Domentzia
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Domentzia (Greek: Δομεντζία) was a name shared by the mother of the Byzantine emperor Phocas (r. 602–610), and a daughter of the same emperor, likely named after her paternal grandmother.[1]
The mother is only named by John of Antioch, who renders her name in Greek as "Dysmenziane" (Δυσμενζιανή). All other occurrences of the name refer to the daughter. The more familiar form "Domentzia" (Δομεντζία) is given by Theophanes the Confessor. Anastasius Bibliothecarius, who translated the work of Theophanes to Latin, renders the name "Domnentzia". The later historian Joannes Zonaras gives the name as "Domnentia" (Δομνεντία), while Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos gives her name as "Dysmenziane", indicating that both women used the same name.[1]
Mother of Phocas
Phocas and his family were likely of Thraco-Roman origin.[2] The husband of the elder Domentzia is unknown. She had three known sons: Phocas, Comentiolus[3] and Domentziolus. The latter seems to have been magister officiorum by 610.[4] A grandson, also named Domentziolus, was granted the title of curopalates on the ascension of Phocas to the throne in 602.[5]