Footnoting History

Empress, Strategist… Saint? Irene of Byzantium

05.01.2021 - By Footnoting HistoryPlay

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(Lucy) Plucked from obscurity to become the wife of an emperor, Irene of Athens went on to become regent and empress in her own right. A ruthless strategist, an international diplomat, and an intelligent politician, she was also an influential participant in Byzantium’s early medieval controversy over icons, which some saw as threatening imperial power. This episode explores her life, reign, and historical reputation.

 

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