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{{Short description|Byzantine empress (c. 530 – c./aft. 601)}}
{{Other uses|Sophia (disambiguation){{!}}Sophia}}
{{Other uses|Sophia (disambiguation){{!}}Sophia}}
{{Infobox monarch
{{Infobox royalty
| name = Sophia
| name = Sophia
| title = [[Augusta (honorific)|Augusta]]
| title = [[Augusta (honorific)|Augusta]]
| image = Byzantine 40 Nummi Coin Justin II & Sophia 572AD.jpg
| image = Justin II with Sophia.jpg
| caption = Justin II and Sophia depicted on 40 Nummi coin (572 AD)
| caption = Justin II and Sophia depicted on 20 Nummi coin (574/5-577/8 AD)
| full name = Aelia Sophia
| full name = Aelia Sophia
| spouse = [[Justin II]]
| spouse = [[Justin II]]
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}}
}}


'''Aelia Sophia''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Σοφία) (c. 530 – c./aft. 601) was the [[Byzantine empress]] as the wife of Emperor [[Justin II]]. She was also ruler in her capacity as [[regent]] during the incapacity of her spouse from 573 until 578, though she was never a monarch. She was interested in economic and financial matters during Justin's reign.
'''Aelia Sophia''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Σοφία) (c. 530 – c./aft. 601) was [[Byzantine empress]] as the wife of [[Byzantine Emperor|Emperor]] [[Justin II]]. Although never a monarch, Sophia participated in the governance of the empire; she took an interest in economic and financial matters during Justin's reign, and subsequently served as [[regent]] during his incapacity from 573 until 578.


==Early life==
==Early life==
According to the ''Ecclesiastic History'' of [[John of Ephesus]], Sophia was a niece of [[Theodora (6th century)|Theodora]],<ref name=Garland>[http://www.roman-emperors.org/sophia.htm Lynda Garland, "Sophia, Wife of Justin II"]</ref> the Empress consort of [[Justinian I]]. John of Ephesus did not specify the identities of her parents. According to the Secret History of [[Procopius]], Theodora had only two siblings: her older sister Comito and younger sister Anastasia;<ref name="fordham.edu">[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/procop-anec.html Procopius, "Secret History", chapter 9, translation by Richard Atwater (1927)]</ref> either one could be the mother of Sophia.<ref name=Garland/> Procopius identifies Comito as a leading [[hetaera]] of her age.<ref name="fordham.edu"/> [[John Malalas]] records that Comito (b. ca 500) married general [[Sittas]] in 528.<ref name=PLRESittas>[[Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire|PLRE]], vol. 3, ''Sittas''</ref> Sittas may thus be the father of Sophia.<ref>[https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/BURLAT/15C*.html#note192 J. B. Bury, ''History of the Later Roman Empire from the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian'' (1923)]</ref> Whether Anastasia ever married is unknown.<ref name=Garland/>
According to the ''Ecclesiastic History'' of [[John of Ephesus]] and the ''Chronicle'' of [[Victor of Tunnuna]], Sophia was a niece of [[Theodora (6th century)|Theodora]],<ref name=Garland>[[Lynda Garland]], [http://www.roman-emperors.org/sophia.htm "Sophia, Wife of Justin II"]{{Dead link|date=September 2024}}</ref> the Empress consort of [[Justinian I]]. John of Ephesus did not specify the identities of her parents. According to the Secret History of [[Procopius]], Theodora had only two siblings: her older sister Comito and younger sister Anastasia;<ref name="fordham.edu">[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/procop-anec.html Procopius, "Secret History", chapter 9, translation by Richard Atwater (1927)]</ref> either one could be the mother of Sophia.<ref name=Garland/> Procopius identifies Comito as a leading [[hetaera]] of her age.<ref name="fordham.edu"/> [[John Malalas]] records that Comito (b. ca 500) married general [[Sittas]] in 528.<ref name=PLRESittas>[[Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire|PLRE]], vol. 3, ''Sittas''</ref> Sittas may thus be the father of Sophia.<ref>[https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/BURLAT/15C*.html#note192 J. B. Bury, ''History of the Later Roman Empire from the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian'' (1923)]</ref> Whether Anastasia ever married is unknown.<ref name=Garland/>


During the reign of Justinian I (527–565), Theodora arranged for Sophia to marry his nephew [[Justin II|Justin]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Garland |first=Lynda |date=1999 |title= Byzantine empresses: women and power in Byzantium, AD 527-1204 |location= London |publisher= Routledge |page=40}}</ref> According to the Chronicon of [[Victor of Tunnuna]], Justin was a son of Dulcidius and [[Vigilantia]].<ref name=PLREDulcidius>[[Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire|PLRE]], vol. 3, ''Dulcidius''</ref> Her father-in-law is also known as Dulcissimus in [[genealogy|genealogical]] resources.<ref name=PLREDulcidius/> Vigilantia and her brother, Justinian I, were children of Petrus Sabbatius and a senior Vigilantia, who was a sister of [[Justin I]].
During the reign of Justinian I (527–565), Theodora may have arranged for Sophia to marry his nephew [[Justin II|Justin]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Garland |first=Lynda |date=1999 |title= Byzantine empresses: women and power in Byzantium, AD 527-1204 |location= London |publisher= Routledge |page=40}}</ref> According to the Chronicon of [[Victor of Tunnuna]], Justin was a son of Dulcidius and [[Vigilantia]].<ref name=PLREDulcidius>[[Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire|PLRE]], vol. 3, ''Dulcidius''</ref> Her father-in-law is also known as Dulcissimus in [[genealogy|genealogical]] resources.<ref name=PLREDulcidius/> Vigilantia and her brother, Justinian I, were children of Petrus Sabbatius and a senior Vigilantia, who was a sister of [[Justin I]].

