Bertha of Sulzbach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bertha of Sulzbach |
|
|---|---|
| Byzantine Empress Consort | |
| Tenure | 1146 - 1159 |
| Born | c. 1110s Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Hesse, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 1159 Constantinople, Byzantine Empire |
| Spouse | Manuel I Komnenos (m. 1146-1159) |
| Issue | Maria Komnene Anna Komnene |
| Father | Berengar II of Sulzbach |
| Mother | Adelheid of Wolfratshausen |
Bertha of Sulzbach (born around 1110, died 1159) was an empress of the Byzantine Empire. She was also known by her Greek name, Irene. Bertha became empress when she married Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Bertha was born in a place called Sulzbach. Her father was Count Berengar II of Sulzbach, and her mother was Adelheid of Wolfratshausen.
Becoming an Empress
Messengers from the Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos came to Germany. They wanted to form an alliance against a ruler named Roger II of Sicily. To make this alliance strong, they asked Conrad, who was the King of Germany, to send a princess from his family. This princess would marry Emperor John's son, Manuel.
King Conrad chose his sister-in-law, Bertha. He officially adopted her as his daughter. Then, he sent her to the Byzantine Empire with an escort.
Arrival in Constantinople
By the time Bertha arrived in Constantinople, the capital city, Emperor John II had passed away. His son, Manuel, was now the new emperor. Manuel waited three years before marrying Bertha. Finally, in early 1146, they were married. Bertha became the empress and was given the new name "Irene," which was a common name for foreign princesses.
To help her learn about Greek culture, a writer named John Tzetzes wrote a special book for her.
Life as Empress Irene
Empress Bertha-Irene was known for being very modest and religious. She did not enjoy the fancy and luxurious lifestyle of the Byzantine court. People praised her for her simple ways. A historian named Nicetas Choniates noted that she did not wear makeup, which was unusual for the time.
Bertha-Irene died in Constantinople in 1159. Her husband, Emperor Manuel, was said to be very sad when she passed away. He later remarried in 1161 to Maria of Antioch.
Children
Bertha and Emperor Manuel had two daughters:
- Maria Komnene (born 1152, died 1182). She later married Renier of Montferrat.
- Anna Komnene (born 1154, died 1158).
