Teodora Anna Dukaina Selvo

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Teodora Anna Dukaina Selvo (Greek: Θεοδώρα Άννα Δούκαινα) (1058 - 1083) was the Dogaressa of Venice (1075 - 1083), she was a Byzantine Imperial princess, the daughter of emperor Constantine X Dukas and his second wife Eudokia Makrembolitissa, and was born Theodora Dukaina Komnena.

[edit] Overview

Teodora was married to Doge Domenico Selvo in Constantinople (1075) with full Imperial pageantry, and she was crowned with the Imperial diadem by her brother, Michael VII Doukas.

Teodora brought a large Greek retinue to Venice, and rendered herself extremely unpopular because of her aristocratic bearing and haughty manner. Her extravagance included the introduction of the fork, finger bowls, napkins, and sconce candles. She died of a degenerative illness, which was considered by the Venetians as a divine judgement for her luxurious lifestyle.