| Irene of Hungary | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Mosaic portrait of Empress Irene on the Comnenos mosaic in theHagia Sophia, Constantinople (nowIstanbul) | |
| Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Tenure | 1104 – 13 August 1134 (withIrene Doukaina, 1104–1118) |
| Born | Piroska 1088 (1088) Kingdom of Hungary |
| Died | 13 August 1134(1134-08-13) (aged 45–46) |
| Spouse | John II Komnenos |
| Issue more... | Alexios Komnenos Andronikos Komnenos Isaac Komnenos Manuel I Komnenos |
| House | House of Árpád |
| Father | Ladislaus I of Hungary |
| Mother | Adelaide of Swabia |
| Religion | Eastern Orthodox |
Irene of Hungary (Greek: Είρήνη, bornPiroska;[1] 1088 – 13 August 1134) was theByzantine empress by marriage toJohn II Komnenos. She is venerated as anEastern Orthodox saint.
The name Piroska was a Hungarian derivation of the Latin name Prisca, literally meaning 'ancient', but implying 'serious' or 'grave' behaviour.[2] She was a daughter ofLadislaus I of Hungary andAdelaide of Swabia.[1] Her mother died in 1090 when Piroska was still a child. Her father died on 29 July 1095 and was succeeded by his nephewColoman, King of Hungary.
In an effort to improve relations withAlexios I Komnenos of theByzantine Empire, Coloman negotiated the marriage of Piroska toJohn II Komnenos. John II was the eldest son of Alexios I andIrene Doukaina. He was already co-ruler of his father since late 1092 and was expected to succeed him.
The negotiations were successful and Piroska married John in 1104. The marriage was recorded byJoannes Zonaras andJohn Kinnamos. Following her conversion to theEastern Orthodox Church and settlement inConstantinople, Piroska was renamed Irene.[3]
Irene played little part in government, devoting herself to piety and her many children. She was, with her husband, the patron of the construction of the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator (Zeyrek Mosque) in Constantinople. This monastery contained three churches and a hospital of 5 wards, which was open to people of all social classes.[4]
Irene died on 13 August 1134 and was later venerated as Saint Irene.[5]
She and John had eight children. The primary source about their order of births is the chronicle ofNiketas Choniates:
Irene of Hungary Died: 1134 | ||
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| Preceded by | Byzantine Empress consort 1118–1134 | Succeeded by |
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