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.
Read more about Irene Of Athens: Early Life and Rise To Power, Rule and Resolution of The Iconoclasm Controversy, Legacy, Family
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“If one doubts whether Grecian valor and patriotism are not a fiction of the poets, he may go to Athens and see still upon the walls of the temple of Minerva the circular marks made by the shields taken from the enemy in the Persian war, which were suspended there. We have not far to seek for living and unquestionable evidence. The very dust takes shape and confirms some story which we had read.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)