Irene Becomes Sole Ruler of Byzantium: What Happened
In 797 AD, the Empress Irene of Athens became the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire in her own name. Born into a noble family in Athens, she had married the emperor Leo IV. When he died in 780 AD, she became regent for their nine-year-old son, Constantine VI. During her regency, she summoned the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, which restored the veneration of icons. As Constantine grew older, mother and son struggled bitterly for power. In 797, Irene's supporters seized Constantine and blinded him so severely that he died, a brutal act even by the standards of the time. Irene then ruled alone, sometimes using the male title basileus, meaning emperor, rather than empress. In Western Europe, the Pope argued that the imperial throne was vacant because a woman could not rule, and in 800 AD he crowned Charlemagne as Roman emperor in the West. Irene was overthrown in 802 AD and died in exile on the island of Lesbos. She is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church for her role in restoring icons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Empress Irene?
Irene of Athens was a Byzantine empress who became the first woman to rule the empire in her own name in 797 AD. She was born into a noble family in Athens.
How did Irene come to power?
Irene became regent for her young son Constantine VI in 780 AD. In 797, her supporters blinded him so severely that he died, and she ruled alone.
Did Irene call herself emperor?
Irene sometimes used the male title basileus, meaning emperor, rather than empress, to emphasize that she ruled in her own right.
How is Irene linked to Charlemagne?
The Pope argued the imperial throne was vacant because a woman could not rule, and in 800 AD he crowned Charlemagne as Roman emperor in the West.
Why is Irene a saint?
Irene is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church for summoning the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, which restored the veneration of icons.
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