Basilinna

Basilinna, also known as Basilissa, is a title of honor used in the Byzantine Empire and other Eastern Orthodox states. It translates to "queen" in Greek and was used to denote the wife of an emperor or king. The title was often bestowed upon empresses who held significant political influence and power, sometimes even surpassing that of their husbands. The use of the title Basilinna was a reflection of the Byzantine Empire's complex and often fluid political landscape, where women could play crucial roles in governance and succession.

The title Basilinna was first used in the 6th century and continued to be used throughout the Byzantine Empire's history. Notable examples include Empress Theodora, who was the wife of Emperor Justinian I, and Empress Irene, who ruled the empire from 797 to 802. The title was also used in other Eastern Orthodox states, such as the Bulgarian Empire and the Kingdom of Georgia.

The use of the title Basilinna was a reflection of the Byzantine Empire's unique political and social structure, where women could hold significant power and influence. The title was often used to denote the wife of an emperor or king, but it could also be used to denote other powerful women, such as sisters or daughters of emperors. The title was a reflection of the Byzantine Empire's complex and often fluid political landscape, where women could play crucial roles in governance and succession.