Theodora Comnena (Princess of Antioch)

Early Life and Family

Theodora Comnena was a princess of Byzantine descent, possibly a daughter of Prince John Ducas Comnenus of Byzantium, dux of Cyprus, and Mary Taronitisa. She was the niece of Manuel I Comnenus, a Byzantine emperor.

Marriages

Theodora's first marriage was to Bohemund III, prince of Antioch, in 1177. This union aimed to strengthen the ties between the Byzantine Empire and the Principality of Antioch. However, after her uncle Manuel Comnenus' death in 1180, Bohemund believed that the alliance with Byzantium would no longer be beneficial and divorced from Theodora.

Second Marriage

Theodora then married Guermond I's son, Gutierre de Béthune, lord of Bethsan. This marriage likely took place after her divorce from Bohemund III.

Children

Theodora had three children with Bohemund III:

1. Constance (died young)
2. Philip, who married Balduino Patriarche
3. Manuel (1176 - 1211)

Sources

* William of Tyre, XVIII, 16, 22, pp. 846, 857-8
* Gregorio the Presbyter, pp. 186-9
* Matthew of Edessa, cclxii, pp. 352-3
* Steven Runciman, "History of the Crusades," pp. 512, Editorial Alliance
* René Grousset, Histoire des croisades

Note: The sources mention conflicting information regarding Theodora's parentage and relationships. However, based on the available data, it is possible that she was a niece of Manuel I Comnenus and a princess of Byzantine descent.