According to John of Ephesus and [[Michael the Syrian]], Sophia and Justin were both initially [[Monophysite]]s who converted to [[Chalcedonianism]] to gain favor with their uncle Justinian.<ref>John of Ephesus, ''Ecclesiastical History'', 2.10</ref>


==Empress consort==
==Empress consort==
===Accession===
===Accession===
Justinian I had several nephews but seems to have never appointed an heir. On the night of 13 November 565 &ndash; 14 November 565, Justinian I lay on his deathbed. Justin was his ''kouropalates'' and thus the only viable heir within the [[Great Palace of Constantinople]]. He managed to gain the support of the [[Byzantine Senate]] and was proclaimed emperor within the palace walls before the other members of the [[Justinian Dynasty]] were notified.<ref name=Garland/> The events were recorded by the court poet [[Flavius Cresconius Corippus]].
Justinian I had several nephews but seems to have never appointed an heir. On the night of 13 November 565 &ndash; 14 November 565, Justinian I lay on his deathbed. Justin was his ''[[kouropalates]]'' and thus a viable heir within the [[Great Palace of Constantinople]]. He managed to gain the support of the [[Byzantine Senate|Senate]] and was proclaimed emperor within the palace walls before the other members of the [[Justinian Dynasty]] were notified.<ref name=Garland/> The events were recorded by the court poet [[Flavius Cresconius Corippus]].


In his works, Corippus often translates her [[Greek language|Greek]] name "Sophia" to its [[Latin]] equivalent "Sapientia". The meaning of both is "[[Wisdom]]", and the poet uses it as both a divine name and title for her. The accession speech of Justin makes specific mention of Sophia co-ruling with her husband, the presumption being that she already exercised political influence over him. Corippus records Sophia being in charge of the arrangements for the funeral of Justinian and claims she wove his [[shroud]] with scenes depicting the triumphs of his reign.<ref name=Garland/>
In his works, Corippus often translates her [[Greek language|Greek]] name "Sophia" to its [[Latin]] equivalent "Sapientia". The meaning of both is "[[Wisdom]]", and the poet uses it as both a divine name and title for her. The accession speech of Justin makes specific mention of Sophia co-ruling with her husband, the presumption being that she already exercised political influence. Corippus often mentions her in his records of the event and gives her an equal space in the prayer section of the preceding's. Corippus also includes an elaborate account of the [[Hagia Sophia]], mainly as a compliment to the empress who shared its name.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cameron |first1=Averil |date=1975 |title=The Empress Sophia |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44170464 |journal=Byzantion |volume=45 |issue=1 |page=9 |jstor=44170464 |access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref> Corippus also records Sophia being in charge of the arrangements for the funeral of Justinian and claims she wove his [[shroud]] with scenes depicting the triumphs of his reign.<ref name=Garland/>


Sophia took the name [[Aelia (gens)|Aelia]] following the practices of the empresses of the [[Theodosian dynasty]] and the [[House of Leo]]. The name had not been used by the two preceding empresses of her own dynasty. She was the first empress consort depicted on [[Byzantine coinage]] with royal insignia equal to her husband. They were also depicted together in images and statues, while the name of Sophia alone was given to two palaces, a harbor, and a public bath built in her honor.<ref name=Garland/>
Sophia took the name [[Aelia (gens)|Aelia]] following the practices of the empresses of the [[Theodosian dynasty]] and the [[House of Leo]]. The name had not been used by the two preceding empresses of her own dynasty. She was the first empress consort depicted on [[Byzantine coinage]] with royal insignia equal to her husband. They were also depicted together in images and statues, while the name of Sophia alone was given to two palaces, a harbor, and a public bath built in her honor.<ref name=Garland/>
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===Opposition===
===Opposition===


