Half-Arsed History

Episode 86: Irene, Byzantine Empress

Feb 16, 2020
Guest
Irene of Athens
Explore the brutal rule of Irene of Athens, Byzantine Empress who used extreme methods to maintain power, such as blinding her son. Learn about her religious policies, power struggles, and eventual tragic fall against her son Constantine VI. Delve into the challenges faced by Irene as a female ruler in the European Middle Ages and her ruthless leadership tactics.
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Episode notes
1
Introduction
00:00 • 4min
2
The Marriage of Irene and Leo IV
03:40 • 6min
3
Irene's Religious Policies and Political Intrigues
09:24 • 6min
4
Power Struggles and Strategic Machinations in Byzantine Empress' Reign
15:49 • 2min
5
Power Struggle and Tragic Fall
17:23 • 14min
6
Reflections on the Empress of the Byzantine Empire and Listener Engagement
30:56 • 2min