11. 300-900 The Age of Queens and Empresses
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All around the world, in the early middle ages, women rose to power-- to the top of the hierarchy. The experiences of these women and those they ruled set precedents that lingered. They ruled differently then men, fought hard to consolidate power, and had to consider carefully how marriage and children would shift their hold on power.
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The beginning of the middle or medieval era was a Middle Age for Europe, a Golden Age for the Byzantines and China. In most places the period went down as a harsh lesson in female leadership. Across the world, women rose to top positions in monarchies and empires but it was not the beginning of a trend– their successors tried to cover up the legacies of power held by these incredible Queens and Empresses, which tells us a great deal about these societies and the space they allowed for women at least in retrospect
Byzantine Empire: With the collapse of the western Roman empire, the eastern Roman empire or Byzantium grew into a Golden Age. For women this is a period of transition from pagan to Christian theology, a transition from diverse deities that included the feminine to the acceptance of an all male God. Women had been instrumental in the spreading of Christianity and many became martyrs in the quest to spread the gospel. Despite the instrumental role of women, the spread of Christianity ultimately led to further subordination as the patriarchal governing structures adopted it.
Byzantine Empire: With the collapse of the western Roman empire, the eastern Roman empire or Byzantium grew into a Golden Age. For women this is a period of transition from pagan to Christian theology, a transition from diverse deities that included the feminine to the acceptance of an all male God. Women had been instrumental in the spreading of Christianity and many became martyrs in the quest to spread the gospel. Despite the instrumental role of women, the spread of Christianity ultimately led to further subordination as the patriarchal governing structures adopted it.
Mary of Egypt, Wikimedia Commons
When most people think of Byzantium they probably remember Constantine the first. He was tolerant of all religions within the empire and eventually worshiped Christianity to some extent. His so-called conversion ended the long persecution of Christians and began the process of clamping down on pagan practices. The altar to the Goddess of Victory was removed from the Senate House. But pagans still existed and led throughout the Empire. Byzantium was importantly inclusive as the empire was vast and expansive. People of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures thrived within the empire. Even its definition of gender was less restrictive and binary. Mary of Egypt, considered a saint in the eastern orthodox Christian tradition, achieved Sainthood after she gave up prostitution for a pious life in the desert. She cut her hair and impersonated a man. She is depicted in Byzantine art as masculine, with short hair and no curves. Notably different from depictions of the feminine Virgin Mary for example. This was a common trope of the era: women could attain holiness and male-like virtue by transcending the limitations of her sex.
It is in this context that female leaders rose to power in Byzantium, although none ruled the empire out right, but rather as a consort to the emperor. Most of the wives of the emperors are known and recorded in history, but several Byzantine empresses are notable for interesting reasons.
Helena was the mother to Constantine the Great. Her origins were likely humble. She may have even been a prostitute, because she later became a concubine to Constantius (Constantine’s father). She disappears from the historic record for a bit and reemerges when her son becomes emperor and in 306 CE, Helena moved to his court. Constantine elevated her to Augusta, which means that she was considered an empress and a holy person.
It is in this context that female leaders rose to power in Byzantium, although none ruled the empire out right, but rather as a consort to the emperor. Most of the wives of the emperors are known and recorded in history, but several Byzantine empresses are notable for interesting reasons.
Helena was the mother to Constantine the Great. Her origins were likely humble. She may have even been a prostitute, because she later became a concubine to Constantius (Constantine’s father). She disappears from the historic record for a bit and reemerges when her son becomes emperor and in 306 CE, Helena moved to his court. Constantine elevated her to Augusta, which means that she was considered an empress and a holy person.
Fausta, Wikimedia Commons
Fausta: Constantine‘s wife Fausta is also interesting here because her inclusion in history puts a different light on Constantine’s legacy. Exactly what happened is debated, here’s what definitely happened: Constantine‘s wife, Fausta, died in a bath and he was blamed by his critics for her death. A bath is not a traditional space for execution, so why was she killed there? This has riddled historians for a long time. The official line is that Fausta accused Constatines oldest son from a previous marriage of raping her. Constantine, believing her, had his oldest son and heir promptly executed, before his mother Helena could intervene and convince him that perhaps Fausta had lied?
Constantine then turned his rage on Fausta and had her locked and smothered in a bath. But an emerging and modern theory is that the affair was consentual, as the son was closer to her age than Constantine, and she died in the bath having an abortion to cover it up. Whether her death was an accident, murder, or she was forced to have an abortion is uncertain. But what we do know is that she was locked in the spa and she died. For Constantine, wives were disposable. Fausta had given birth to three future emperors. Her death tells us a great deal about the rights of elite men compared to the rights of elite women. It also tells us that abortion practices were known.
For her part Helena was distraught by these events and left on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. According to tradition, Helena found three crosses, including perhaps the most valuable relic to Christians: the cross and nails Jesus Christ died on. Three people touched the cross and the third was healed. Two churches were constructed there by her.
Constantine then turned his rage on Fausta and had her locked and smothered in a bath. But an emerging and modern theory is that the affair was consentual, as the son was closer to her age than Constantine, and she died in the bath having an abortion to cover it up. Whether her death was an accident, murder, or she was forced to have an abortion is uncertain. But what we do know is that she was locked in the spa and she died. For Constantine, wives were disposable. Fausta had given birth to three future emperors. Her death tells us a great deal about the rights of elite men compared to the rights of elite women. It also tells us that abortion practices were known.
For her part Helena was distraught by these events and left on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. According to tradition, Helena found three crosses, including perhaps the most valuable relic to Christians: the cross and nails Jesus Christ died on. Three people touched the cross and the third was healed. Two churches were constructed there by her.
Saint Helena, Wikimedia Commons
Theodora, Wikimedia Commons
The empire grew and thrived over the next several centuries and by the sixth century reached its golden age. Here and across the globe, a woman’s class and path to power can often be remarkable. Women had incredible rags to riches stories, as some of the most powerful women in world history started as slaves and prostitutes.
Theodora reigned as empress of the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I, from 527 CE until her death in 548 CE. She came to the court as an actress, stripper, and maybe prostitute, and won a beauty contest catching the heart of Justinian. After their marriage, they ruled the empire together. Everything we know about her comes from pretty biased contemporary historians: one is the court histories written by Procopius ordered by Justinian, and the other is a Secret History also by Procopius (how’s that for a plot twist), that considers Justinian and Theodora to be the worst thing to happen to Byzantium, like ever. Sources from the period are problematic for Theodora as they are all written by men, and because a Byzantine woman doing anything but being pretty and submissive would have been seen as improper. Procopius said she was scheming, unprincipled, and immoral– as most assertive and powerful women were often portrayed. He wrote of lurid sexual scandals she was supposedly involved in. But nevertheless, she was a valuable partner who was directly involved in state affairs.
During a riot that broke out in Constantinople, Theodora convinced Justinian not to flee. Although probably not verbatim, Procopius credited her as saying, “I do not care whether or not it is proper for a woman to give brave counsel to frightened men; but in moments of extreme danger, conscience is the only guide. Every man who is born into the light of day must sooner or later die; and how can an Emperor ever allow himself to become a fugitive? If you, my Lord, wish to save your skin, you will have no difficulty in doing so. We are rich, there is the sea, there too are our ships. But consider first whether, when you reach safety, you will not regret that you did not choose death in preference. As for me, I stand by the ancient saying: royalty makes the best shroud.”
Theodora’s influence was palpable everywhere. She led to the downfall of prominent men, including a pope– it’s no wonder Procopius wrote so poorly of her. Theodora was known for her social reforms and her charitable work at orphanages, hospitals, and a home for former prostitutes seeking to reenter respectable society. When Justinian fell ill with Bubonic plague that was ravaging the world, Theodora ruled alone demonstrating control, political savvy, and perhaps some vindictiveness against her court rivals.
