List of Roman and Byzantine empresses

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Statue of Deified Empress Livia - Altes Museum - Joy of Museums

List of Roman and Byzantine Empresses encompasses the women who were married to the Roman and Byzantine emperors, from the inception of the Roman Empire in 27 BC until the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 AD. These empresses were influential in the politics, culture, and religion of their times. This list includes both those who were officially recognized as empresses and those who acted in the capacity of an empress without formal recognition.

Roman Empresses

The title of Roman Empress was not always consistently used and its meaning evolved over time. Initially, the wives or female relatives of the Roman Emperors were given titles such as Augusta or Caesarissa. These women often wielded significant influence behind the scenes.

Julio-Claudian Dynasty

• Livia Drusilla, also known as Julia Augusta, was the wife of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. She set the precedent for the role of the Roman Empress.
• Agrippina the Younger, wife of Claudius and mother of Nero, was one of the most powerful women of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Flavian Dynasty

• Domitia Longina, wife of Domitian, was involved in the political intrigues of her time.

Nerva-Antonine Dynasty

• Faustina the Elder and Faustina the Younger, wives of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius respectively, were both deified and had considerable influence.

Severan Dynasty

• Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, was a prominent political and cultural figure.

Byzantine Empresses

With the transformation of the Roman Empire into the Byzantine Empire, the role and influence of the empresses continued to evolve. Byzantine Empresses often played crucial roles in church politics and the administration of the empire.

Theodosian Dynasty

• Aelia Eudocia, wife of Theodosius II, was known for her piety and literary talents.

Justinian Dynasty

• Theodora, wife of Justinian I, is one of the most famous Byzantine Empresses. She is known for her intelligence, political acumen, and the laws she helped enact to improve the status of women.

Macedonian Dynasty

• Zoe Porphyrogenita, who co-ruled with several emperors, was a significant figure during the Macedonian dynasty.

Komnenos Dynasty

• Irene of Athens, although not part of the Komnenos dynasty by birth, was a powerful empress who ruled as de facto emperor from 797 to 802.

Palaiologos Dynasty

• Anna of Savoy, who acted as regent for her son John V Palaiologos, navigated the empire through difficult times.

The role of Roman and Byzantine Empresses varied greatly throughout the centuries. While some were content with their roles as consorts, others took an active part in the governance of the empire, influencing military campaigns, religious reforms, and legislative changes. Their contributions, often overshadowed by their male counterparts, were nonetheless integral to the fabric of Roman and Byzantine history.