Theophano c.955-991
Byzantine princess and Holy Roman Empress

The daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus II, she married King Otto II in 972 in Rome as a symbol of the union of the Eastern and Western Empires. He ruled as Holy Roman Emperor, with Theophano as Empress, from 973 until his death in 983. She took an active role in politics and with her mother-in-law Adelaide secured the throne for her son Otto III on his father's death, ruling as co-regent from 983 to 991. She dealt successfully with enemies at home and abroad during his minority, including Henry the Wrangler and Boleslav II of Bohemia, and secured Lotharingia for the empire. Her influence is visible in many of his later policies, especially his ambitions for the empire.