When she died, Justinian didn’t have the same flare for leadership
Theodora reigned as empress of the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I, from 527 CE until her death in 548 CE. She came to the court as an actress, stripper, and maybe prostitute, and won a beauty contest catching the heart of Justinian. After their marriage, they ruled the empire together. Everything we know about her comes from pretty biased contemporary historians: one is the court histories written by Procopius ordered by Justinian, and the other is a Secret History also by Procopius (how’s that for a plot twist), that considers Justinian and Theodora to be the worst thing to happen to Byzantium, like ever. Sources from the period are problematic for Theodora as they are all written by men, and because a Byzantine woman doing anything but being pretty and submissive would have been seen as improper. Procopius said she was scheming, unprincipled, and immoral– as most assertive and powerful women were often portrayed. He wrote of lurid sexual scandals she was supposedly involved in. But nevertheless, she was a valuable partner who was directly involved in state affairs.
During a riot that broke out in Constantinople, Theodora convinced Justinian not to flee. Although probably not verbatim, Procopius credited her as saying, “I do not care whether or not it is proper for a woman to give brave counsel to frightened men; but in moments of extreme danger, conscience is the only guide. Every man who is born into the light of day must sooner or later die; and how can an Emperor ever allow himself to become a fugitive? If you, my Lord, wish to save your skin, you will have no difficulty in doing so. We are rich, there is the sea, there too are our ships. But consider first whether, when you reach safety, you will not regret that you did not choose death in preference. As for me, I stand by the ancient saying: royalty makes the best shroud.”
Theodora’s influence was palpable everywhere. She led to the downfall of prominent men, including a pope– it’s no wonder Procopius wrote so poorly of her. Theodora was known for her social reforms and her charitable work at orphanages, hospitals, and a home for former prostitutes seeking to reenter respectable society. When Justinian fell ill with Bubonic plague that was ravaging the world, Theodora ruled alone demonstrating control, political savvy, and perhaps some vindictiveness against her court rivals.
When she died, Justinian didn’t have the same flare for leadership
Radegund in 11th Century painting, Wikimedia Commons
Francia: Theodora would have known and corresponded with other queens around the world– especially in Europe. Western Europe was politically less stable than their Byzantine counterparts. The small kingdoms that made up this region were constantly raiding and murdering one another. So instead of a continuing empire, warlords used the title of "king." They considered themselves part of the Roman world and worked to emulate the Romans.
Most of what we know about women from this time comes from The Ten Books of History, by Gregory, Bishop of Tours. He clearly favored some women over others and employed common tropes about women– often.
Radegund for example, lived in Francia or modern day-ish France. She was a captured Thuringia princess who was forced to marry her enemy after her entire family was murdered in front of her in order to unite two kingdoms. She wrote eloquently about the experience providing psychological insight into how this conflict may have impacted elite women of the time. Radegund had agency though, after giving birth to a son, she refused the sexual advances of the king and dedicated herself to the church. She eventually convinced him to let her live out her days in a convent where she crushed it. Radegund‘s church became one of the most powerful and influential in Western Europe after she successfully negotiated to get a piece of Helena’s true cross of Christ. For Radegund, the opportunity to study, serve, and avoid her husband would have been a great reprieve.
When her husband died, he left behind him five sons from various marriages. Through his warring and violence he had united Francia under the Merovingian family. But upon his death his kingdom was divided between four of his sons, not Radegund’s because he was considered a bastard. The two youngest sons inherited the smallest portions of the kingdom and spent the remainder of their lives trying to expand, warring against their brothers. The third son waited until he was older to marry a princess and legitimize his claims. Brunhild, a Visigoth Princess from Spain was given land and an elaborate Roman style wedding to further ally the Visigoths and Francia.
Most of what we know about women from this time comes from The Ten Books of History, by Gregory, Bishop of Tours. He clearly favored some women over others and employed common tropes about women– often.
Radegund for example, lived in Francia or modern day-ish France. She was a captured Thuringia princess who was forced to marry her enemy after her entire family was murdered in front of her in order to unite two kingdoms. She wrote eloquently about the experience providing psychological insight into how this conflict may have impacted elite women of the time. Radegund had agency though, after giving birth to a son, she refused the sexual advances of the king and dedicated herself to the church. She eventually convinced him to let her live out her days in a convent where she crushed it. Radegund‘s church became one of the most powerful and influential in Western Europe after she successfully negotiated to get a piece of Helena’s true cross of Christ. For Radegund, the opportunity to study, serve, and avoid her husband would have been a great reprieve.
When her husband died, he left behind him five sons from various marriages. Through his warring and violence he had united Francia under the Merovingian family. But upon his death his kingdom was divided between four of his sons, not Radegund’s because he was considered a bastard. The two youngest sons inherited the smallest portions of the kingdom and spent the remainder of their lives trying to expand, warring against their brothers. The third son waited until he was older to marry a princess and legitimize his claims. Brunhild, a Visigoth Princess from Spain was given land and an elaborate Roman style wedding to further ally the Visigoths and Francia.
Chilperic strangles Galswintha, Wikimedia Commons
The fourth son married three times in his lifetime and was known for his fornication with enslaved women of the palace. His second wife was Brunhild‘s older sister, Galswintha, Who agreed to marry him only so long as he promised to give up this habit. He did, but shortly after their marriage she discovered that he had picked up his shenanigans with an enslaved woman named Fredegund. Shortly after this discovery, Galswintha was found dead in her bed and within the month Fredegund was married to the king— the first of at least 12 murders that would be credibly linked back to this rags-to-riches queen. As the third wife of the king, Fredegund had to contend with the legitimacy of her stepchildren and conspired to put those children into danger so that her own children would rule and inherit the kingdom. Fredegund’s life was marked with tragedy as so many of her sons failed to survive childhood. She was a nasty queen who held onto power through violence, trickery, and assassination. After killing Brunhild’s sister she also killed her husband. The rivalry between these two queens seems almost out of a story book. Take all of this with a grain of salt– however because Gregory had clearly chosen to paint Fredegund as his femme fatal to Brunhild’s heroine of sorts.
Brunhild was not a weak queen, she was the master of politics, trained and prepared to be a queen her entire life. Brunhild forged alliances that helped her maintain her power, negotiated prominent marriages for her daughter and granddaughters. She became the first queen of the medieval era to oversee a trial, was A signer and lead negotiator in the first treaty of Western Europe, and while most of her contemporaries abhorred female leaders, they had to admit she was incredible.
Brunhild was not a weak queen, she was the master of politics, trained and prepared to be a queen her entire life. Brunhild forged alliances that helped her maintain her power, negotiated prominent marriages for her daughter and granddaughters. She became the first queen of the medieval era to oversee a trial, was A signer and lead negotiator in the first treaty of Western Europe, and while most of her contemporaries abhorred female leaders, they had to admit she was incredible.
Fredegund attacking her own daughter, Wikimedia Commons
These two rival queens held on to power for the better part of a century and would provide the stability of the sons could not. The territory these two queen regions controlled spanned modern-day France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxenberg, western and southern Germany, and parts of Switzerland. In the medieval period, Charlemagne would be the only ruler to briefly control more territory than these two women. Multiple husbands, and sons would come and go, but these women provided the consistency their kingdoms needed. In fact, when Brunhild‘s son died at the age of 25, it is written down in the chronicles as a relatively insignificant event. Throughout his life his mother had served as queen regent and even when he came of age, he seemed a relatively unremarkable king. Brunhild had ruled before and would rule again. Throughout their rule, when diplomatic letters would be addressed to their child sons and grandsons, the queens would reply in their own names and title, Domina Regina. Pope Gregory, later Gregory the Great, however, knew where the true power resided, and did not make this mistake, addressing their letters to Brunhild, Queen of the Franks.
