Konstantyna, żona cesarza Maurycjusza

Abstract

Constantina, emperor Tiberius Il's daughter and emperor Mauricius' wife was born most probably before the year 570. The unclear evidence that comes from John of Ephesus and Euagrius have become the basis of a popular claim that primarily she was named Augusta. The hypothesis, however, appears to be of little probability. Her father, just before his death in the year 582, granted her the title of Augusta and betrothed to Mauricius, a person of merit and a trustworthy general who had been proclaimed his co-emperor. At the time of entering into the marriage, Mauricius was 43. He was an adult and experienced man, while Constantina was a teenager. The age difference must have had influence upon the way they relationship developed and worked. Mauricius was the dominant person in the couple. State affairs were reserved for him, while his wife took care of the family and was busy with official engagements. As the time went by, the empress was more and more involved in the activities of her husband. She tried (even if unable to collaborate as far as important state affairs are concerned)at least to be informed about crucial problems, and especially the problems of the Church. The usurpation of Phocas in the year 602 was turning point in her life. She lost her husband and sons. However, she appeared to be strong enough not to be broken by her personal tragedy. She started the fight to re-establish her position. Her participation in a plot against Phocas lead her to the tragic end. Constantina and her daughters were ordered by the emperor to die (605?). Constantina was not a ruler of calibre Theodora, the wife of emperor Justinian, and Sophia, the wife of Justin II (who participated in wielding power on a par with their husbands). She was a basilissa who became the symbol of the mother-empress. Besides, she was a tragic figure whose fate made her live through the most excruciating experience, the death of all her nine children.