Irene, or Eirene (Εἰρήνη) of Athens was a Byzantine and Eastern Roman Empress of the 8th and 9th centuries. She is known for calling the Second Council of Nikaia in 787 due to her Icondule tendencies and Iconoclasm was formally condemned. Many didn't recognize her authority and tried to revolt against her until one succeeded. It was because of her perceived illegitimacy that Pope Leo III proclaimed Charlemagne as the legitimate Roman Emperor while she was condemned.