The main challenge to the new reign was another [[Justin (consul 540)|Justin]], cousin to the new emperor. Son of [[Germanus (cousin of Justinian I)|Germanus]] and his first wife Passara, this namesake cousin had distinguished himself in warfare and was thus a better imperial candidate from a military point of view. According to [[Evagrius Scholasticus]], the Emperor and Sophia initially welcomed their kinsman to [[Constantinople]] but before long had him exiled to [[Alexandria]]. In 568, the other Justin was murdered in his bed, presumably due to his longstanding rivalry with the emperor Justin for the throne.<ref>Evagrius Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History 5.1-2</ref> According to [[John of Biclaro]], the murder was carried out by the supporters of Sophia. Evagrius claims that the head of the deceased was sent to the imperial couple who spitefully kicked it around,<ref name=Evans>[http://www.roman-emperors.org/justinii.htm James Allan Evans, "Justin II (565-578 A.D.)"]</ref> a detail likely exaggerated by Evagrius.
The main challenge to the new reign was another [[Justin (consul 540)|Justin]], cousin to the new emperor. Son of [[Germanus (cousin of Justinian I)|Germanus]] and his first wife Passara, this namesake cousin had distinguished himself in warfare. According to [[Evagrius Scholasticus]], the Emperor and Sophia initially welcomed their kinsman to [[Constantinople]] but before long had him exiled to [[Alexandria]]. In 568, the other Justin was murdered in his bed, presumably due to his longstanding rivalry with the emperor Justin for the throne.<ref>Evagrius Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History 5.1-2</ref> According to [[John of Biclaro]], the murder was carried out by the supporters of Sophia. Evagrius claims that the head of the deceased was sent to the imperial couple who spitefully kicked it around,<ref name=Evans>[http://www.roman-emperors.org/justinii.htm James Allan Evans, "Justin II (565-578 A.D.)"]</ref> a detail likely exaggerated by Evagrius.


In 568, [[Narses]] was removed from his position as prefect of [[Italia (Roman Empire)|Italia]]. According to [[Paul the Deacon]], Sophia sent a message to the senior general that she had a more suitable position for a [[Eunuch (court official)|eunuch]] like him, as an overseer of the weaving girls of the ''gynaikonitis'' (women's quarters). Narses chose to retire to [[Naples]], instead of returning to Constantinople as Justin had ordered him to do and invited the Lombards to invade.<ref name=Evans/> But the evidence for this conflict is deemed unreliable.<ref>Evans, Justin II. https://www.roman-emperors.org/justinii.htm</ref>
In 568, [[Narses]] was removed from his position as prefect of [[Italia (Roman Empire)|Italia]]. According to [[Paul the Deacon]], Sophia sent a message to the senior general that she had a more suitable position for a [[Eunuch (court official)|eunuch]] like him, as an overseer of the weaving girls of the ''gynaikonitis'' (women's quarters). Narses chose to retire to [[Naples]], instead of returning to Constantinople as Justin had ordered him to do and invited the Lombards to invade.<ref name=Evans/> But the evidence for this conflict is deemed unreliable.<ref>Evans, Justin II. https://www.roman-emperors.org/justinii.htm</ref>


===Financial policy===
===Financial policy===
Sophia also influenced the financial policies of Justin. Having inherited an exhausted treasury, they set about repaying the various debts and loans of Justinian to bankers and money-lenders. According to Theophanes, Sophia was in charge of financial records and payments, and restored the credibility of the royal treasury. The imperial couple tried to reduce expenses and increase treasury reserves. Evagrius, John of Ephesus, [[Gregory of Tours]], and Paul the Deacon all mention this while accusing both Justin and Sophia of greed.<ref name=Garland/> She did research their debts and repaid them, which gained her contemporary praise.<ref>Garland, Page 43.</ref>
Sophia also influenced the financial policies of Justin. Having inherited an exhausted treasury, they set about repaying the various debts and loans of Justinian to bankers and money-lenders. According to [[Theophanes the Confessor]], Sophia was in charge of the debt repayments, and this act gained her a contemporary praise.<ref>Garland, Page 43.</ref> The imperial couple tried to reduce expenses and increase treasury reserves. Evagrius, John of Ephesus, [[Gregory of Tours]], and Paul the Deacon all mention this while accusing both Justin and Sophia of greed.<ref name=Garland/> After the death of Justin, Sophia and emperor [[Tiberius II Constantine]] were said to clash over financial policies. John of Ephesus writes that in her rage Sophia claimed that Tiberius had 'reduced the state to poverty' and that it took her years to accumulate he was 'spending in no time at all', which may show her ongoing importance in financial policy after the death of Justin.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cameron |first1=Averil |date=1975 |title=The Empress Sophia |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44170464 |journal=Byzantion |volume=45 |issue=1 |page=16 |jstor=44170464 |access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref>


===Religious policy===
===Religious policy===
[[File:The Cross of Justin II.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cross of Justin II]]]]
⚫
In 569, Justin and Sophia together reportedly sent a relic of the [[True Cross]] to [[Radegund]]. The event was commemorated in [[Vexilla Regis]] by [[Venantius Fortunatus]]. They also sent relics to [[Pope John III]] in an attempt to improve relations: the [[Cross of Justin II]] in the [[Vatican Museums]], a [[crux gemmata]], and a [[reliquary]] of the [[True Cross]] perhaps given at this point, has an inscription recording their donation and apparently their portraits on the ends of the arms on the reverse. This led to creation of poems by [[Venantius Fortunatus]], which referred to Justin and Sophia as the new Constantine and the new Helena, and indicating Sophia's major role in the presentation of the relic. <ref>Garland, Page 48.</ref>


