Eudokia Baïana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eudokia Baïana |
|
|---|---|
| Empress of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Tenure | 900–901 |
| Died | 12 April 901 |
| Spouse | Leo VI the Wise |
| Issue | Basil |
Eudokia Baïana (pronounced Yoo-DOH-kee-ah Bye-AH-nah; died 12 April 901) was a Byzantine empress. She was the third wife of Leo VI the Wise, who was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
Contents
Life as Empress
Eudokia Baïana became empress in the year 900. Her story is mostly known from an old book called Theophanes Continuatus. This book was a continuation of an earlier history written by Theophanes the Confessor. It was updated by other writers during the time of Emperor Constantine VII.
Where Eudokia Came From
Eudokia was from a region called the Opsician Theme. This area was in what is now the northwestern part of Turkey. It stretched from the Dardanelles strait to the Black Sea.
Marriage to Emperor Leo VI
Emperor Leo VI married Eudokia in the spring of 900. His first two wives had already passed away. Leo had daughters from his earlier marriages, but he did not have a son. It was very important for an emperor to have a son to take over the throne after him.
Marrying a third time was not common in the Eastern Orthodox Church at that time. It was also against some Byzantine laws. Because of this, Emperor Leo VI had to ask for special permission. He got approval from Patriarch Antony II, who was the leader of the church in Constantinople.
Eudokia's Death
About a year after her marriage, Eudokia passed away. This happened on April 12, 901, after she gave birth. The historical record Theophanes Continuatus says her son was stillborn, meaning he did not survive. However, another important book, De Ceremoniis, mentions a son named Basil. This might mean her son lived for a short time and was given a name.
Eudokia was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. This church was a very important burial place for emperors and empresses.
See also