Brunhild concerned herself with her legacy, after securing her kingdoms she focused on the work of the church, and in alliance with the Pope, spreading the mission to the pagans in Britain. Fredegund on the other hand continuously looked to expand her kingdom and proved to be exceptionally gifted at strategy. In one of her armed conflicts against Brunhild, she had all of her soldiers hold sticks to resemble trees in order for them to advance at night. Her use of the strategy predates other references to it. She may have learned the strategy from a previously unknown Celtic past, but for all intents and purposes she invented it. Instead of doing the work of God, she used the spoils of war to reward loyal bishops and buy the church. After years of serving as a manipulative Queen consort, with at least twelve credible murders linked to her, and a decade as queen regent for her son, Fredegund died. And that’s how the chronicler recorded it, “Fredegund died.“ For the death of a ruling queen that wasn’t much fanfare. She was only fifty and when previous rulers had died young and otherwise healthy, there was much speculation that perhaps they had been murdered. For Fredegund, there was no such speculation. Was this bloody queen murdered?
Brunhild concerned herself with her legacy, after securing her kingdoms she focused on the work of the church, and in alliance with the Pope, spreading the mission to the pagans in Britain. Fredegund on the other hand continuously looked to expand her kingdom and proved to be exceptionally gifted at strategy. In one of her armed conflicts against Brunhild, she had all of her soldiers hold sticks to resemble trees in order for them to advance at night. Her use of the strategy predates other references to it. She may have learned the strategy from a previously unknown Celtic past, but for all intents and purposes she invented it. Instead of doing the work of God, she used the spoils of war to reward loyal bishops and buy the church. After years of serving as a manipulative Queen consort, with at least twelve credible murders linked to her, and a decade as queen regent for her son, Fredegund died. And that’s how the chronicler recorded it, “Fredegund died.“ For the death of a ruling queen that wasn’t much fanfare. She was only fifty and when previous rulers had died young and otherwise healthy, there was much speculation that perhaps they had been murdered. For Fredegund, there was no such speculation. Was this bloody queen murdered?
Death of Brunhild, Wikimedia Commons
Brunhild carried on, having outlived many of the statesman and the historian Gregory she had begun her career with— she even outlived both of her children and most of her grandchildren. She revived old Roman trading networks and roads, showed incredible mercy to her rival's living son, championed battered women in her quest to purify the church, and was metropolitan and tolerant even of the Jews in her kingdom. Many of her initiatives and reforms required raising taxes on the aristocracy and the church, both of whom worked for exemptions or actively against her.
But into her 70s, Brunhild and her four grandsons would fall shortly after their father died in his prime, having finally united the Franks. The boys, none older than eleven, would go into battle against Fredegund‘s son and be betrayed by their Mayor of the Palace. One boy would escape, the youngest sent to be raised by the enemy, and the eldest two executed by an ax. Brunhild would’ve expected in her late age to be exiled or sent to a convent, but instead she was brutally hacked to pieces in the most public way only reserved for kings: whipped, bloodied, and paraded through the masses before trampled by a wild horse. She was accused of all of Fredegund’s crimes and dubbed a king killer.
Why such a violent death for an aging queen regent? One has to suspect that it was a threat she posed to the new King's claims. She was, after all, the most powerful person in Western Europe. He and his chroniclers used the same old tricks– blaming women in order to elevate their male hero.
King Chlothar II, the only son of Fredegund to survive into adulthood. He and the betraying aristocracy signed the Edict of Paris one that essentially limited the powers of the King and gave the Mayor of the Palace, who had betrayed Brunhild, and all future mayors, hereditary and lifetime appointments. The result was the rise of the Carolingians, the great great grandfathers of Charlemagne. King Chlothar II erased Brunhild and her entire line from the legal record, and curiously made no effort to honor his mother: burying the knowledge of these two queens for centuries. There are massive discrepancies between the contemporary chroniclers and those even a generation later who expressed disgust for the two queens. Nobles and bishops revised earlier writings to justify their betrayal of Brunhild and her horrific death, adding in lines and imposing warnings if she did not rein in her ambition. Because she outlived Pope Gregory, her champion was not there to defend her piety and credit her for essentially Christianizing Britain.
There were no Merovingian queen regents before Brunhild’s and Fredegund, and the two that followed them were subsequently murdered or sent to a convent. Other influential women were left out of the record completely. The Carolingian dynasty that followed made a point to write history in such a way that their guys were the heroes and rivals were pure evil. Unfortunately, that means our only sources for the reigns of Brunhild and Fredegund tend to demonize them.
The Carolingians were careful to get the chronicles telling their rise to power in a way that made them the heroes. Misogyny was a useful tool to do that with. Of course, despite their warnings, women continued to be involved in politics under the Carolingians. Charlemagne's mother, for example, held a great deal of influence.
But into her 70s, Brunhild and her four grandsons would fall shortly after their father died in his prime, having finally united the Franks. The boys, none older than eleven, would go into battle against Fredegund‘s son and be betrayed by their Mayor of the Palace. One boy would escape, the youngest sent to be raised by the enemy, and the eldest two executed by an ax. Brunhild would’ve expected in her late age to be exiled or sent to a convent, but instead she was brutally hacked to pieces in the most public way only reserved for kings: whipped, bloodied, and paraded through the masses before trampled by a wild horse. She was accused of all of Fredegund’s crimes and dubbed a king killer.
Why such a violent death for an aging queen regent? One has to suspect that it was a threat she posed to the new King's claims. She was, after all, the most powerful person in Western Europe. He and his chroniclers used the same old tricks– blaming women in order to elevate their male hero.
King Chlothar II, the only son of Fredegund to survive into adulthood. He and the betraying aristocracy signed the Edict of Paris one that essentially limited the powers of the King and gave the Mayor of the Palace, who had betrayed Brunhild, and all future mayors, hereditary and lifetime appointments. The result was the rise of the Carolingians, the great great grandfathers of Charlemagne. King Chlothar II erased Brunhild and her entire line from the legal record, and curiously made no effort to honor his mother: burying the knowledge of these two queens for centuries. There are massive discrepancies between the contemporary chroniclers and those even a generation later who expressed disgust for the two queens. Nobles and bishops revised earlier writings to justify their betrayal of Brunhild and her horrific death, adding in lines and imposing warnings if she did not rein in her ambition. Because she outlived Pope Gregory, her champion was not there to defend her piety and credit her for essentially Christianizing Britain.
There were no Merovingian queen regents before Brunhild’s and Fredegund, and the two that followed them were subsequently murdered or sent to a convent. Other influential women were left out of the record completely. The Carolingian dynasty that followed made a point to write history in such a way that their guys were the heroes and rivals were pure evil. Unfortunately, that means our only sources for the reigns of Brunhild and Fredegund tend to demonize them.
The Carolingians were careful to get the chronicles telling their rise to power in a way that made them the heroes. Misogyny was a useful tool to do that with. Of course, despite their warnings, women continued to be involved in politics under the Carolingians. Charlemagne's mother, for example, held a great deal of influence.
Empress Suiko, Wikimedia Commons
Japan: Across the world, however, another queen was breaking barriers and coming to power: Suiko. There was some precedent for female rule. Himiko was an ancient queen of legend, not mentioned in Japanese histories. Historians disagree on where her kingdom was. She was noted for being a shaman queen, unmarried, and living in a fortress where she was served by 1,000 women.
