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Regency of Irene

Type Event Region Byzantine Time 780–797

In 780, after Byzantine Emperor Leo IV died, his wife Irene served as regent for her young son Constantine VI, holding real power and eventually depo…

Timeline

  1. 780Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireEmperor Leo IV died suddenly, and the nine-year-old Constantine VI succeeded him, leaving the empire facing a succession crisis under a child ruler and power struggles among the military aristocracy.
  2. 780–790Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireThe empress dowager Irene and the chancellor Staurakios jointly served as regents, gradually sidelining iconoclast officials from Leo IV's reign, recalling exiled monks, and appeasing the Church.
  3. 790–797Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireIn her power struggle with Constantine VI, Irene gradually monopolised authority, paving the way for the convocation of the Second Council of Nicaea to restore icon veneration, and ultimately deposed her son.

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