ИСТИНА

In Early Palaeologan Byzantium, educated noblewomen with economic resources actively participated in diverse forms of public representation (öffentlicher Representation, Riehle 2012). At times, women assumed roles as significant as men, acting as ktitors and benefactors of monasterie, patrons of intellectuals, and supporters of the arts (Laiou 1981, Talbot 2001). Nevertheless, these“feminine” modes of representation were not solely expressed through material means (such as temple restoration, captives’ ransom, or the organization of manuscript production); they also manifested through intellectual contributions made by women themselves. Theodora Palaiologina Kantakouzene Raoulaina (c.1240-1300) stands out as a remarkable example of a woman who utilized both material and intellectual means to extend her social influence. Theodora restored the Church of St. Andrew in Krisei, Constantinople, and established her own monastic community, complete with an extensive library and scriptorium. Her advanced education empowered Theodora to actively participate in writing and philological endeavors. She not only copied and commented on manuscripts but also composed original works. Additionally, Raoulaina maintained epistolary communication with prominent intellectuals of her time (Gregory II of Cyprus, Manuel Holobolos, Maximus Planudes, Constantine Akropolites, Nikephoros Choumnos). Epistolary formulas, discussions, and elements of Byzantine epistolary friendship in the surviving letters of Raoulaina’s correspondents (34 letters) reveal her active engagement in and construction of epistolary discourse. The act of composing literary letters served as a significant tool for Theodora to exert influence. Firstly, it enabled her to showcase her epistolary skills on equal footing with men and engage in the sophisticated discourse of scholarly friendship. Secondly, the continuity of her epistolary connections substantiated Raoulaina’s authority within the intellectual community, where individuals regarded her not only as a patroness with economic capital but also as a friend possessing intellectual resources.