Empress Irene of Athens

Empress Irene of Athens was a Byzantine ruler who reigned from 797 to 802 AD. She is notable for being one of the few women to hold power in the Byzantine Empire and for her role in restoring the veneration of icons, which had been banned during the period of iconoclasm. Irene initially ruled as regent for her son, Constantine VI, but later deposed him and ruled as empress. Her reign is marked by political intrigue, efforts to consolidate power, and attempts to negotiate peace with foreign powers. She was eventually ousted and exiled in a coup, illustrating the turbulent politics of her time.