A consideration of the role of the imperial women of Byzantium in the period of the Crusades, Imperial Women in Byzantium 1025-1204 addresses the important question of why women were able to wield immense power during the 11th century, yet lost their position of influence a century later. Exploring key themes including kinship and the use of marriage alliances, patronage, and ideology, the author also offers a critique of current research on the power of women under the Komnenian system. This will be essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Byzantium.
