The Sea

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The capture of Thessaloniki by the Normans of Sicily in 1185 dealt a severe blow to the Byzantine Empire. The inhabitants fiercely defended the city. Archbishop Eusthathios of Thessaloniki provided a lively first-hand account of the siege in The capture of Thessaloniki. He recounted the women’s active participation in the defense: 

“It was not only men but women also who were overcome by martial fury. Some of these did nothing out of the ordinary, if we allow for the fact that they worked to the limits of their endurance throughout each day. They brought up stones for the machines and for the slingers, and carried water, not only those who were young women in their prime, but those whom age had made slow, and who were already tottering in the direction of the grave, into which we shall all fall in the end.

A powerful and proud queen, Constance of Arles (c. 986–1034) was vilified as grasping and even demonic. Yet a closer look at her life reveals a far more complex woman, one deeply conscious of her duties and status.

Fighting for her throne

The daughter of the Count of Arles-Provence, Constance was the third wife of King Robert II "the Pious," King of the Franks. Their marriage took place sometime between 1004 and 1007, when Constance was between eighteen and twenty years old. It was a political union that provided the king with ties to a powerful family and a means of extending his influence in southern France.

Constance soon found herself in a difficult position at court. Robert II had repudiated his previous wife, Bertha of Burgundy, but he showed signs of wanting to annul his marriage to Constance and return to Bertha. In response, Constance gathered a faction around her at court and ultimately prevailed.

The marriage quickly produced children, including sons and heirs. Constance enjoyed considerable visibility as queen and frequently took part in government affairs. She made donations to monasteries and was involved in the construction of a palace in Paris that included an oratory. She also introduced a brilliant and colorful culture at court.

Keeper of the treasury

Ecclesiastical chroniclers spread a negative image of Constance, portraying her as quick-tempered, greedy, and even demonic. These writers recorded several conflicts between husband and wife. In one instance, Robert protected a man who had stolen a precious candelabrum. In another, he gave away the valuable metal from a lance that had been provided by Constance. In both cases, the queen was said to be furious with the charitable king.

These accusations deserve to be placed in context. Constance was, first and foremost, fulfilling her role as queen. One of her responsibilities was to manage and maintain the royal household and provide the luxurious objects associated with monarchy. She was the proper custodian of the royal treasury.

By giving away valuable royal possessions, Robert was effectively undermining her efforts. At a time when royal resources were already decreasing, Constance's actions reflected concern for the needs of the royal family. Rather than greed, they reveal a woman keenly aware of the dignity and status of the monarchy.