Medieval Byzantine Empresses & Queens

Medieval Byzantine Empresses & Queens
In the Middle Ages, men ruled -- except when women did. Here are a few of the medieval women who wielded power in the Byzantine empire.

Anna Comnena - Byzantine Princess - First Woman Historian
Anna Comnena, a daughter of a Byzantine emperor, was the first woman to write a history. She was also involved in history, attempting to substitute her husband for her brother in the succession.

Anna
Daughter of Theophano and the Byzantine Emperor Romanus II, and thus sister of the Theophano who married western Emperor Otto II, Anna was married to Vladimir I of Kiev -- and her marriage was the occasion of his conversion, beginning the official conversion of Russia to Christianity.

Theodora
Theodora biography: Theodora was probably the most influential woman in Byzantine history. A summary of her life, plus links for more information about the Empress Theodora and her times.

Theophano
Wife of two Byzantine emperors, she served as regent for her sons and married her daughters to important 10th century rulers - the Western emperor Otto II and Vladimir I of Russia.

Theophano
Daughter of Theophano, Byzantine Empress, she married the western Emperor Otto II and served, with her mother-in-law Adelaide, as regent for her son, Otto III.