Fabia Eudokia

Eudokia or Eudocia (c. 580 – 13 August 612), originally named Fabia, was a Byzantine lady who became the first empress-consort of Heraclius from 610 to her death in 612.

Family

She was a daughter of Rogas. The name of her father was recorded in the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor. Rogas was a landowner in the Exarchate of Africa.

Empress

Her birth name was Fabia. She was bethrothed to Heraclius when the future emperor still resided in the Exarchate. The Exarch at the time was her father-in-law Heraclius the Elder.

Heraclius had started a revolt against Phocas in 608. Under unknown circumstances both Fabia and her mother-in-law Epiphania seem to have been captured by Phocas by 610. They spent their captivity in the monastery "Nea Metanoia" (New Repentance) and were used as hostages to prevent Heraclius from besieging Constantinople.

The two women were eventually released by members of the Green faction of Byzantine chariot racing events. They were delivered to Heraclius to the island of Calonymus (now Calomio), leaving him free to launch his successful assault. The Excubitors defected to his side and thus allowed him to enter the city without serious resistance.

On 5 October, 610, Heraclius was proclaimed Emperor. On the same day they were married. She took the name Eudokia at this point. She was granted the title of Augusta.

They had two children:

• Eudoxia Epiphania, a daughter. Born on 7 July, 611. She was proclaimed Augusta on 4 October, 612.
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