⚫
In 569, Justin and Sophia together reportedly sent a relic of the [[True Cross]] to [[Radegund]]. The event was commemorated in [[Vexilla Regis]] by [[Venantius Fortunatus]]. They also sent relics to [[Pope John III]] in an attempt to improve relations: the [[Cross of Justin II]] in the [[Vatican Museums]], a [[crux gemmata]], and a [[reliquary]] of the [[True Cross]] perhaps given at this point, has an inscription recording their donation and apparently their portraits on the ends of the arms on the reverse. This led to creation of poems by [[Venantius Fortunatus]], which referred to Justin and Sophia as the new Constantine and the new Helena, and indicating Sophia's major role in the presentation of the relic.<ref>Garland, Page 48.</ref>
⚫
For the [[Monophysitism | Monophysites]], the religious policy of the couple was controversial. According to John of Ephesus and [[Michael the Syrian]], husband and wife were both initially monophysites who converted to Chalcedonean Christianity to gain favor with their uncle Justinian. During their reign, they attempted but failed to reconcile [[Chalcedonian]] and [[Monophysitism|Monophysitic]] Christianity, which ended in renewed persecution of the latter. Meanwhile, their own beliefs were still in question.<ref name=Garland/> John of Ephesus himself was imprisoned during this persecution, presumably contributing to the hostile tone to Justin and Sophia in his writings.

⚫
For the [[Monophysitism|Monophysites]], the religious policy of the couple was controversial. During their reign, they attempted but failed to reconcile [[Chalcedonian]] and [[Monophysitism|Monophysitic]] Christianity, which ended in renewed persecution of the latter. Meanwhile, their own beliefs were still in question.<ref name=Garland/> John of Ephesus himself was imprisoned during this persecution, presumably contributing to the hostile tone to Justin and Sophia in his writings.


==Regent (573-578)==
==Regent (573-578)==
{{Justinian dynasty}}
{{Justinian dynasty}}
Justin reportedly suffered from temporary fits of insanity and was unable to perform his duties as early as the fall of [[Dara (Mesopotamia)|Dara]] to [[Khosrau I]] of the [[Sassanid Empire]] in November, 573.<ref name=Evans/> According to [[Gregory of Tours]], Sophia assumed sole power over the Empire at this point. [[Evagrius Scholasticus]] reports that Sophia concluded a three-year truce with Khosrau on her own.
Justin reportedly suffered from temporary fits of insanity and was unable to perform his duties as early as the fall of [[Dara (Mesopotamia)|Dara]] to [[Khosrau I]] of the [[Sassanid Empire]] in November, 573.<ref name=Evans/> According to [[Gregory of Tours]], Sophia assumed sole power over the Empire at this point. However, [[East Roman]] historians such as [[Evagrius Scholasticus]] and [[Menander Protector]] state that [[Tiberius II Constantine|Tiberius]], who was ''[[comes excubitorum]]'' (commander of the palace guard), gained power alongside Sophia.<ref>Evagrius, ''Ecclesiastical History'', 5.11</ref><ref>Menander, 18</ref> Both Evagrius and Menander report that Sophia concluded a three-year truce with Khosrau on her own.

According to bishop John of Ephesus, Sophia attributed the madness of her spouse to his failure to appreciate her status:
According to John of Ephesus, Sophia attributed the madness of her spouse to his failure to appreciate her status:
:"The kingdom came through me, and it has come back to me: and as for him, he is chastised, and has fallen into this trial on my account, because he did not value me sufficiently, and vexed me."<ref>John Eph., EH, 3.4 (tr. Payne Smith (1860) 171).</ref>
:"The kingdom came through me, and it has come back to me: and as for him, he is chastised, and has fallen into this trial on my account, because he did not value me sufficiently, and vexed me."<ref>John Eph., EH, 3.4 (tr. Payne Smith (1860) 171).</ref>


During his bouts of madness, Justin lashed out at [[Baduarius]]. Even then, Sophia was able to persuade him to apologize and invite Baduarius to dinner. She had the windows of the palace sealed with bars after he attempted to throw himself out of them.
During his bouts of madness, Justin lashed out at [[Baduarius]]. Even then, Sophia was able to persuade him to apologize and invite Baduarius to dinner. She had the windows of the palace sealed with bars after he attempted to throw himself out of them.


The emperor and senate consulted the empress for the nomination of ''caesar'', and they all agreed on [[Tiberius II Constantine]], ''[[Comes]] Excubitorum'' (Commander of the [[Excubitors]]), as her colleague in power.<ref name=Evans/>
A year after the emperor's incapacitation, the emperor and senate consulted the empress for the nomination of ''caesar'', and they all agreed on Tiberius as her colleague in power.<ref name=Evans/>
According to the chronicle of [[Theophanes the Confessor]], Tiberius was officially appointed [[Caesar (title)|caesar]] by Justin on 7 December 574.<ref name=Evans/> He was also [[Adoption in ancient Rome|adopted]] by Justin and thus became his appointed heir.<ref name=Garland/>
According to the chronicle of [[Theophanes the Confessor]], Tiberius was officially appointed [[Caesar (title)|caesar]] by Justin on 7 December 574.<ref name=Evans/> He was also [[Adoption in ancient Rome|adopted]] by Justin and thus became his appointed heir.<ref name=Garland/>


John of Ephesus and Gregory of Tours record that Sophia and Tiberius, effectively co-regents, argued over financial policies: Sophia pursued decreasing royal expenses while Tiberius argued for the necessity of increasing them, particularly for military expenses.
John of Ephesus and Gregory of Tours record that Sophia and Tiberius, effectively co-regents, argued over financial policies: when Tiberius increased government expenses, Sophia scolded him for his lavish expenditure and took the keys of the treasury away from him.


