Irene of Brunswick facts for kids

Irene of Brunswick was born around 1293 with the name Adelheid. She became the first wife of Andronikos III Palaiologos. This marriage made her a Byzantine empress. However, she passed away before her husband became the main emperor.

Early Life and Family

Irene was the daughter of Henry I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Her mother was Agnes of Meissen. She grew up in a noble family in what is now Germany.

Marriage and Imperial Life

In March 1318, Adelheid married Andronikos Palaiologos. He was the oldest son of Michael IX Palaiologos. At that time, Michael IX was a junior co-emperor with his own father, Andronikos II Palaiologos.

When Adelheid married Andronikos, she joined the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is a major branch of Christianity. She also changed her name to Irene.

Irene and Andronikos had a son. He was born in June 1320 but sadly passed away in February 1322.

This map shows the Mediterranean region during Irene's time. The Byzantine Empire was an important power here.

A Time of War

Irene died in a city called Rhaedestos (today known as Tekirdağ). This happened during a difficult time for the Byzantine Empire. A civil war was taking place. It was a fight for power between Andronikos II and his grandson, Andronikos III.

During this war, Irene's husband, Andronikos III, claimed the throne. This meant that Irene was considered an empress by his supporters. She passed away in August 1324, before the war ended. After her death, her husband, Andronikos III, married another woman named Anna of Savoy.