Ino Anastasia

Ino , renamed Aelia Anastasia (died 593) was the Empress consort of Tiberius II Constantine (r. 578–582) of the Eastern Roman Empire, and Augusta from 578 until her death.

Life

Early life and marriages According to the account of John of Ephesus, Ino came from Daphnudium, possibly the island of Daphnousia off the coast of Bithynia in the Black Sea. She was first married to the optio Ioannes, a low-ranking executive officer of the Byzantine army. They had a daughter who was betrothed to Tiberius. Her husband and daughter both died prior to the conclusion of the marriage contract, and Ino herself married Tiberius instead. East Roman historians such as Evagrius Scholasticus and Menander Protector mention Tiberius as gaining power alongside Sophia, wife of Justin. As a regent, Sophia recommended Tiberius in the position of caesar. At this point Ino emerged as Caesarissa, the second-ranking lady in the Empire.

The Ecclesiastic History of John of Ephesus and the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor both record that Sophia considered planning to marry Tiberius herself. The original Ino was a daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia, identified with the goddess Leucothea. According to John of Ephesus, Ino received the name Anastasia (and officially Aelia Anastasia), suggested by the Blue chariot racing faction. Their rivals the Greens had suggested the name Helena.

Anastasia was not the only Augusta. Sophia also retained her rank and continued to hold a section of the palace to herself. Anastasia's religious affiliation is unknown. According to John of Ephesus, she was hostile to the Monophysites, but her actual belief is unknown.

Mother-in-law

On 14 August 582, Tiberius died. He was succeeded by Maurice, a general betrothed to Constantina. The marriage of Constantina and Maurice took place in autumn 582. Constantina was also proclaimed an Augusta while both Sophia and Anastasia kept the same title. John of Ephesus mentions all three Augustas residing in the Great Palace.

Theophanes records the death of Anastasia in the year 593. She was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles, alongside her husband.