Who was Eirene?

Eirene, also known as Irene, was a Byzantine empress who ruled as co-empress alongside her son, Constantine VI, from 797 to 802 AD. She is notable for being one of the few women to hold power in the Byzantine Empire and is recognized for her efforts to restore the veneration of icons during the Iconoclast Controversy. Eirene eventually deposed her son and ruled as sole empress until she was overthrown in a coup. Her reign is marked by significant political and religious challenges, as well as attempts at consolidating power.