What is theodora kantakouzene?

Theodora Kantakouzene was a Byzantine Empress who was the wife of Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos. She played a significant role during the Byzantine civil war of 1341-1357, where her husband seized the throne from Andronikos III Palaiologos. Theodora made alliances with different factions and played a key role in her husband's victory over his opponents.

After her husband's abdication, she became a nun and lived in a monastery until her death. Theodora Kantakouzene was known for her intelligence, political skills, and religious devotion. She was also a patron of the arts and literature and was known to have commissioned works from important artists of her time.