Suiko, living centuries later, was well documented. She was the daughter of Emperor Kimmei and at 18 became the empress-consort of Emperor Bidatsu, who reigned 572 to 585. After a short rule by the Emperor Yomei, interclan warfare over the succession broke out. Suiko's brother, Emperor Sujun or Sushu, reigned next but was murdered in 592. Her uncle, Soga Umako, a powerful clan leader, who was likely behind Sushu's murder, convinced Suiko to take the throne, with another of Umako's nephews, Shotoku, acting as regent who actually administered government. Suiko reigned as Empress for 30 years.
Empress Suiko is credited with ordering the promotion of Buddhism beginning in 594. It had been the religion of her family, the Soga. During her reign, Buddhism became firmly established; the second article of the 17 article constitution instituted under her reign promoted Buddhist worship, and she sponsored Buddhist temples and monasteries.
It was also during Suiko's reign that China first diplomatically recognized Japan, and Chinese influence increased, including bringing in the Chinese calendar and the Chinese system of government bureaucracy. Chinese monks, artists, and scholars also were brought into Japan in her reign. The power of the emperor also became stronger under her rule.
Suiko, living centuries later, was well documented. She was the daughter of Emperor Kimmei and at 18 became the empress-consort of Emperor Bidatsu, who reigned 572 to 585. After a short rule by the Emperor Yomei, interclan warfare over the succession broke out. Suiko's brother, Emperor Sujun or Sushu, reigned next but was murdered in 592. Her uncle, Soga Umako, a powerful clan leader, who was likely behind Sushu's murder, convinced Suiko to take the throne, with another of Umako's nephews, Shotoku, acting as regent who actually administered government. Suiko reigned as Empress for 30 years.
Empress Suiko is credited with ordering the promotion of Buddhism beginning in 594. It had been the religion of her family, the Soga. During her reign, Buddhism became firmly established; the second article of the 17 article constitution instituted under her reign promoted Buddhist worship, and she sponsored Buddhist temples and monasteries.
It was also during Suiko's reign that China first diplomatically recognized Japan, and Chinese influence increased, including bringing in the Chinese calendar and the Chinese system of government bureaucracy. Chinese monks, artists, and scholars also were brought into Japan in her reign. The power of the emperor also became stronger under her rule.
Queen Seondeok, Wikimedia Commons
Korea: To the north, in Korea, Queen Seondeok became the first female monarch in the Kingdom of Silla starting in 632. Unlike other places, her rule would lay the groundwork for more female rulers. Unfortunately, so much of her rule has been lost to time.
She ruled for 15 years and used skillful diplomacy to form a stronger alliance with Tang China and secure Sillan independence. Her strong foreign policy allowed Seondeok to form alliances with leading families of Silla. She arranged marriages between prominent families and created a power bloc that would unify the Korean Peninsula under her rule and end the Three Kingdoms period.
Seondeok faced a challenge from Lord Bidam. He rallied supporters under the motto, "Women rulers cannot rule the country." The legend states that a falling star convinced him that the queen too would fall soon. To counter the narrative, Seondeok flew a flaming kite.
After 10 days, Bidam and his co-conspirators were seized and executed. But Seondeok died of natural causes during this time. She, unlike other female monarchs around the world, had the chance to choose a successor and left her kingdom to another woman–her cousin Queen Jindeok.
The fact that another ruling queen followed immediately after Seondeok's reign proves that she was an able and astute ruler. The Silla Kingdom would also boast Korea's third and final female ruler, Queen Jinseong, who ruled nearly two hundred years later from 887 to 897.
She ruled for 15 years and used skillful diplomacy to form a stronger alliance with Tang China and secure Sillan independence. Her strong foreign policy allowed Seondeok to form alliances with leading families of Silla. She arranged marriages between prominent families and created a power bloc that would unify the Korean Peninsula under her rule and end the Three Kingdoms period.
Seondeok faced a challenge from Lord Bidam. He rallied supporters under the motto, "Women rulers cannot rule the country." The legend states that a falling star convinced him that the queen too would fall soon. To counter the narrative, Seondeok flew a flaming kite.
After 10 days, Bidam and his co-conspirators were seized and executed. But Seondeok died of natural causes during this time. She, unlike other female monarchs around the world, had the chance to choose a successor and left her kingdom to another woman–her cousin Queen Jindeok.
The fact that another ruling queen followed immediately after Seondeok's reign proves that she was an able and astute ruler. The Silla Kingdom would also boast Korea's third and final female ruler, Queen Jinseong, who ruled nearly two hundred years later from 887 to 897.
Wu Zeitan, Wikimedia Commons
China: Both Theodora and Fredegund found paths to power through prostitution and cruelty– but this wasn’t only true in the west. In China, shortly after their time, another empress was rising: Wu Zeitan. Wu has a reputation of being one of the most cruel rulers in China’s history– which again probably says more about the chroniclers than it does about her.
The Tang Dynasty, during which she ruled, was a Golden Age for China– producing gorgeous art and culture. During the Tang, the Silk Roads were at their height of influence. During Wu’s life, overland trade routes brought massive entrepreneurial opportunities with the West and other parts of Eurasia, making the capital of the Tang Empire the most cosmopolitan of the world’s cities. Although merchants dealt for and traded many goods, commerce involving textiles, minerals, and spices was particularly prominent. With such avenues of contact, Tang China was ready for changes in society and culture. Importantly, Tang women were assertive, active, and more visible; they rode horses, donned male attire, and participated in politics.
Wu was a master of politics. She came to the court as a concubine, one of many, to the emperor. She bore him four boys and earned his favoritism. She earned the respect of the court and even the Empress! She knew the ins and outs of court because attendants would report gossip and even trivial events.
Greedy for power, she looked to eliminate the Empress Wang. After giving birth to a baby daughter, she brought her to the empress to hold. When the Empress Wang had played with the baby, Wu killed her own infant daughter and blamed the murder on Empress Wang. The emperor believed this and promoted Wu to Empress. Wu immediately put Wang and her other rivals to death, exiling their families.
She purged the court of those disloyal to her. When the emperor died, her son became emperor, and her a regent where she could rule from the shadows. But being a puppet emperor had its limitations and in 690, she conferred upon herself the title “Holy and Divine Emperor,” founded what she called the “Zhou dynasty” and ruled for the next fifteen years as the only woman emperor in Chinese history, until she was finally deposed in a coup.
Male historians recorded her legacy with contempt– quick to point out the horrific and cruel ways with which she ruled. But this was not uncommon for male leaders around the world. It’s important to acknowledge that she ruled in a Golden Age. She recruited qualified officials to do important jobs, helped to spread Buddhism, expanded the empire, sponsored the writing of agricultural texts to improve production. Finally, Wu represents the rare elite woman to support the women behind her. She campaigned to improve the status of women. She advised scholars to write and edit biographies of exemplary women. Wu believed the ideal emperor was one who ruled as a mother does over her children.
The Tang Dynasty, during which she ruled, was a Golden Age for China– producing gorgeous art and culture. During the Tang, the Silk Roads were at their height of influence. During Wu’s life, overland trade routes brought massive entrepreneurial opportunities with the West and other parts of Eurasia, making the capital of the Tang Empire the most cosmopolitan of the world’s cities. Although merchants dealt for and traded many goods, commerce involving textiles, minerals, and spices was particularly prominent. With such avenues of contact, Tang China was ready for changes in society and culture. Importantly, Tang women were assertive, active, and more visible; they rode horses, donned male attire, and participated in politics.
