Fabia Eudokia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eudokia |
|
|---|---|
| Augusta | |
16th-century portrait from Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae
|
|
| Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Tenure | 610–612 |
| Born | c. 580 Exarchate of Africa |
| Died | 13 August 612 (aged 31-32) Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) |
| Burial | Church of the Holy Apostles |
| Spouse | Heraclius |
| Issue | Eudoxia Epiphania Constantine III |
| Dynasty | Heraclian |
| Father | Rogas |
Eudokia, also known as Eudocia, was an important woman in the Byzantine Empire. Her original name was Fabia. She was the first wife of Heraclius, who became the Byzantine emperor. Eudokia was born around 580 and passed away on August 13, 612. She was from a Greek family, and her father, Rogas, owned land in a region called the Exarchate of Africa.
Contents
Becoming Empress
Eudokia's birth name was Fabia. She was promised to Heraclius when he was still living in the Exarchate of Africa. Heraclius's father, who was also named Heraclius, was the leader of that region.
In 608, Heraclius began a rebellion against the emperor at the time, Phocas. During this time, Fabia and Heraclius's mother, Epiphania, were captured by Phocas. They were held hostage in a monastery to stop Heraclius from attacking Constantinople.
However, members of the Green faction, a group involved in Byzantine chariot racing, helped them escape. They were taken to Heraclius on a small island in the Sea of Marmara. This allowed Heraclius to launch his successful attack on the city.
On October 5, 610, Heraclius was declared Emperor. On the very same day, he married Fabia. She then took the name Eudokia and was given the special title of Augusta, which meant she was an empress.
Her Death
Empress Eudokia passed away on August 13, 612. According to historical records, she died from epilepsy. Her funeral was a big event, showing how much people liked her.
During the funeral procession, a maidservant accidentally spat from an upstairs window. The coffin was still open, and the saliva landed on Eudokia's robes. The crowds were very upset by this disrespect.
Eudokia was buried the next day in the Church of the Holy Apostles. After her death, Emperor Heraclius later married his niece, Martina.
Her Children
Eudokia and Heraclius had two children together:
- Eudoxia Epiphania: Their daughter, born on July 7, 611. She was also given the title of Augusta on October 4, 612.
- Heraclius Constantine: Their son, born on May 3, 612. He later became Emperor Constantine III. He was crowned co-emperor on January 22, 613.
See also