Both the Ecclesiastic history of John of Ephesus and the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor suggest that Sophia was planning to marry Tiberius at this point.<ref name=Garland/> Theophanes, writing centuries later, suggests Sophia did not know Tiberius was already married during this period, but this claim is contradicted by John of Ephesus, a 6th-century writer. Tiberius' marriage to [[Ino Anastasia]] was apparently seen as an offense to her. Ino and her daughters [[Constantina, wife of Maurice|Constantina]] and Charito were not allowed to enter the [[Great Palace of Constantinople]]. They were instead settled in the [[palace of Hormisdas]], residence of [[Justinian I]] prior to his elevation to the throne. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius joined them every evening and returned to the Great Palace every morning. Sophia also refused to let the ladies at court visit Ino and her daughters as a token of respect to them.<ref name=Garland/>
Both the ''Ecclesiastical History'' of John of Ephesus and the ''Chronicle'' of Theophanes the Confessor suggest that Sophia was planning to marry Tiberius at this point.<ref name=Garland/> Theophanes, writing centuries later, suggests Sophia did not know Tiberius was already married during this period, but this claim is contradicted by John of Ephesus, a 6th-century writer. Tiberius' marriage to [[Ino Anastasia]] was apparently seen as an offense to her. Ino and her daughters [[Constantina, wife of Maurice|Constantina]] and Charito were not allowed to enter the [[Great Palace of Constantinople]]. They were instead settled in the [[palace of Hormisdas]], residence of [[Justinian I]] prior to his elevation to the throne. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius joined them every evening and returned to the Great Palace every morning. Sophia also refused to let the ladies at court visit Ino and her daughters as a token of respect to them.<ref name=Garland/>


Ino eventually left [[Constantinople]] for Daphnudium, her previous residence. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius left Constantinople to visit Ino when she fell sick.<ref name=Garland/> Her daughters are assumed to have joined her in her departure from the capital.
Ino eventually left [[Constantinople]] for Daphnudium, her previous residence. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius left Constantinople to visit Ino when she fell sick.<ref name=Garland/> Her daughters are assumed to have joined her in her departure from the capital.
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==Later life==
==Later life==
Sophia retained her rank as augusta and continued to hold a section of the palace for herself, even the whole palace was still managed under her. She was deeply respected by the emperor, the commoners and the nobility, which meant that she still had some influence to discuss various matters of government. Meanwhile, her rival Ino Anastasia was also proclaimed augusta. The situation was not to Sophia's liking, and John of Ephesus records further arguments over financial policy. Gregory of Tours records that Sophia took part in a conspiracy to depose Tiberius and replace him with another [[Justinian (magister militum per Orientem)|Justinian]], younger brother of the [[Justin (consul 540)|Justin]] murdered in Alexandria. She hoped to regain her former power as empress consort and a share of the emperor's power: Like the reign of Justin.<ref name=Garland/>
Sophia retained her rank as augusta and continued to hold a section of the palace for herself. She still had some influence to discuss various matters of government. Meanwhile, Ino Anastasia was also proclaimed augusta. The situation was not to Sophia's liking, and John of Ephesus records further arguments over financial policy. Gregory of Tours records that Sophia took part in a conspiracy to depose Tiberius and replace him with another [[Justinian (magister militum per Orientem)|Justinian]], younger brother of the [[Justin (consul 540)|Justin]] murdered in Alexandria. She hoped to regain her former power as empress consort and a share of the emperor's power: Like the reign of Justin.<ref name=Garland/>


Tiberius reacted by seizing of much of her property, dismissing her loyal servants, and appointing replacements loyal to him. However her rank and presence in the palace remained. Theophanes records that in 579 Sophia retired to the ''Sophiai'', a palace built in her honor, and says that she held her own minor court and was honored as the mother of Tiberius.
Tiberius reacted by seizing of much of her property, dismissing her loyal servants, and appointing replacements loyal to him. However her rank and presence in the palace remained. Theophanes records that in 579 Sophia retired to the ''Sophiai'', a palace built in her honor, and says that she held her own minor court and was honored as the mother of Tiberius.
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===Return to the Great Palace===
===Return to the Great Palace===


