Aelia Pulcheria

In the latter half of the fourth century CE, Aelia Pulcheria was conceived into the imperial family of the Eastern Roman Empire. When Pulcheria's father passed away, his 7-year-old brother assumed the crown. At age 15, she disregarded the authorities' decision and asserted her authority as his guardian. She then vowed to remain a virgin forever in order to avoid getting married. The court became devout under her direction.

Her brother, however, was unable to manage the Empire, thus she was forced to oversee all business concerns. On July 26, 450, her brother passed away, leaving her to lead the Empire by herself for a full year. Despite her pledge of chastity, she was compelled to marry a spouse in order to share the rule because she was deemed unfit for the position of queen due to her sex. The marriage was never consummated, but her spouse was forced to pledge that he would uphold her word. She was compelled to wed Emperor Marcian on November 25 of the same year in order to control the Empire.

Aelia participated in the Council of Ephesus and oversaw the Council of Chalcedon, exerting significant influence on the Christian Church during her rule. The church declared her to be a saint. In July 453, she passed away three years after she wed Emperor Marcian.