Theophano (10th century)

Theophano (Greek: Θεοφανώ, Theophanō) was a Byzantine empress. She was the daughter-in-law of Constantine VII, wife of Romanos II and Nikephoros II Phokas, lover of John I Tzimiskes, the mother of Basil II, Constantine VIII and Anna Porphyrogenita. Theophano played an important role in 10th century Byzantine history. She served as regent during the minority of her sons.

Wife of Romanos II

Theophano was born of Laconian Greek origin in the Peloponnesian region of Lakonia, possibly in the city of Sparta, in 941. Theophano was originally named Anastasia, or more familiarly Anastaso and was the daughter of a poor tavern-keeper called Craterus. Theophano was renowned for her great beauty and heir apparent Romanos fell in love with her around the year 956 and married her over the strenuous objections of his father. After their marriage, she was renamed Theophano, after Theophano, a sainted Empress of the Macedonian dynasty.

Theophano's humble origins made her unpopular among Byzantine elites and when her father-in-law, the emperor Constantine VII died, rumors were spread alleging that she had poisoned him. Constantine died in 959, but he died of a fever which lasted several months, not showing evidence of poisoning. Astute and intelligent, Theophano had influence with her husband, Romanos, an influence resented and likely exaggerated by her rivals in the court.

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Empress Theophano Prize awarded to the Special Olympics organization

Ekathimerini 12 Jul 2024
“The Special Olympics Organization embodies the core values of the Empress Theophano Award, namely ... The foundation takes its name from Empress Theophano, a historic figure who helped bridge a divided Europe in the 10th century.
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