Irene of Athens

Irene of Athens or Irene the Athenian (Greek: Ειρήνη η Αθηναία) (c. 752 – 9 August 803) is the name by which Irene Sarantapechaina (Greek: Ειρήνη Σαρανταπήχαινα), a Byzantine empress regnant from 797 to 802, is commonly known. Prior to becoming Empress regnant, Irene had been empress consort from 775 to 780, and empress dowager and regent from 780 to 797. It is often claimed she called herself basileus (βασιλεύς), 'emperor'. In fact, she normally referred to herself as basilissa (βασίλισσα), 'empress', although there are three instances of the title basileus being used by her.