Anna of Savoy

Timeline

1. 1306–1326Savoy · SavoyDaughter of Amadeus V, she grew up in the Savoy court. In 1326 she arrived in Constantinople through a diplomatic marriage, wedding Andronikos III and strengthening ties between Byzantium and Western European powers.
2. 1326–1347Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireShe gave birth to John V in 1330. After Andronikos III's death in 1341 she served as regent for her young son, contesting control with Kantakouzenos. She drew on church treasuries, borrowed from Venice and brought in Bulgarian reinforcements, but could not turn the tide; after Kantakouzenos entered the city in 1347 she was forced to surrender power.
3. 1347–1365Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireAfter losing power she retained the title of queen mother but her political influence greatly diminished. She spent the rest of her life largely in convents and on the margins of the court, until her death in 1365.