Irene of Brunswick

Irene of Brunswick, born Adelheid, (Greek: Ειρήνη; c. 1293 – 16/17 August 1324) was the first wife of Andronikos III Palaiologos,^[1] and by marriage Byzantine empress, although she died before her husband became senior emperor.

Irene of Brunswick
Byzantine Empress consort
Tenure	1318–1324
Born	c. 1293
Died	16/17 August 1324
Spouse	Andronikos III Palaiologos
House	Welf
Father	Henry I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Mother	Agnes of Meissen
Religion	Eastern Orthodox, prev. Roman Catholic

Biography

She was a daughter of Henry I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Agnes of Meissen.

The Mediterranean region in Irene's time

In March, 1318, she married Andronikos Palaiologos. He was the eldest son of Michael IX Palaiologos and Rita of Armenia. Her father-in-law was at the time junior co-emperor with his own father, Andronikos II Palaiologos. She joined the Eastern Orthodox Church with her marriage and took the name Irene. They had a son (June 1320 – February 1322).

She died in Rhaedestos during the civil war between Andronikos II and Andronikos III from 1321 to 1328. Her husband claimed the throne for its duration, making her the empress to a rival emperor. Her husband proceeded to marry Anna of Savoy.