Irene then ruled alone, styling herself as "Emperor" (basileus), not "Empress." Her reign was brief and ended in a coup. However, Pope Leo III used the fact that the imperial throne was "vacant" (occupied by a woman) to crown Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE. Thus, Irene’s "atrocious" act arguably split Christendom.
Why do we remain fascinated by the atrocious empress? Perhaps because these women represent the ultimate subversion of the "nurturing female" stereotype. They remind us that the desire for power is not gendered. They were architects, warriors, and politicians who thrived in systems designed to exclude them. Final Thoughts atrocious empress
Why does history remember her this way?
The world believes Vaelora is a power-hungry tyrant. However, the narrative hook reveals that she is . Irene then ruled alone, styling herself as "Emperor"