Wu was a master of politics. She came to the court as a concubine, one of many, to the emperor. She bore him four boys and earned his favoritism. She earned the respect of the court and even the Empress! She knew the ins and outs of court because attendants would report gossip and even trivial events.
Greedy for power, she looked to eliminate the Empress Wang. After giving birth to a baby daughter, she brought her to the empress to hold. When the Empress Wang had played with the baby, Wu killed her own infant daughter and blamed the murder on Empress Wang. The emperor believed this and promoted Wu to Empress. Wu immediately put Wang and her other rivals to death, exiling their families.
She purged the court of those disloyal to her. When the emperor died, her son became emperor, and her a regent where she could rule from the shadows. But being a puppet emperor had its limitations and in 690, she conferred upon herself the title “Holy and Divine Emperor,” founded what she called the “Zhou dynasty” and ruled for the next fifteen years as the only woman emperor in Chinese history, until she was finally deposed in a coup.
Male historians recorded her legacy with contempt– quick to point out the horrific and cruel ways with which she ruled. But this was not uncommon for male leaders around the world. It’s important to acknowledge that she ruled in a Golden Age. She recruited qualified officials to do important jobs, helped to spread Buddhism, expanded the empire, sponsored the writing of agricultural texts to improve production. Finally, Wu represents the rare elite woman to support the women behind her. She campaigned to improve the status of women. She advised scholars to write and edit biographies of exemplary women. Wu believed the ideal emperor was one who ruled as a mother does over her children.
Brunhild's Death, Wikimedia Commons
Conclusion: Women rulers were possible and somewhat common in monarchies throughout world history. Women came to power as consorts, regents, and through closeness with power, as enslaved people and prostitutes.
We cannot separate the stories of these women from the men who recorded them. So many of them were portrayed as evil, violent, and horrible. It’s possible that they were, but perhaps those chroniclers were unaccustomed to women outside their domestic roles. How different would our knowledge of these women be if women had recorded them?
It’s important to ask how the existence of female rulers influenced the lives of everyday women in the kingdoms? Did they reach back and support female education and rights to land ownership and bodily autonomy? How did these women leave space for future female leaders? And was their rule successful?
We cannot separate the stories of these women from the men who recorded them. So many of them were portrayed as evil, violent, and horrible. It’s possible that they were, but perhaps those chroniclers were unaccustomed to women outside their domestic roles. How different would our knowledge of these women be if women had recorded them?
It’s important to ask how the existence of female rulers influenced the lives of everyday women in the kingdoms? Did they reach back and support female education and rights to land ownership and bodily autonomy? How did these women leave space for future female leaders? And was their rule successful?
Draw your own conclusions
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How did medieval women claim the throne across cultures?
In this inquiry, students explore primary materials about Theodora of Byzantium, Fredegund and Brunhild of Francia, and Matilda of England. They seek patterns for women's rise to power in western Europe, if any exist, to understand how women came to hold these top positions. 
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St. Mary of Egypt and Moral Progress, Wikimedia Commons
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How did Byzantines portray Mary of Egypt?
Saint Mary of Egypt's story as portrayed in the Byzantine texts and art is interesting for its portrayal of gender and sexuality and gives insights to Byzantine values. In this inquiry, students will examine Byzantine primary sources to more deeply understand cultural values.
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Nuns, Wikimedia Commons
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How did nunneries expand and limit women's opportunities in the Middle Ages?
In this inquiry, students explore primary and secondary material about women inside Medieval convents to determine if these were oppressive institutions, or freeing from the patriarchal burdens.
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Radegund, Wikimedia Commons
Death of Brunhild, Public Domain
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What work did women do in the Middle Ages?
In this inquiry, students bust myths about the types of work women did and, using primary and secondary material, uncover that women did a whole variety of work.
Did female monarchs provide women more opportunities in their society?
In this inquiry, students explore the actions, or inactions, of female monarchs toward women in their communities and students are asked to consider whether this was significant.
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OTHER: Women in Tang China
In this inquiry from Women in World History focuses on the enduring influence of Confucianism on the lives of women in ancient and modern China and Wu Zeitan. Check it out! |
Lesson Plans from Other Organizations
- This website, Women in World History has primary source based lesson plans on women's history in a whole range of topics. Some are free while others have a cost.
- The Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media has produced recommendations for teaching women's history with primary sources and provided a collection of sources for world history. Check them out!
- The Stanford History Education Group has a number of lesson plans about women in World History.
Theodora of Byzantium
Theodora of Byzantium was born around 497 CE to a bear-keeper who worked for the Hippodrome in Constantinople, (a Byzantine arena for chariot racing and other entertainment). Theodora went on to work in the Hippodrome herself as an acrobat, dancer, actress and/or exotic dancer. She gained power after she married Justinian, the nephew of the Emperor Justin. Two years after their marriage, Justinian and Theodora were crowned Emperor and Empress. It appears Justinian actually insisted his wife be crowned as his equal and changed the law to elevate her status (actresses were not allowed to legally marry at the time). Despite the difference in class, such a marriage was not as rare as you might think. Some sources do exist retailing beauty competitions in which the victor would be married to a man from a prestigious position.
Few sources exist on Theorora’s life. The most referenced source is historian Prokopois of Caesarea, who wrote his ‘Secret History’ (Anekota), an outrageous and exaggerated history of Justinian and Theodora. For this reason, much of what we know about Theodora cannot be trusted. What we do know is she appears to have been a brave individual that suited leadership well. In 532 CE, the Nika Revolt saw rioters burn down much of Constantinople and attempt to crown a new emperor. We believe during this revolt, it was Theorora that persuaded the Emperor to stay and fight. We also know that Theorora ruled alone for a year as Justinian recovered from Bubonic Plague in 542 CE, securing her position by removing any threats to her throne. Finally, we know that she was a religious figure and a believer in Monophysitism, a factor of Christianity.
Few sources exist on Theorora’s life. The most referenced source is historian Prokopois of Caesarea, who wrote his ‘Secret History’ (Anekota), an outrageous and exaggerated history of Justinian and Theodora. For this reason, much of what we know about Theodora cannot be trusted. What we do know is she appears to have been a brave individual that suited leadership well. In 532 CE, the Nika Revolt saw rioters burn down much of Constantinople and attempt to crown a new emperor. We believe during this revolt, it was Theorora that persuaded the Emperor to stay and fight. We also know that Theorora ruled alone for a year as Justinian recovered from Bubonic Plague in 542 CE, securing her position by removing any threats to her throne. Finally, we know that she was a religious figure and a believer in Monophysitism, a factor of Christianity.
Procopius of Caesarea - Secret History
Procopius was a 6th century CE historian who wrote many works on Byzantine history. His most famous piece of work today is his Secret History, a scandalous and likely inaccurate historical source primarily on the marriage of Justinian and Theodora.
And he [Justinian] married a wife concerning whom I shall now relate how she was born and reared and how, after being joined to this man in marriage, she overturned the Roman State to its very foundations…
As soon as she came of age and was at last mature, she joined the women of the stage and straightway became a courtesan, of the sort whom men of ancient times used to call "infantry." For she was neither a flute-player nor a harpist, nay, she had not even acquired skill in the dance, but she sold her youthful beauty to those who chanced to come along, plying her trade with practically her whole body.
Later on she was associated with the actors in all the work of the theatre, and she shared their performances with them, playing up to their buffoonish acts intended to raise a laugh. For she was unusually clever and full of gibes, and she immediately became admired for this sort of thing. For the girl had not a particle of modesty, nor did any man ever see her embarrassed, but she undertook shameless services without the least hesitation, and she was the sort of a person who, for instance, when being flogged or beaten over the head, would crack a joke over it and burst into a loud laugh; and she would undress and exhibit to any who chanced along both her front and her rear naked, parts which rightly should be unseen by men and hidden from them.
