Helena Lekapene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helena Lekapene |
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| Augusta | |
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Helena, from the 12th century Madrid Skylitzes
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| Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Tenure | 919–959 (with Theodora; 920–922 with Theophano, 956–959) |
| Born | c. 910 |
| Died | 19 September 961 (aged 50–51) |
| Spouse | Constantine VII |
| Issue | Leo Romanos II Zoe Theodora Agatha Theophano Anna |
| Dynasty | Lekapenos Macedonian (by marriage) |
| Father | Romanos I |
| Mother | Theodora |
| Religion | Chalcedonian Christianity |
Helena Lekapene (Greek: Ἑλένη Λεκαπηνή) was an important Byzantine empress. She was born around 910 and died on September 19, 961. Helena was the empress consort of Constantine VII. This means she was his wife and empress. She was also known for being his political adviser. She acted as a de facto co-regent, which means she helped rule the empire in practice. Helena was the daughter of Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos and Empress Theodora.
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Becoming Empress: Helena's Early Life
The Byzantine Empire faced a challenge when Emperor Leo VI the Wise died in 912. His brother, Alexander, took the throne but died in 913. This left the throne to Constantine VII, who was only seven years old. Because Constantine was so young, the empire needed people to rule for him. These people were called regents.
First, Nicholas Mystikos, a high-ranking church leader, was the main regent. He ruled until March 914. Then, Zoe Karbonopsina, Constantine's mother, took over. She had the support of a powerful general named Leo Phocas. However, Leo Phocas lost many battles against Simeon I of Bulgaria. This made people unhappy with Zoe and her general.
In 919, a group of people worked together to remove Zoe from power. This was a coup d'état, a sudden change of government. The new powerful leader was Romanos Lekapenos. He was an admiral, a leader of the navy. Romanos arranged for Helena to marry Constantine VII. This marriage helped Romanos connect his family to the royal Macedonian dynasty.
Sharing Power: Helena's Family and Rule
Helena married Constantine VII in April or May 919. Constantine was almost 14 years old. Helena was likely also young. They did not have children until the 930s.
After the marriage, Romanos was given the special title basileopator, meaning "father of the emperor." In September 920, Romanos became a kaisar (Caesar), a high title. Then, on December 17, 920, Romanos was crowned co-emperor. This made him the most important ruler, even above Constantine VII.
Helena was now married to the junior co-ruler. Her mother, Theodora, became Augusta (empress) in January 921. Theodora was the senior empress until she died in February 922. After her mother's death, Helena became the most important empress in the palace. Her brother, Christopher Lekapenos, also became a co-emperor in 921.
By 924, there were many rulers: Romanos (the senior emperor), Constantine VII and Christopher (junior emperors), and Helena and Sophia (empresses). Romanos also made two more of his sons, Stephen Lekapenos and Constantine Lekapenos, co-emperors.
Christopher was the most favored among the junior co-emperors. He was supposed to become emperor after Romanos. However, Christopher died in 931. Romanos then decided that Constantine VII would be the next emperor, not his other sons. This meant Helena would become the main empress when her father died.
This situation changed on December 16, 944. Romanos's younger sons, Stephen and Constantine, worried that their father would let Constantine VII become emperor instead of them. So, they arrested their father. They sent him to the Prince Islands and forced him to become a monk.
Helena's Influence: Ruling with Constantine
After 24 years as a junior ruler, Constantine VII finally became the main emperor. On January 27, 945, his brothers-in-law, Stephen and Constantine, were also removed from power. They were sent away, leaving Constantine VII as the only emperor. Helena was then the only empress.
Constantine VII loved to study and learn. He had never really ruled on his own before. So, he often let his officials and generals handle the daily running of the empire. Helena was a very active and strong empress. She helped him rule and gave him advice.
Constantine VII died on November 9, 959. His son, Romanos II, became the next emperor. Romanos II's wife, Theophano, convinced him to send all five of his sisters to a convent. Helena seems to have stepped away from palace life after this. She died on September 19, 961. Her death is one of the last events written about in the historical book Theophanes Continuatus.
Helena's Children
Helena and Constantine VII had several children:
- Leo, who died when he was young.
- Romanos II, who became emperor.
- Zoe, who was sent to a convent.
- Theodora, who later married Emperor John I Tzimiskes.
- Agatha, who was sent to a convent.
- Theophano, who was sent to a convent.
- Anna, who was sent to a convent.
Images for kids
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Helena, from the 12th century Madrid Skylitzes
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Romanos II expels his mother and sisters from the palace.
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Depiction of Helena on her deathbed.
