In tenth-century Europe and particularly in Germany imperial women were able to wield power in
ways that were scarcely imaginable in earlier centuries. Theophanu and Adelheid were two of the
most influential figures in the Ottonian reich along with their husbands who relied heavily on
their support. Phyllis G. Jestice examines an array of factors that produced their power and
prestige including societal attitudes toward women their wealth their unction as queens and
their carefully constructed image of piety. Due to their influential positions Theophanu and
Adelheid reclaimed control of the young Otto III despite fierce opposition from Henry the
Quarrelsome during the throne struggle of 984. In examining how they successfully secured the
regency this book confronts the outmoded notion of exceptionalism and illuminates the lives of
powerful Ottonian women.