And as she wantoned with her lovers, she always kept bantering them, and by toying with new devices in intercourse, she always succeeded in winning the hearts of the licentious to her; for she did not even expect that the approach should be made by the man she was with, but on the contrary she herself, with wanton jests and with clownish posturing with her hips, would tempt all who came along, especially if they were beardless youths. …
When she came back to Byzantium once more, Justinian conceived for her an overpowering love; and at first he knew her as a mistress, though he did advance her to the rank of the Patricians. Theodora accordingly succeeded at once in acquiring extraordinary influence and a fairly large fortune. For she seemed to the man the sweetest thing in the world, as is wont to happen with lovers who love extravagantly, and he was fain to bestow upon his beloved all favours and all money. And the State became fuel for this love. So with her help he ruined the people even more than before, and not in Byzantium alone, but throughout the whole Roman Empire.
Prokopius: The Secret History, The Anecdota. [online] Penelope Unhicago Avalible at <http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Procopius/Anecdota/home.html> [Accessed 6/11/2022]
Questions:
And he [Justinian] married a wife concerning whom I shall now relate how she was born and reared and how, after being joined to this man in marriage, she overturned the Roman State to its very foundations…
As soon as she came of age and was at last mature, she joined the women of the stage and straightway became a courtesan, of the sort whom men of ancient times used to call "infantry." For she was neither a flute-player nor a harpist, nay, she had not even acquired skill in the dance, but she sold her youthful beauty to those who chanced to come along, plying her trade with practically her whole body.
Later on she was associated with the actors in all the work of the theatre, and she shared their performances with them, playing up to their buffoonish acts intended to raise a laugh. For she was unusually clever and full of gibes, and she immediately became admired for this sort of thing. For the girl had not a particle of modesty, nor did any man ever see her embarrassed, but she undertook shameless services without the least hesitation, and she was the sort of a person who, for instance, when being flogged or beaten over the head, would crack a joke over it and burst into a loud laugh; and she would undress and exhibit to any who chanced along both her front and her rear naked, parts which rightly should be unseen by men and hidden from them.
And as she wantoned with her lovers, she always kept bantering them, and by toying with new devices in intercourse, she always succeeded in winning the hearts of the licentious to her; for she did not even expect that the approach should be made by the man she was with, but on the contrary she herself, with wanton jests and with clownish posturing with her hips, would tempt all who came along, especially if they were beardless youths. …
When she came back to Byzantium once more, Justinian conceived for her an overpowering love; and at first he knew her as a mistress, though he did advance her to the rank of the Patricians. Theodora accordingly succeeded at once in acquiring extraordinary influence and a fairly large fortune. For she seemed to the man the sweetest thing in the world, as is wont to happen with lovers who love extravagantly, and he was fain to bestow upon his beloved all favours and all money. And the State became fuel for this love. So with her help he ruined the people even more than before, and not in Byzantium alone, but throughout the whole Roman Empire.
Prokopius: The Secret History, The Anecdota. [online] Penelope Unhicago Avalible at <http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Procopius/Anecdota/home.html> [Accessed 6/11/2022]
Questions:
- How reliable is this text and what conclusions can be made about its content?
The Imperial Feminine in Byzantium
The following document is an extract from Judith Herrin’s article on imperial women in Byzantium. Herrin shares three ways in which Theodora claimed and secured the throne along with some comments on the reliability of Prokopios.
Theodora, the ex-circus entertainer and one of the most maligned of all imperial brides, [was] chosen by Justinian to share his throne. For Theodora, disguise as a man was out of the question since her power stemmed from her feminine qualities and seductive charms, which fascinated observers. While Prokopios, the sole source for most of our information about her, condemns these powers, on another occasion he presents her as leading the resistance to threatened revolt, putting into her mouth a speech derived from Isokrates, with the glorious message that it is better to die in the imperial purple than to flee in the face of rebellion...
Nonetheless, during the Nika riot in 532, he suggests that Theodora had to apologize for intervening in a male discourse in order to stiffen Justinian's resolve. Some modern commentators have built great theoretical edifices on this passage. They claim that Theodora is here transgressing the established borders of her position as a woman, even if she is the most elevated of all women in the empire…
Of course, we do not know how far the imperial couple shared or disputed power. Prokopios claims that they supported different factions in order to whip up disagreements between their supporters, to raise the tensions which they would later exploit to serve their own imperial purposes. Justinian seems to have consulted Theodora on other matters, not merely what to do about the riot of 532. And Theodora seems to have had control of considerable space of her own where she acted independently, for she hid a Monophysite patriarch inside her private quarters for years. She also tortured and probably killed several individuals whom she accused of serious crimes, trumped-up charges no doubt, but she was able to impose an arbitrary judgement. Theodora used imperial powers to remove her enemies and to force her rivals into marriages she arranged. But nearly all the evidence concerning this particularly brilliant empress derives from the record of Prokopios.
Herrin. J (2000) ‘The Imperial Feminine in Byzantium’ In Past and Present, No. 169, pp. 3-35. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Questions:
How does this text depict how Theorora claimed and then secured her position?
Theodora, the ex-circus entertainer and one of the most maligned of all imperial brides, [was] chosen by Justinian to share his throne. For Theodora, disguise as a man was out of the question since her power stemmed from her feminine qualities and seductive charms, which fascinated observers. While Prokopios, the sole source for most of our information about her, condemns these powers, on another occasion he presents her as leading the resistance to threatened revolt, putting into her mouth a speech derived from Isokrates, with the glorious message that it is better to die in the imperial purple than to flee in the face of rebellion...
Nonetheless, during the Nika riot in 532, he suggests that Theodora had to apologize for intervening in a male discourse in order to stiffen Justinian's resolve. Some modern commentators have built great theoretical edifices on this passage. They claim that Theodora is here transgressing the established borders of her position as a woman, even if she is the most elevated of all women in the empire…
Of course, we do not know how far the imperial couple shared or disputed power. Prokopios claims that they supported different factions in order to whip up disagreements between their supporters, to raise the tensions which they would later exploit to serve their own imperial purposes. Justinian seems to have consulted Theodora on other matters, not merely what to do about the riot of 532. And Theodora seems to have had control of considerable space of her own where she acted independently, for she hid a Monophysite patriarch inside her private quarters for years. She also tortured and probably killed several individuals whom she accused of serious crimes, trumped-up charges no doubt, but she was able to impose an arbitrary judgement. Theodora used imperial powers to remove her enemies and to force her rivals into marriages she arranged. But nearly all the evidence concerning this particularly brilliant empress derives from the record of Prokopios.
Herrin. J (2000) ‘The Imperial Feminine in Byzantium’ In Past and Present, No. 169, pp. 3-35. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Questions:
How does this text depict how Theorora claimed and then secured her position?
Procopius - The Persian Wars
The following extract is from Procopius’ Secret History. This extract details the events of the Nika revolt and Theodora’s influence.
