A Byzantine woman is a woman who wields power and influence, beautiful but poisonous, morally compromised yet devoted to her country, bearing both sin and glory in a way that defies judgment. The term is also often used metaphorically for the dark clouds hanging over Europe, and to describe vast, unfathomable conspiracies. This familiar expression, known from Ireland to Khitan, has an uncertain origin, whether in France or Croatia. Most people favor the latter, where it was originally a malicious allusion. What is certain is that the image came from Margaret I, Basileus of the Byzantine Empire, and was cemented by her daughter Margarita II. Their great feats of conquest and plotting, or perhaps their atrocities, made them famous across Europe.
Curiously, as if by some curse or bargain, these two women who seemed to have perfect lives did not appear to have the blessing of Saint Brigid. One never married, and the other never knew love.
They were truly women who belonged entirely to Byzantium.
P.S. 1. This story is just a memento of one of my Crusader Kings III saves from the 1066 start date, playing Byzantium. It was my first attempt at a female ruler playthrough, and I didn't expect it to be so moving. Compared with farming in Ireland as a beginner, this was such a melodramatic and weathered experience! So I decided to write it down.
2. My own view is that Byzantium is Rome. But in the game, it's called Byzantium, and when writing a story, calling it the Eastern Roman Empire or the Eastern Empire feels a little strange, so I mostly use the word Byzantium to emphasize its neutral historical concept and medieval period. I also use Rome interchangeably.
Theme: I wanted to be a historian for once.
Mercilessly snake players passing by~
Madam, you changed your name, please come back, come back (*
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I love you
It's a trait I've never played before/face covering/