Irene of Hungary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irene of Hungary |
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Mosaic portrait of Empress Irene on the Comnenos mosaic in the Hagia Sophia, Constantinople (now Istanbul)
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| Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Tenure | 1104 – 13 August 1134 (with Irene Doukaina, 1104–1118) |
| Born | Piroska Kingdom of Hungary |
| Died | 13 August 1134 |
| Spouse | John II Komnenos |
| Issue | Alexios Komnenos Maria Komnene Andronikos Komnenos, Sebastokrator Anna Komnene Isaac Komnenos Theodora Komnene Eudokia Komnene Manuel I Komnenos, Byzantine Emperor |
| House | House of Árpád |
| Father | Ladislaus I of Hungary |
| Mother | Adelaide of Swabia |
| Religion | Eastern Orthodox |
| Empress Irene, tonsured Xenia | |
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| Empress | |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Church of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople modern day Istanbul, Turkey |
| Feast | 13 August |
| Attributes | Imperial or Monastic Vestment |
Irene of Hungary was an important empress of the Byzantine Empire. She was born a princess of Hungary and later became empress by marrying John II Komnenos. She is also honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Early Life and Royal Marriage
Irene was born with the name Piroska. This Hungarian name came from the Latin word Prisca, which means 'ancient' or 'serious'. Her father was Ladislaus I of Hungary, a powerful king. Her mother was Adelaide of Swabia. Sadly, her mother passed away when Piroska was still a young child in 1090. Her father died a few years later in 1095.
After her father's death, her cousin Coloman became the new king. To make friends with the Byzantine Empire, King Coloman arranged for Piroska to marry John II Komnenos. John was the oldest son of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. He was expected to become the next emperor.
The marriage happened in 1104. When Piroska moved to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, she changed her religion to Eastern Orthodoxy. She also changed her name to Irene.
Life as Empress
Empress Irene did not get involved much in the government. Instead, she focused on her religious faith and raising her many children. She was known for her kindness and devotion.
Irene and her husband, Emperor John II, helped build a very important place in Constantinople. It was called the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator, which is now known as the Zeyrek Mosque. This large complex included three churches and a hospital. The hospital had five wards and welcomed people from all parts of society, no matter how rich or poor they were. This showed their care for the people.
Empress Irene passed away on August 13, 1134. Because of her good deeds and strong faith, she was later honored as a saint, known as Saint Irene.
Her Children
Irene and Emperor John II had eight children together. Their children's births are recorded in old historical writings.
- Alexios Komnenos (born February 1106 – died 1142). He was made co-emperor with his father from 1122.
- Maria Komnene (born February 1106). She was Alexios's twin sister and married a man named John Rogerios Dalassenos.
- Andronikos Komnenos (died 1142).
- Anna Komnene. She married Stephen Kontostephanos.
- Isaac Komnenos (died 1154).
- Theodora Komnene (died May 12, 1157). She married Manuel Anemas.
- Eudokia Komnene. She married Theodore Vatatzes.
- Manuel I Komnenos (died 1180). He became the Byzantine Emperor after his father.
