← Explore on the interactive map

Theophanu

Type Figure Region Holy Roman Empire Time 960–991 Also known as Theophanu、Theophano、Theophanu of Byzantium、Theophanu of Constantinople

Byzantine-born noble who married Emperor Otto II in 972, becoming empress; after his death in 983 she ruled as regent for Otto III, driving diplomacy…

Timeline

  1. 960–972Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireFrom the Byzantine court's noble circles, she married Holy Roman Emperor Otto II in Rome in 972, forming a key political link between Byzantium and Western Europe.
  2. 972–983Aachen · Holy Roman EmpireAs empress to Otto II she took part in imperial governance, introducing Byzantine court ritual and culture into the Ottonian court, and exerted political influence in Italian and German affairs.
  3. 983–991Cologne · Holy Roman EmpireAfter Otto II's death in 983 she served as regent for the young Otto III, effectively controlling the imperial center, handling diplomacy with Byzantium, the papacy, and Italian city-states, and promoting religious reforms such as at the convent of Essen.

Sources