Irene of Athens: The Empress Who Changed Byzantine History

Irene of Athens was an influential Byzantine Empress who reigned from 797 to 802 CE. Born in Athens around 752 CE, Irene was the daughter of a noble family and was renowned for her exceptional beauty. In 769 CE, she was brought to Constantinople by Emperor Constantine V and was married to his son Leo IV. After Leo’s death, Irene served as regent for her young son, Constantine VI. Irene’s reign as empress was marked by a number of significant events, including her promotion of the use of icons in religious worship and her efforts to foster alliances with the Carolingian dynasty and the Papacy in Rome. She also launched several successful military campaigns against the Slavs of the Balkans, which laid the foundation for Byzantine expansion and re-Hellenization. Despite these achievements, her reign was also marked by political intrigue and controversy. In 802 CE, Irene was deposed in a coup led by the patricians and was exiled to the island of Lesbos. She died there the following year. Despite her mixed legacy, Irene remains a fascinating figure in Byzantine history, known for her intelligence, ambition, and influence on the development of the Byzantine Empire. 🔴 Subscribe for more great History videos: 🔴 Share this video with a friend: 🔴 Watch next – Victorian Hygiene: ✅ For business inquiries, ✅ Let’s connect: Instagram: Facebook – Thank you for watching! Please like, comment and follow to stay updated on future videos. #romanhistory #byzantine #historyroadshow