Leontia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leontia
Augusta
Leontia (right) on a coin minted under her husband Phocas (left)
Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire
Tenure	602–610
Spouse	Phocas
Issue	Domentzia

Leontia (Greek: Λεοντία, fl. 610) was an empress of the Eastern Roman Empire as the wife of Phocas. She became empress when her husband, Phocas, took control of the empire.

Becoming Empress

The Byzantine Empire was once led by Emperor Maurice. He ruled from 582 to 602. Maurice had tried to secure the northern borders of his empire. In the winter of 602, his army was tired and refused to stay on the northern bank of the Danube river.

The soldiers rebelled against Emperor Maurice. Phocas became the leader of this rebellious army. Maurice also faced problems in the capital city, Constantinople, because of a famine. He fled the city before Phocas and his troops arrived.

Phocas was crowned emperor by his soldiers outside Constantinople. This happened on November 23, 602. Two days later, Phocas entered Constantinople. The people accepted him as their new emperor. He celebrated his new role with chariot races. Leontia was then brought to the city as his new Empress. They had already been married for some time.

Leontia's Coronation

Leontia was officially crowned an Augusta on November 27. An Augusta was a special title for an empress. The new imperial couple, Phocas and Leontia, led a parade through the city. This was a traditional way to celebrate.

However, the celebration was interrupted. There were conflicts between the "Blues" and "Greens." These were two major groups who supported different teams in chariot races. The Blues questioned if Phocas was truly the rightful emperor. They reminded everyone that Maurice was still alive. Because of this, Phocas ordered Maurice and his sons to be executed. This happened on the same day.

One historical account describes the event: "The emperor Phocas also had a wife named Leontia. He placed a royal crown on her. Emperors usually have parades for their wives. So, Phocas honored this custom and decided to lead Empress Leontia in a grand procession."

Family Life

Leontia and Phocas had one known child, a daughter named Domentzia. She was likely named after Phocas's mother. Domentzia married Priscus. He was a high-ranking military commander.

Their marriage took place around 607. This celebration caused problems between Phocas and his son-in-law. During the celebrations, images of Phocas, Leontia, Domentzia, and Priscus were placed in the Hippodrome of Constantinople. The Hippodrome was a large stadium for races.

Traditionally, only images of the emperor and empress were displayed there. Showing images of Domentzia and Priscus suggested that Priscus might become the next emperor. Phocas was very angry about this. He ordered the images of his daughter and son-in-law to be removed. This incident made Priscus turn against his father-in-law.

End of Reign

Phocas was removed from power and executed in October 610. Heraclius became the new emperor. Phocas's brothers were also executed. It is not known what happened to Leontia after this.

Priscus, Leontia's son-in-law, had supported Heraclius. He continued to serve as a commander for a few more years. However, he was later replaced and forced to become a monk. He died in a monastery in 613. It is unknown if Leontia had any grandchildren through her daughter Domentzia's marriage to Priscus.