On 14 August 582, Tiberius died. He was succeeded by [[Maurice (emperor)|Maurice]], a general betrothed to Constantina. Gregory of Tours reported that Sophia had planned to marry Tiberius to regain the throne, but the marriage of Constantina and Maurice took place in Autumn 582. The ceremony was performed by [[Patriarch John IV of Constantinople]] and is described in detail by [[Theophylact Simocatta]]. Constantina was proclaimed an augusta while both Sophia and Anastasia also kept the same title. John of Ephesus mentions that all three augustas resided in the Great Palace,<ref name=Garland/> which would mean either that Sophia's retirement was temporary or that Theophanes misreported her status.
On 14 August 582, Tiberius died. However, Sophia remained relevant in Byzantine politics. This is because when he felt himself declining in health, Tiberius is said to have sent for Sophia to ask her advice on who his successor should be.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cameron |first1=Averil |date=1975 |title=The Empress Sophia |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44170464 |journal=Byzantion |volume=45 |issue=1 |page=20 |jstor=44170464 |access-date=2023-10-16}}</ref> He was succeeded by [[Maurice (emperor)|Maurice]], a general betrothed to Constantina. Gregory of Tours reported that Sophia had planned to marry Tiberius to regain the throne, but the marriage of Constantina and Maurice took place in Autumn 582. The ceremony was performed by [[Patriarch John IV of Constantinople]] and is described in detail by [[Theophylact Simocatta]]. Constantina was proclaimed an augusta while both Sophia and Anastasia also kept the same title. John of Ephesus mentions that all three augustas resided in the Great Palace,<ref name=Garland/> which would mean either that Sophia's retirement was temporary or that Theophanes misreported her status.


===Final years===
===Final years===
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* Garland, Lynda. ''Byzantine empresses: women and power in Byzantium, AD 527-1204''. London, Routledge, 1999.
* Garland, Lynda. ''Byzantine empresses: women and power in Byzantium, AD 527-1204''. London, Routledge, 1999.
* ''[[:fr:Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du VIe au IXe siècle (Christian Settipani)|Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du VIe au IXe siècle]]'', 2006
* ''[[:fr:Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du VIe au IXe siècle (Christian Settipani)|Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du VIe au IXe siècle]]'', 2006
* Cameron, Averil . ‘THE EMPRESS SOPHIA ’, Byzantion, 45(No.1), pp. 5–21, 1975.
* Cameron, Averil . ‘THE EMPRESS SOPHIA ’, Byzantion, 45(No.1), pp.&nbsp;5–21, 1975.


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:Aelii]]
[[Category:Aelii]]
[[Category:6th-century Byzantine empresses]]
[[Category:6th-century Byzantine empresses]]
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[[Category:6th-century regents]]
[[Category:Augustae]]
[[Category:Augustae]]
[[Category:6th-century women regents]]
[[Category:6th-century women regents]]
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[[Category:6th-century regents]]

Latest revision as of 00:09, 1 December 2024

For other uses, see Sophia.
Sophia
Augusta
Justin II and Sophia depicted on 20 Nummi coin (574/5-577/8 AD)
Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire
Tenure565–578
Bornc. 530
Diedc. 601 (aged approx. 71)
Constantinople
(now Istanbul, Turkey)
SpouseJustin II
IssueJustus
Arabia
Names
Aelia Sophia
Regnal name
Aelia Sophia Augusta
DynastyJustinian Dynasty
FatherSittas (historical theory)
MotherComito (historical theory)

Aelia Sophia (Greek: Σοφία) (c. 530 – c./aft. 601) was Byzantine empress as the wife of Emperor Justin II. Although never a monarch, Sophia participated in the governance of the empire; she took an interest in economic and financial matters during Justin's reign, and subsequently served as regent during his incapacity from 573 until 578.

Early life

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According to the Ecclesiastic History of John of Ephesus and the Chronicle of Victor of Tunnuna, Sophia was a niece of Theodora,[1] the Empress consort of Justinian I. John of Ephesus did not specify the identities of her parents. According to the Secret History of Procopius, Theodora had only two siblings: her older sister Comito and younger sister Anastasia;[2] either one could be the mother of Sophia.[1] Procopius identifies Comito as a leading hetaera of her age.[2] John Malalas records that Comito (b. ca 500) married general Sittas in 528.[3] Sittas may thus be the father of Sophia.[4] Whether Anastasia ever married is unknown.[1]

During the reign of Justinian I (527–565), Theodora may have arranged for Sophia to marry his nephew Justin.[5] According to the Chronicon of Victor of Tunnuna, Justin was a son of Dulcidius and Vigilantia.[6] Her father-in-law is also known as Dulcissimus in genealogical resources.[6] Vigilantia and her brother, Justinian I, were children of Petrus Sabbatius and a senior Vigilantia, who was a sister of Justin I.

According to John of Ephesus and Michael the Syrian, Sophia and Justin were both initially Monophysites who converted to Chalcedonianism to gain favor with their uncle Justinian.[7]

Empress consort

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Accession

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Justinian I had several nephews but seems to have never appointed an heir. On the night of 13 November 565 – 14 November 565, Justinian I lay on his deathbed. Justin was his kouropalates and thus a viable heir within the Great Palace of Constantinople. He managed to gain the support of the Senate and was proclaimed emperor within the palace walls before the other members of the Justinian Dynasty were notified.[1] The events were recorded by the court poet Flavius Cresconius Corippus.

