The Byzantine Lady
Ten Portraits, 1250–1500

A lively collection of ten biographies of aristocratic women of the Byzantine empire in its final years.

Donald M. Nicol (Edited by)

9780521576239, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 July 1996

164 pages, 8 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.17 kg

'… construct[s] in vivid detail the history of the Paelaeologan epoch.' Anglo-Hellenic Review

What kind of lives did women in the Byzantine empire lead? Just how subservient were they in so male-dominated a society? In this collection of biographies Donald M. Nicol uncovers the unexpected fact that in the later years of the empire, at least, some aristocratic women enjoyed influence and exercised initiative. The ten ladies whose lives are described here did not complain of male oppression: instead, despite the conventions of caste and court, they found an outlet for their talents in religion, patronage, friendship and scholarship. They left a lasting influence on the society in which they lived. The story of their achievements offers new perspectives on the Byzantine empire, and a fascinating insight into the lives of women in past times.

Introduction
1. Helena Doukaina, Queen of the Two Sicilies, 1258–1266
2. Thamar, Princess of Taranto 1294–1309
3. Theodora Raoulaina, nun and scholar, c. 1240–1300
4. Eirene Palaiologina (Yolanda of Montferrat), Empress, 1288/9–1317
5. Eirene-Eulogia Choumnaina Palaiologina, princess and abbess, died c. 1355
6. Eirene Asenina Cantucuzene, Empress, 1347–1354
7. Anna of Savoy, regent and Empress, 1341–c. 1365
8. Anna Notaras Palaiologina, died 1507
9. Mara Brankovic of Serbia, Sultanina, c. 1412–1476
10. Helena Cantacuzene Kommene, Empress of Trebizond, died c. 1463.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]