Leontia
Leontia | |
---|---|
Augusta | |
Empress consort of the Byzantine Empire | |
Tenure | 602–610 |
Spouse | Phocas |
Issue | Domentzia |
Leontia (Greek: Λεοντία, fl. 610) was an empress of the Eastern Roman Empire as the wife of Phocas.
Empress
Phocas would emerge as the leader of the mutinous army during its march to Constantinople. Maurice also faced citywide rioting within the capital due to a famine.[1] He fled the city prior to the arrival of Phocas and his troops.
The Chronicon Paschale gives the chronological account of the rise of Phocas and Leontia to the throne. On 23 November 602, Phocas was crowned emperor by his troops outside the capital. On 25 November, Phocas entered Constantinople and was accepted as emperor by the general populace. He proclaimed chariot races in honor of his elevation and had Leontia escorted to the city as his new Empress.[2] They had already been married for some time.
According to the chronicle of
- "The tyrant (Phocas) also had a wife whose name was Leontia; he placed a royal crown on her. Since it is customary for emperors to proclaim their consorts with processions as well, the tyrant openly honoured the custom and decided to lead the queen Leontia in triumph. On this day then, there was a conflict between the factions about their station, since they contested the arrangement of places: for the Greens wanted to take up station in the Ampelion, as it is called (this is a forecourt of the emperor's dwelling), and to serenade the queen with the customary applause, but the Blue faction objected, for they regarded this as contrary to custom and alien. Accordingly, since very great commotion arose, the tyrant sent in Alexander to quell the strife of the disputants".[3]
The only known child of Leontia and Phocas was their daughter
Deposition
Phocas was deposed and executed by Heraclius in October, 610. His brothers Domentziolus and Comentiolus were also executed.[4] Whether Leontia was also executed is unknown.[2]
Priscus had supported Heraclius and continued to serve as commander of the Excubitors to 5 December 612. He was then replaced by
References
- ^ Kevin H. Crow , "Phocas (602-610 A.D.)"
- ^ a b c d Lynda Garland , "Leontia, Wife of the Emperor Phocas"
- ^ Theophylact Simocatta 8.10.9-11 (tr. M. & M.Whitby, The History of Theophylact Simocatta, Oxford, 1986, 225-26
- ^ a b c d Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, vol. 3