Saint Irene of Hungary, born Piroska, (1088 – 13 August 1134) was a daughter of Ladislaus I of Hungary and Adelaide of Swabia. Her maternal grandparents were Rudolf of Rheinfeld and his second wife Adelheid of Savoy. Adelheid was a daughter of Otto of Savoy and Adelaide of Turin. She was the mother of the future emperor Manuel I Komnenos.
She was born in Esztergom. Her mother died in 1090 when Piroska was about two years old. Her father died on 29 July 1095. Ladislaus was succeeded by his nephew Coloman of Hungary who apparently was the new guardian of orphaned Piroska.
In an effort to improve relations with Alexios I Komnenos of the Byzantine Empire, Coloman negotiated the marriage of Piroska to John II Komnenos. John II was the eldest son of Alexios I and Irene Doukaina. He was already co-ruler of his father since 1 September 1092 and was expected to succeed him. The negotiations were successful and Piroska married John in 1104. The marriage was recorded by Joannes Zonaras and John Kinnamos.
Following her conversion to the Eastern Orthodox Church and settlement in Constantinople, Piroska was renamed Irene. She and John had eight children. The primary source about their order of births is the chronicle of Niketas Choniates:
Irene played little part in government, devoting herself to piety and their many children. Irene died on August 13, 1134 and was later venerated as Saint Irene.
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8. Vazul |
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4. Béla I of Hungary |
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9. ?concubine or ?Katun Anastazya of Bulgaria |
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2. Ladislaus I of Hungary |
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10. Mieszko II Lambert |
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5. Adelaide of Poland |
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11. Richeza of Lotharingia |
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1.Piroska of Hungary |
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12. Kuno of Rheinfelden |
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6. Rudolf of Rheinfeld |
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3. Adelaide of Swabia |
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14. Otto of Savoy |
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7. Adelaide of Savoy |
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15. Adelaide of Turin |
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Irene of Hungary
Born: 1088 Died: 1134 |
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Royal titles | ||
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Preceded by Irene Doukaina |
Byzantine Empress consort 1118–1134 |
Succeeded by Bertha of Sulzbach |
Empress-Mother of the Byzantine Empire 1122–August 13, 1133 Shared title with Irene Doukaina from 1122 until 1133. |
Succeeded by Maria of Antioch |