The Empress Irene the Athenian
Steven Runciman
In these days of women’s liberation it must be a matter satisfaction for the ladies Athens to reflect that during long Byzantine period two most eminent native-born Athenians were both them women. There was, in early days, scholar Athenai’s who became pious empress Eudocia, and, high era, Irene, first woman recorded European history reign as sovereign monarch. It is Irene whom I wish discuss, think she has been rather shabbily treated by historians. Her was ecclesiastical, constitutional, diplomatic and economic importance, with herself at centre all. Yet, so far know, no one ever published monograph on her or given more than cursory treatment. admitted reason this not disapproval contempt empress, but simply inadequacy source material. Apart from seventh oecumenical council, which fully documented, events are covered original only, Chronographia Theophanes.
Studies in church history. Subsidia