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Irene of Athens (Greek: Εἰρήνη, Eirḗnē; 750/756 – 9 August 803), surname Sarantapechaena (Greek: Σαρανταπήχαινα, Sarantapḗchaina), was Byzantine empress consort to Emperor Leo IV from 775 to 780, regent during the childhood of their son Constantine VI from 780 until 790, co-ruler from 792 until 797, and finally ...
Irene (born c. 752, Athens—died Aug. 9, 803, Lesbos) was a Byzantine ruler and saint of the Greek Orthodox Church who was instrumental in restoring the use of icons in the Eastern Roman Empire.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Feb 20, 2024 · Learn about the life and legacy of Irene of Athens, the first woman to rule the Eastern Roman Empire independently. Explore her political achievements, religious controversies, and sainthood in this comprehensive article.
A military revolt against Irene in 790 erupted when Irene would not hand over authority to her 16-year-old son, Constantine. Constantine managed, with the support of the military, to take full power as emperor, though Irene retained the title of Empress.
Nov 15, 2017 · Little is known of the young Irene except that she was an extraordinarily beautiful orphan girl from Athens, born c. 752 CE.
- Mark Cartwright
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. Her usurpation of the imperial throne created a theoretical justification for the coronation of Charlemagne.
Irene of Athens (c. 752–803) was the first woman to rule the Byzantine empire as sole emperor. She supported the veneration of icons, summoned the Second Council of Nicaea, and married her son to Charlemagne's daughter.