But at this time the officers of the city administration in Byzantium were leading away to death some of the rioters. But the members of the two factions, conspiring together and declaring a truce with each other, seized the prisoners and then straightway entered the prison and released all those who were in confinement there, whether they had been condemned on a charge of stirring up sedition, or for any other unlawful act. And all the attendants in the service of the city government were killed indiscriminately; meanwhile, all of the citizens who were sane-minded were fleeing to the opposite mainland, and fire was applied to the city as if it had fallen under the hand of an enemy. The sanctuary of Sophia and the baths of Zeuxippus, and the portion of the imperial residence from the propylaea as far as the so‑called House of Ares were destroyed by fire, and besides these both the great colonnades which extended as far as the market place which bears the name of Constantine, in addition to many houses of wealthy men and a vast amount of treasure. During this time the emperor and his consort with a few members of the senate shut themselves up in the palace and remained quietly there. Now the watchword which the populace passed around to one another was Nika, and the insurrection has been called by this name up to the present time…
Now the emperor and his court were deliberating as to whether it would be better for them if they remained or if they took to flight in the ships. And many opinions were expressed favouring either course. And the Empress Theodora also spoke to the following effect: "As to the belief that a woman ought not to be daring among men or to assert herself boldly among those who are holding back from fear, I consider that the present crisis most certainly does not permit us to discuss whether the matter should be regarded in this or in some other way. For in the case of those whose interests have come into the greatest danger nothing else seems best except to settle the issue immediately before them in the best possible way. My opinion then is that the present time, above all others, is inopportune for flight, even though it bring safety. For while it is impossible for a man who has seen the light not also to die, for one who has been an emperor it is unendurable to be a fugitive. May I never be separated from this purple, and may I not live that day on which those who meet me shall not address me as mistress. If, now, it is your wish to save yourself, O Emperor, there is no difficulty. For we have much money, and there is the sea, here the boats. However, consider whether it will not come about after you have been saved that you would gladly exchange that safety for death. For as for myself, I approve a certain ancient saying that royalty is a good burial-shroud." When the queen had spoken thus, all were filled with boldness, and, turning their thoughts towards resistance, they began to consider how they might be able to defend themselves if any hostile force should come against them.
Procopius, The Persian Wars - Book 1. Translated by Dweing. H. B (2014) Cambridge: Harvard University Press
But at this time the officers of the city administration in Byzantium were leading away to death some of the rioters. But the members of the two factions, conspiring together and declaring a truce with each other, seized the prisoners and then straightway entered the prison and released all those who were in confinement there, whether they had been condemned on a charge of stirring up sedition, or for any other unlawful act. And all the attendants in the service of the city government were killed indiscriminately; meanwhile, all of the citizens who were sane-minded were fleeing to the opposite mainland, and fire was applied to the city as if it had fallen under the hand of an enemy. The sanctuary of Sophia and the baths of Zeuxippus, and the portion of the imperial residence from the propylaea as far as the so‑called House of Ares were destroyed by fire, and besides these both the great colonnades which extended as far as the market place which bears the name of Constantine, in addition to many houses of wealthy men and a vast amount of treasure. During this time the emperor and his consort with a few members of the senate shut themselves up in the palace and remained quietly there. Now the watchword which the populace passed around to one another was Nika, and the insurrection has been called by this name up to the present time…
Now the emperor and his court were deliberating as to whether it would be better for them if they remained or if they took to flight in the ships. And many opinions were expressed favouring either course. And the Empress Theodora also spoke to the following effect: "As to the belief that a woman ought not to be daring among men or to assert herself boldly among those who are holding back from fear, I consider that the present crisis most certainly does not permit us to discuss whether the matter should be regarded in this or in some other way. For in the case of those whose interests have come into the greatest danger nothing else seems best except to settle the issue immediately before them in the best possible way. My opinion then is that the present time, above all others, is inopportune for flight, even though it bring safety. For while it is impossible for a man who has seen the light not also to die, for one who has been an emperor it is unendurable to be a fugitive. May I never be separated from this purple, and may I not live that day on which those who meet me shall not address me as mistress. If, now, it is your wish to save yourself, O Emperor, there is no difficulty. For we have much money, and there is the sea, here the boats. However, consider whether it will not come about after you have been saved that you would gladly exchange that safety for death. For as for myself, I approve a certain ancient saying that royalty is a good burial-shroud." When the queen had spoken thus, all were filled with boldness, and, turning their thoughts towards resistance, they began to consider how they might be able to defend themselves if any hostile force should come against them.
Procopius, The Persian Wars - Book 1. Translated by Dweing. H. B (2014) Cambridge: Harvard University Press
Fredegund and Brunhild
Fredegund was the queen consort of Chilperic I, the Merovingian Frankish King of Soissons. She began life as a servant in the royal house before becoming the king’s mistress. Within a few years, Fredegund had persuaded the king to set aside his first wife and kill his second before finally becoming the queen consort herself. The murder of Chilperic I’s second wife, Galswintha in 568 CE, however, ignited violent animosity between Chilperic and his brother, King Sigbert of Austrasia.
Born around 534 CE, Brunhild (or Brunhilde) was the daughter of the King of Visigoth Spain. She became the queen of Burgundy and Austrasia in 567 CE after she married King Sigebert. The lives of Fredegund and Brunhild begin to intertwine after the murder of Galswintha, Chilperic I’s second wife and Brunhild’s sister. After Fredegund organised the murder or Brunhild’s sister the pair were forced into a fourty-year feud. The feud witnessed an extensive war before Fredegund’s son, Chlotar, triumphed over Brunhild in 613 CE after Fredegund’s death. This led to the rather gruesome execution of Brunhild
Born around 534 CE, Brunhild (or Brunhilde) was the daughter of the King of Visigoth Spain. She became the queen of Burgundy and Austrasia in 567 CE after she married King Sigebert. The lives of Fredegund and Brunhild begin to intertwine after the murder of Galswintha, Chilperic I’s second wife and Brunhild’s sister. After Fredegund organised the murder or Brunhild’s sister the pair were forced into a fourty-year feud. The feud witnessed an extensive war before Fredegund’s son, Chlotar, triumphed over Brunhild in 613 CE after Fredegund’s death. This led to the rather gruesome execution of Brunhild
Gregory of Tours (539-594): Ten Books of Histories. Book IV.
Gregory of Tours was an author and historian who wrote about the Merovingian dynasty. He is best known for his work, Libri Historiarum X, or History of the Franks, which follows the Frankish people from creation to the 6th century. Below is an extract from Book Four of his History of the Franks and details the marriage of king Sigibert to Brunhild, the murder of Galswintha and the marriage of Chilperic and Fredegund. (Note that Brunhilda and Brunhilde refer to Brunhild, Fredegunda refers to Fredegund and Galsuenda refers to Galswintha).
Now when king Sigibert saw that his brothers were taking wives unworthy of them, and to their disgrace were actually marrying slave women, he sent an embassy into Spain and with many gifts asked for Brunhilda, daughter of king Athanagild. She was a maiden beautiful in her person, lovely to look at, virtuous and well behaved, with good sense and a pleasant address. Her father did not refuse, but sent her to the king I have named with great treasures. And the king collected his chief men, made ready a feast, and took her as his wife amid great joy and mirth. And though she was a follower of the Arian law she was converted by the preaching of the bishops and the admonition of the king himself, and she confessed the blessed Trinity in unity, and believed and was baptized. And she still remains catholic in Christ's name.
When Chilperic saw this, although he had already too many wives, he asked for her sister Galsuenda, promising through his ambassadors that he would abandon the others if he could only obtain a wife worthy of himself and the daughter of a king. Her father accepted these promises and sent his daughter with much wealth, as he had done before. Now Galsuenda was older than Brunhilda. And coming to king Chilperic she was received with great honor, and united to him in marriage, and she was also greatly loved by him. For she had brought great treasures. But because of his love of Fredegunda whom he had had before, there arose a great scandal which divided them. Galsuenda had already been converted to the catholic law and baptized. And complaining to the king that she was continually enduring outrages and had no honor with him, she asked to leave the treasures which she had brought with her and be permitted to go free to her native land. But he made ingenious pretenses and calmed her with gentle words. At length he ordered her to be strangled by a slave and found her dead on the bed. After the death God caused a great miracle to appear. For the lighted lamp which hung by a rope in front of her tomb broke the rope without being touched by anyone and dashed on the pavement and the hard pavement yielded under it and it went down as if into some soft substance and was buried to the middle but not at all damaged. Which seemed a great miracle to all who saw it. But when the king had mourned her death a few days, he married Fredegunda again. After this action his brothers thought that the queen mentioned above had been killed at his command, and they tried to expel him from the kingdom. Chilperic at that time had three sons by his former wife Audovera, namely Theodobert, whom we have mentioned above, Merovech and Clovis. But let us return to our task.
