Anna of Constantinople was a late 9th century Byzantine princess, Augusta, and the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Leo VI. From the Macedonian dynasty, she married the Carolingian Emperor Louis the Blind, helping to establish greater diplomatic links between the East and West.
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Early life
Family
Anna was born c. 888 to Emperor Leo VI and his mistress Zoe Zaoutzaina, who was the daughter of Stylianos Zaoutzes, a high-ranking bureaucrat of Armenian origin. Her father had a complicated romantic life, and did not marry her mother until after Empress Theophano's death in 897. Her mother died in 899.
Augusta
According to Eastern Orthodox Canon Law, Anna's father was forbidden from marrying for a third time, so in 899, Anna was given the title of Augusta, an honor usually bestowed upon the wife of the emperor. The title carried with it great honor and respect, the Augusta would accompany the emperor to official ceremonies, and her presence was required to celebrate the liturgical holidays.