'a solid, readable guide to personalities and actions, a mine of useful and informative material.' - The Classical Review'A much-needed addition to the study of Byzantine empresses. The scope of the work will make it the most comprehensive guide in the years to come. Specialists will find Byzantine Empresses a valuable source for references, while beginners to the subject will gain an understanding of the range of and limitations on female imperial power throughout Byzantine history.' - Speculum-A Journal of Medieval Studies'The reader cannot come away from the book without being aware of the issues which historians have deemed important in the era concerned.' - Anna Williams, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies

• List of illustrations, Preface, List of abbreviations, Map of Constantinople, Introduction, PART I From stage to statecraft, PART II Regents and regicides, PART III Empresses as autocrats, Tables, Glossary, Notes, Bibliography, Index