Empress Theophanu, Sanctity, and Memory in Early Medieval Saxony
Laura Wangerin
The Empress Theophanu, wife of Otto II and regent for her son III, was by all accounts a woman skilled at maneuvering through the complicated world Ottonian politics. When she died in 991 CE, around age thirty, had accomplished much: after arriving Italy from Constantinople 972 twelve, became II's queen crowned empress Western Empire. During lifetime, among wealthiest women Europe one continent's most powerful people. After husband's death, secured succession son, actively ruled as regent, successfully navigating dangerous political Roman Her activities included building churches, placing daughters positions power key nunneries, issuing acts imperator imperatrix , receiving ambassadors, waging war negotiating peace—essentially doing everything expected male emperor with exception personally engaging battle. Thietmar Merseburg, writing 1013, praises rule stating that held kingdom “in manly fashion,” clearly intending this compliment. And yet, death premature few years later, Theophanu seems to disappear historical record. Despite great number contemporary sources which figured during lifetime immediately including charters donations, letters, chronicles, annals, we know almost nothing about her. do mention period following have little good say Why did fall into disfavor?
Central European History