Women in Purple: Rulers of Medieval Byzantium

This book explores the lives and influence of three Byzantine women—Irene, Euphrosyne, and Theodora—who played significant roles as rulers during the eighth and ninth centuries.

The authors delve into how these women, despite the typical restrictions on female involvement in religious matters, insisted on the preservation of Christian icons and went against the iconoclasm prevalent among Byzantine rulers.

The book provides vivid descriptions of court life, the streets of medieval Constantinople, and the roles of various figures within the Byzantine Empire, offering a comprehensive and engaging look at the lives of these powerful women.