Irene of Trebizond facts for kids
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Irene of Trebizond (died around 1382) was an Empress consort of Trebizond. She was married to Basil of Trebizond. Irene played a very important role in leading the government for her son, Alexios III of Trebizond, from 1341 to 1352.
Life of Irene of Trebizond
Not much is known about Irene's early life. She became Basil's wife in 1339. This marriage caused a lot of disagreement. The Patriarch of Constantinople, John XIV Kalekas, strongly objected to it.
Their marriage lasted only about nine months. Basil died after a short illness. There were rumors that his first wife, Irene Palaiologina, had something to do with his death. She and her supporters quickly took power. They sent Irene of Trebizond and her two young sons, Alexios and John, away to Constantinople. They were placed under the care of Palaiologina's father, Andronikos III Palaiologos.
Years in Exile
While Irene and her children were away, Trebizond faced many political struggles. There were civil wars both in Trebizond (Trapezuntine Civil War) and in Constantinople (Byzantine civil war). The government in Constantinople first supported Basil's uncle, Michael of Trebizond. They also supported Basil's cousin, John III of Trebizond, in their attempts to gain power in Trebizond.
However, when John VI Kantakouzenos won the civil war in Constantinople, things changed. He then supported Irene's son, John, to become ruler. Her other son, Alexios, is not mentioned after leaving Trebizond. He might have died soon after arriving in Constantinople.
Return to Power
This attempt to put John on the throne was successful. It was supported by Niketas Scholares, a powerful leader. This brought Irene's son to the throne. He took the name Alexios. He was only 13 years old when he became ruler.
Alexios becoming ruler also marked the start of Irene's own power in Trebizond's government. She likely had to struggle for power with the nobles. Especially with the Doranites family. They led a rebellion in the capital. This happened less than six months after Alexios became ruler.
Even though that rebellion was stopped, her son Alexios moved to the castle fortress of Tripolis for safety. In 1341, Irene went on an expedition to Limnia. She went with Michael Panaretos. They took the city from the rebel Constantine Doranites. She also joined a second campaign in January 1352. This was led by her son against John Tzanichites. He had taken his family's castle of Tzanicha by force.
Later Life
After these events, Irene's appearances in historical records became less frequent. In 1367, she went with her son Alexios. This was when her granddaughter Anna married the king of Georgia.
She was also present at the baptism of her great-grandson Basil in 1382. He was later renamed Alexios IV of Trebizond. This is the last time she is mentioned in history. What happened to her after that is unknown.
Children
- Alexios III of Trebizond
- John
- Anna
- Maria
- Theodora
See also
In Spanish: Irene de Trebisonda para niños
