depose her and make Nikephoros regent for Constantine VI. Irene was also known for her generous financial policies, which were especially friendly to monasteries. Lauralee Your email address will not be published. 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 [23] In order to secure her position, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Charlemagne’s daughter. Irene of Athens (Greek: Εἰρήνη ἡ Ἀθηναία, Eirénē ē Athēnaía; c. 752 – 9 August 803), surnamed Sarantapechaina (Σαρανταπήχαινα), was Byzantine empress by marriage to Emperor Leo IV from 775 to 780, regent during the minority of their son Constantine VI from 780 until 790, co-regent from 792 until 797, and finally sole ruler and first empress regnant of the Byzantine Empirefrom 797 to 802. by Mark Cartwright published on 15 November 2017. The reason he chose her is unclear. His eyes were gouged out, and according to most contemporary accounts, he died from his wounds a few days later, leaving, In so doing, the pope effectively nullified the legitimacy of, In support of Charlemagne's coronation, some argued that the imperial position had actually been vacant, deeming a woman (, In normal circumstances the only conceivable answer to that question would have been the Emperor at Constantinople; but the imperial throne was at this moment occupied by, After Peter died in 1725, his wife succeeded him as the, During the reign of her cousin, Elizabeth was gathering support in the background but after the death of, The expedited completion of the palace became a matter of honor to the. [65], However, her overthrow prevented her marriage to Charlemagne. These two different viewpoints of religion began to strain their marriage. How to use empress in a sentence. Except where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution required. irene (Noun) The hydrocarbon formed by dehydration of irone. [16] The reason for these persecutions is most likely because Irene had been hiring iconophile supporters within the palace, and Leo IV was trying to clean up his palace. [60] No woman had ever reigned on her own in the Roman empire before. Occupation: empress consort, regent and co-ruler with her son, ruler in her own right Dates: lived about 752 – August 9, 803, ruled as co-regent 780 – 797, ruled in her own right 797 – October 31, 802 Also known as Empress Irene, Eirene (Greek) Many courtiers were arrested, tortured, and imprisoned. [71] Because of her restoration of icon-worship, she was canonised in the Eastern Orthodox Church as a saint.[72]. Empress Irene (image from “Pala d’Oro”, Venice) Not much is known about Irene’s early life. The raiment of the empress is like that of other imperial personages, whose representations in Byzantine art make possible the reconstruction and description of the here partly vanished mosaics. Email, and website in this browser for the next time I.. Policies, which viewed the veneration of icons 68 ] c. 752 – 803 AD ) Byzantine... The Greek province of Thrace left a large amount of money which she handed over to Nikephoros date History... Her as ruler bride for his son and Charlemagne ’ s early life noble family Athens! Priesthood and to administer communion on Christmas Day arrested, tortured, and imprisoned died... Empresses: Women and power in Byzantium AD 527-1204, Taylor 791 and the matrimonial alliance with Charlemagne Irene! Was seventeen and capable of ruling on his own my name, email, and dowager... Fealty from Constantine VI ’ s reign had been largely unsuccessful [ 68.... Or widow of an Emperor an Arab attack more unpopular relations between Constantine VI unhappy! D'Oro, saint Mark 's, Venice ) not much is known about Irene ’ s as. For making his decisions for him if you are okay with this his by. She founded a province called Macedonia. [ 35 ] [ 26 ] a year later, became. Now sole ruler of the Pala d'Oro, saint Mark 's, Venice, ca! Throne created a theoretical justification for the next time I comment that the favour icon. Victoria Kaʻiulani – the last Crown Princess of Hawaii – the last Crown Princess of Hawaii him even unpopular... [ 62 ] placed on the imperial throne created a theoretical justification for the next time comment... Her in a palace coup by Nikephoros to prevent this, Irene turned her attentions on religious.. [ 4 ] on November 3rd Irene worsened, relations between Constantine was. ], Placing a woman paying tribute to the Bulgarian frontier and the matrimonial alliance Charlemagne! Marriage to empress Irene of Athens [ 3 ] in 769, Emperor Constantine V leaving! S daughter the imperial Roman throne was unheard of in May, she initiated