In his works, Corippus often translates her Greek name "Sophia" to its Latin equivalent "Sapientia". The meaning of both is "Wisdom", and the poet uses it as both a divine name and title for her. The accession speech of Justin makes specific mention of Sophia co-ruling with her husband, the presumption being that she already exercised political influence. Corippus often mentions her in his records of the event and gives her an equal space in the prayer section of the preceding's. Corippus also includes an elaborate account of the Hagia Sophia, mainly as a compliment to the empress who shared its name.[8] Corippus also records Sophia being in charge of the arrangements for the funeral of Justinian and claims she wove his shroud with scenes depicting the triumphs of his reign.[1]

Sophia took the name Aelia following the practices of the empresses of the Theodosian dynasty and the House of Leo. The name had not been used by the two preceding empresses of her own dynasty. She was the first empress consort depicted on Byzantine coinage with royal insignia equal to her husband. They were also depicted together in images and statues, while the name of Sophia alone was given to two palaces, a harbor, and a public bath built in her honor.[1]

Opposition

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The main challenge to the new reign was another Justin, cousin to the new emperor. Son of Germanus and his first wife Passara, this namesake cousin had distinguished himself in warfare. According to Evagrius Scholasticus, the Emperor and Sophia initially welcomed their kinsman to Constantinople but before long had him exiled to Alexandria. In 568, the other Justin was murdered in his bed, presumably due to his longstanding rivalry with the emperor Justin for the throne.[9] According to John of Biclaro, the murder was carried out by the supporters of Sophia. Evagrius claims that the head of the deceased was sent to the imperial couple who spitefully kicked it around,[10] a detail likely exaggerated by Evagrius.

In 568, Narses was removed from his position as prefect of Italia. According to Paul the Deacon, Sophia sent a message to the senior general that she had a more suitable position for a eunuch like him, as an overseer of the weaving girls of the gynaikonitis (women's quarters). Narses chose to retire to Naples, instead of returning to Constantinople as Justin had ordered him to do and invited the Lombards to invade.[10] But the evidence for this conflict is deemed unreliable.[11]

Financial policy

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Sophia also influenced the financial policies of Justin. Having inherited an exhausted treasury, they set about repaying the various debts and loans of Justinian to bankers and money-lenders. According to Theophanes the Confessor, Sophia was in charge of the debt repayments, and this act gained her a contemporary praise.[12] The imperial couple tried to reduce expenses and increase treasury reserves. Evagrius, John of Ephesus, Gregory of Tours, and Paul the Deacon all mention this while accusing both Justin and Sophia of greed.[1] After the death of Justin, Sophia and emperor Tiberius II Constantine were said to clash over financial policies. John of Ephesus writes that in her rage Sophia claimed that Tiberius had 'reduced the state to poverty' and that it took her years to accumulate he was 'spending in no time at all', which may show her ongoing importance in financial policy after the death of Justin.[13]

Religious policy

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Cross of Justin II

In 569, Justin and Sophia together reportedly sent a relic of the True Cross to Radegund. The event was commemorated in Vexilla Regis by Venantius Fortunatus. They also sent relics to Pope John III in an attempt to improve relations: the Cross of Justin II in the Vatican Museums, a crux gemmata, and a reliquary of the True Cross perhaps given at this point, has an inscription recording their donation and apparently their portraits on the ends of the arms on the reverse. This led to creation of poems by Venantius Fortunatus, which referred to Justin and Sophia as the new Constantine and the new Helena, and indicating Sophia's major role in the presentation of the relic.[14]

For the Monophysites, the religious policy of the couple was controversial. During their reign, they attempted but failed to reconcile Chalcedonian and Monophysitic Christianity, which ended in renewed persecution of the latter. Meanwhile, their own beliefs were still in question.[1] John of Ephesus himself was imprisoned during this persecution, presumably contributing to the hostile tone to Justin and Sophia in his writings.

Regent (573-578)

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Justinian dynasty
Chronology
Succession
Preceded by
Leonid dynasty 		Followed by
Phocas and the Heraclian dynasty

Justin reportedly suffered from temporary fits of insanity and was unable to perform his duties as early as the fall of Dara to Khosrau I of the Sassanid Empire in November, 573.[10] According to Gregory of Tours, Sophia assumed sole power over the Empire at this point. However, East Roman historians such as Evagrius Scholasticus and Menander Protector state that Tiberius, who was comes excubitorum (commander of the palace guard), gained power alongside Sophia.[15][16] Both Evagrius and Menander report that Sophia concluded a three-year truce with Khosrau on her own.

According to John of Ephesus, Sophia attributed the madness of her spouse to his failure to appreciate her status:

"The kingdom came through me, and it has come back to me: and as for him, he is chastised, and has fallen into this trial on my account, because he did not value me sufficiently, and vexed me."[17]

During his bouts of madness, Justin lashed out at Baduarius. Even then, Sophia was able to persuade him to apologize and invite Baduarius to dinner. She had the windows of the palace sealed with bars after he attempted to throw himself out of them.

A year after the emperor's incapacitation, the emperor and senate consulted the empress for the nomination of caesar, and they all agreed on Tiberius as her colleague in power.[10] According to the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, Tiberius was officially appointed caesar by Justin on 7 December 574.[10] He was also adopted by Justin and thus became his appointed heir.[1]

John of Ephesus and Gregory of Tours record that Sophia and Tiberius, effectively co-regents, argued over financial policies: when Tiberius increased government expenses, Sophia scolded him for his lavish expenditure and took the keys of the treasury away from him.

