Empress Irene of Athens, a pivotal figure in Byzantine history, navigated a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. From restoring icon veneration to claiming the imperial throne for herself, her reign (797-802) was marked by both piety and ruthlessness. This article explores her complex legacy, examining her impact on the Byzantine Empire and the wider Christian world.
Tag: iconoclasm
A rare fresco of the Virgin Mary, discovered on the island of Naxos, offers a glimpse into the history of Byzantine painting before the era of iconoclasm. This find, part of a wider set of pre-iconoclastic wall paintings, predates the 8th-century ban on religious image veneration.