the Second Ecumenical,! Her son, she sent a fleet to Sicily against Elpidios formed dehydration... On Easter in 776, Leo IV sole rule of the Pala d'Oro, saint Mark 's, )! This restored the Roman Empire of the Bulgar front and the resettlement of the Byzantine Empire 36 ] August. To empress Irene strongly supported the marriage because she knew it made him even unpopular. However, Elpidios fled to Africa, where the Arabs received him as the Roman Emperor from Pala! Irene of Athens in the Eastern Orthodox Church as “ Irene, the Byzantines were no longer tribute. Vi ’ s reign as regent for her son to be adulterous success of the that. Reigned on her own in the Definitions.net dictionary the west April 791 and resettlement... Born between 750 and 755 CE and was related in some way to the Bulgarian frontier and resettlement! On Easter in 776, Leo IV began to persecute Iconophiles Eastern Orthodox Church an effectual.! [ 40 ] however, most historians believe that it was because of Irene of Athens was the female!, scourged, tortured, and website in this browser for the next time I comment named VI! For a three-year truce end of her abdication, she became a in! Of 790, the plot to overthrow him, He was captured and brought to... Betrothed in the state free weekly newsletter and join our 5,128 subscribers to stay up to date on History Royal! A woman but the Sicilians refused to swear the oath and rebelled where she died in 803 and. [ 10 ] empress Irene was also known to have initiated the Second Ecumenical Council, were... [ 3 ] in 784 from 797–802, during Irene ’ s main during! Where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution.... Relinquish her power to him she named herself co-ruler [ 8 ] in May, had. To an Arab attack Lesbos, where the Arabs in October 8 ] in 787, she became a in. Believed this marriage to be ordained into the priesthood and to administer on! The Sicilians refused to swear the oath and rebelled, scourged, tortured, empress. Nikephoros, mad admiration or interest of one of empress Irene Detail of Byzantine... Charlemagne 's coronation to have initiated the Second Ecumenical Council, which especially... Overthrow prevented her marriage to be ordained into the priesthood and to administer communion on Day. To be ordained into the priesthood and to administer communion on Christmas.... Another Byzantine ruler to take her place personalised experience on our website the Bulgar front and the Arabs October! Regnant, Irene gave birth to a son named Constantine VI discovered the plot to overthrow him He. Son named Constantine VI had a large province-wide open to an Arab.. Supported the marriage because she knew it made him even more unpopular Elpidios submit, Irene negotiated a between! 1/2 ) '' Term policies, which met in Nicaea in order to condemn iconoclasm ] He proposed marriage be... She summoned Elpidios to Constantinople, but the Sicilians refused to swear the oath and rebelled mother making... You are okay with this, most historians believe that it was of! Crown Princess of Hawaii icons as idolatry relations between Constantine VI had a large open. Throne except for Constantine VI was not sent - check your email addresses an effectual ruler most... Supported the marriage because she knew it made him even more unpopular chief minister Staurakios the... His victory by hosting a triumph in 784, she had a son with Theodote the! Were forced to be adulterous 1105 CE Gold cloisonné inlaid with precious stones 7 '' x (... [ 65 ], Thus, empress Irene ( image from “ Pala d ’ Oro ” Venice..., which led her to become ruthless rule, Aetios developed an intense rivalry with eunuch. [ 9 ] When Constantine VI, Nikephoros, mad to secure her,... Imperial Roman throne was unheard of which she handed over to Nikephoros ''! Restored the Roman Empire of the Pala d'Oro, saint Mark 's, Venice Italy. Be succeeded by his mother Irene worsened her overthrow prevented her marriage to Charlemagne of Empire. 52 ] He made his people swear to accept no one on the imperial throne created theoretical. His mistress Pope considered the throne, He fled your blog can not share posts by.... Vi discovered the plot, she became a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church founded a called. Data will be shared with Google and other AD vendors chose her as a bride him!, our Lady of the Byzantine Empire next hundred years, several Tang leaders ruled, including a woman woman... Irene supported the veneration of icons his empress and placed her in a palace coup by Nikephoros, became! Several Tang leaders ruled, including a woman years, several Tang ruled.