Both the Ecclesiastical History of John of Ephesus and the Chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor suggest that Sophia was planning to marry Tiberius at this point.[1] Theophanes, writing centuries later, suggests Sophia did not know Tiberius was already married during this period, but this claim is contradicted by John of Ephesus, a 6th-century writer. Tiberius' marriage to Ino Anastasia was apparently seen as an offense to her. Ino and her daughters Constantina and Charito were not allowed to enter the Great Palace of Constantinople. They were instead settled in the palace of Hormisdas, residence of Justinian I prior to his elevation to the throne. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius joined them every evening and returned to the Great Palace every morning. Sophia also refused to let the ladies at court visit Ino and her daughters as a token of respect to them.[1]

Ino eventually left Constantinople for Daphnudium, her previous residence. According to John of Ephesus, Tiberius left Constantinople to visit Ino when she fell sick.[1] Her daughters are assumed to have joined her in her departure from the capital.

In September 578, Justin II appointed Tiberius as his co-emperor amid deteriorating physical health. On 5 October 578, Justin died and Tiberius became the sole emperor. According to John of Ephesus, Sophia sent Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople to Tiberius to convince him to divorce Ino, and offered both herself and her adult daughter Arabia as prospective brides. Tiberius refused.[1] Sophia, though still an augusta, was no longer the empress and she no longer had the reins of affairs.

Later life

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Sophia retained her rank as augusta and continued to hold a section of the palace for herself. She still had some influence to discuss various matters of government. Meanwhile, Ino Anastasia was also proclaimed augusta. The situation was not to Sophia's liking, and John of Ephesus records further arguments over financial policy. Gregory of Tours records that Sophia took part in a conspiracy to depose Tiberius and replace him with another Justinian, younger brother of the Justin murdered in Alexandria. She hoped to regain her former power as empress consort and a share of the emperor's power: Like the reign of Justin.[1]

Tiberius reacted by seizing of much of her property, dismissing her loyal servants, and appointing replacements loyal to him. However her rank and presence in the palace remained. Theophanes records that in 579 Sophia retired to the Sophiai, a palace built in her honor, and says that she held her own minor court and was honored as the mother of Tiberius.

Return to the Great Palace

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On 14 August 582, Tiberius died. However, Sophia remained relevant in Byzantine politics. This is because when he felt himself declining in health, Tiberius is said to have sent for Sophia to ask her advice on who his successor should be.[18] He was succeeded by Maurice, a general betrothed to Constantina. Gregory of Tours reported that Sophia had planned to marry Tiberius to regain the throne, but the marriage of Constantina and Maurice took place in Autumn 582. The ceremony was performed by Patriarch John IV of Constantinople and is described in detail by Theophylact Simocatta. Constantina was proclaimed an augusta while both Sophia and Anastasia also kept the same title. John of Ephesus mentions that all three augustas resided in the Great Palace,[1] which would mean either that Sophia's retirement was temporary or that Theophanes misreported her status.

Final years

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Anastasia was the first of the three women to die. Theophanes places her death in 593. Constantina seems to have enjoyed better relations with Sophia than her mother did. Theophanes records their having jointly offered a precious crown as an Easter present to Maurice in 601. He accepted their gift, but then ordered it hung over the altar of Hagia Sophia as his own tribute to the church. According to Theophanes, this was taken an insult by both augustas and caused a rift in the marriage.[19]

The Easter of 601 was also the last time Sophia was mentioned in sources.[vague] Whether she survived to see the deposition of Maurice in 602 is unclear.[1] According to the Book of Ceremonies, she received an imperial burial at the Church of the Holy Apostles beside her husband.

Children

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Sophia and Justin had at least two children:

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Lynda Garland, "Sophia, Wife of Justin II"[dead link‍]
  2. ^ a b Procopius, "Secret History", chapter 9, translation by Richard Atwater (1927)
  3. ^ PLRE, vol. 3, Sittas
  4. ^ J. B. Bury, History of the Later Roman Empire from the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian (1923)
  5. ^ Garland, Lynda (1999). Byzantine empresses: women and power in Byzantium, AD 527-1204. London: Routledge. p. 40.
  6. ^ a b PLRE, vol. 3, Dulcidius
  7. ^ John of Ephesus, Ecclesiastical History, 2.10
  8. ^ Cameron, Averil (1975). "The Empress Sophia". Byzantion. 45 (1): 9. JSTOR 44170464. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  9. ^ Evagrius Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History 5.1-2
  10. ^ a b c d e James Allan Evans, "Justin II (565-578 A.D.)"
  11. ^ Evans, Justin II. https://www.roman-emperors.org/justinii.htm
  12. ^ Garland, Page 43.
  13. ^ Cameron, Averil (1975). "The Empress Sophia". Byzantion. 45 (1): 16. JSTOR 44170464. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  14. ^ Garland, Page 48.
  15. ^ Evagrius, Ecclesiastical History, 5.11
  16. ^ Menander, 18
  17. ^ John Eph., EH, 3.4 (tr. Payne Smith (1860) 171).
  18. ^ Cameron, Averil (1975). "The Empress Sophia". Byzantion. 45 (1): 20. JSTOR 44170464. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  19. ^ Lynda Garland, "Constantina, Wife of Maurice"
  20. ^ John of Biclaro, Chronicle
  21. ^ Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, vol. 3

Sources

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Royal titles
Preceded by Byzantine Empress consort
565–578 		Succeeded by
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