Medieval SourceBook: Gregory of Tours (539-594): History of the Franks: Books I-X [online] Available at https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/gregory-hist.asp#book1.
Questions:
Now when king Sigibert saw that his brothers were taking wives unworthy of them, and to their disgrace were actually marrying slave women, he sent an embassy into Spain and with many gifts asked for Brunhilda, daughter of king Athanagild. She was a maiden beautiful in her person, lovely to look at, virtuous and well behaved, with good sense and a pleasant address. Her father did not refuse, but sent her to the king I have named with great treasures. And the king collected his chief men, made ready a feast, and took her as his wife amid great joy and mirth. And though she was a follower of the Arian law she was converted by the preaching of the bishops and the admonition of the king himself, and she confessed the blessed Trinity in unity, and believed and was baptized. And she still remains catholic in Christ's name.
When Chilperic saw this, although he had already too many wives, he asked for her sister Galsuenda, promising through his ambassadors that he would abandon the others if he could only obtain a wife worthy of himself and the daughter of a king. Her father accepted these promises and sent his daughter with much wealth, as he had done before. Now Galsuenda was older than Brunhilda. And coming to king Chilperic she was received with great honor, and united to him in marriage, and she was also greatly loved by him. For she had brought great treasures. But because of his love of Fredegunda whom he had had before, there arose a great scandal which divided them. Galsuenda had already been converted to the catholic law and baptized. And complaining to the king that she was continually enduring outrages and had no honor with him, she asked to leave the treasures which she had brought with her and be permitted to go free to her native land. But he made ingenious pretenses and calmed her with gentle words. At length he ordered her to be strangled by a slave and found her dead on the bed. After the death God caused a great miracle to appear. For the lighted lamp which hung by a rope in front of her tomb broke the rope without being touched by anyone and dashed on the pavement and the hard pavement yielded under it and it went down as if into some soft substance and was buried to the middle but not at all damaged. Which seemed a great miracle to all who saw it. But when the king had mourned her death a few days, he married Fredegunda again. After this action his brothers thought that the queen mentioned above had been killed at his command, and they tried to expel him from the kingdom. Chilperic at that time had three sons by his former wife Audovera, namely Theodobert, whom we have mentioned above, Merovech and Clovis. But let us return to our task.
Medieval SourceBook: Gregory of Tours (539-594): History of the Franks: Books I-X [online] Available at https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/gregory-hist.asp#book1.
Questions:
- What does this text tell us about Fredegund and Brunhild and how they both claimed their position as queen? How do they differ?
Venantius Fortunatus, De Sigiberctho rege et Brunichilde regina, Lines 9-130
Below are four short extracts from Venatius Fortunatus’ De Sigiberctho rege et Brunichilde regina, also known as ‘On King Sigibert and Queen Brunhild’. Fortunatus was a 6th century Latin poet who recently arrived in Francia from Italy. The piece was recited aloud as part of the wedding celebrations of King Sigibert and Queen Brunhild and an opportunity to show off his literary talent. With this in mind, it is important to question some of the statements made by Fortunatus here. The work is likely more about the expectations of royal women, rather than the reality, since he didn’t know Brunhild.
Fertile in its chaste bed…gets fresh offspring…Christ then joined Queen Brunhild to Himself in love, for her merits, when He gave her to you...before she had pleased only man, however, but now behold she pleases God. … Beautiful, modest, decorous, intelligent, dutiful, pleasing and good; superior in her character, her appearance and her nobility…As much as you, a glorious maiden, are seen to outshine the ranks of girls, so you, Sigibert, surpass the husbands
Venantius Fortunatus, “De Sigiberctho rege et Brunichilde regina,” lines 9-130, cited in Thomas. E J (2012) ‘The ‘second Jezabel’: Representations of the sixth-century Queen Brunhild’ PhD thesis for the School of Humanities, University of Glasgow.
Guiding Questions:
Fertile in its chaste bed…gets fresh offspring…Christ then joined Queen Brunhild to Himself in love, for her merits, when He gave her to you...before she had pleased only man, however, but now behold she pleases God. … Beautiful, modest, decorous, intelligent, dutiful, pleasing and good; superior in her character, her appearance and her nobility…As much as you, a glorious maiden, are seen to outshine the ranks of girls, so you, Sigibert, surpass the husbands
Venantius Fortunatus, “De Sigiberctho rege et Brunichilde regina,” lines 9-130, cited in Thomas. E J (2012) ‘The ‘second Jezabel’: Representations of the sixth-century Queen Brunhild’ PhD thesis for the School of Humanities, University of Glasgow.
Guiding Questions:
- In this text, underline keywords that describe why and how Brunhilde became queen?
- Is this a reliable and trustworthy text?
Remedial Herstory Editors. "11. 300-900 THE AGE OF QUEENS AND EMPRESSES." The Remedial Herstory Project. November 1, 2022. www.remedialherstory.com.
AUTHOR: |
Kelsie Brook Eckert
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Primary Reviewer: |
Dr. Jonathan Couser
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Consulting Team |
Editors |
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Kelsie Brook Eckert, Project Director
Coordinator of Social Studies Education at Plymouth State University Dr. Nancy Locklin-Sofer, Consultant Professor of History at Maryville College. Chloe Gardner, Consultant PhD Candidate in Religious Studies at Edinburgh University Dr. Whitney Howarth, Consultant Former Professor of History at Plymouth State University Jacqui Nelson, Consultant Teaching Lecturer of Military History at Plymouth State University Maria Concepcion Marquez Sandoval PhD Candidate in History at Arizona University |
Chris Canfield
Humanities Teacher, Moultonborough Academy ReviewersAncient:
Dr. Kristin Heineman Professor of History at Colorado State University Dr. Bonnie Rock-McCutcheon Professor of History at Wilson College Sarah Stone PhD Candidate in Religious Studies at Edinburgh University Medieval: Dr. Katherine Koh Professor of History at La Sierra University Dr. Jonathan Couser Professor of History at Plymouth State University Dr. Shahla Haeri Professor of History at Boston University Lauren Cole PhD Candidate in History at Northwestern University |
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Bibli0graphy
Cartwright, Mark. "Empress Theodora." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 03, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Theodora/.
Cartwright, Mark. "Queen Himiko." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified May 01, 2017. https://www.worldhistory.org/Queen_Himiko/.
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Empress Suiko of Japan." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/empress-suiko-of-japan-biography-3528831 (accessed June 6, 2022).
Miles, Rosalind. The Women’s History of the World. London, UK: Harper Collins Publishers, 1988.
Strayer, R. and Nelson, E., Ways Of The World. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016.
Cartwright, Mark. "Queen Himiko." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified May 01, 2017. https://www.worldhistory.org/Queen_Himiko/.
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Empress Suiko of Japan." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/empress-suiko-of-japan-biography-3528831 (accessed June 6, 2022).
Miles, Rosalind. The Women’s History of the World. London, UK: Harper Collins Publishers, 1988.
Strayer, R. and Nelson, E., Ways Of The World. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016.
