Inger (senator)
Byzantine soldier, politician and courtier
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Inger (Greek: Ἴγγηρ Μαρτινάκιος, romanized: Inger Martinakios; c. 814 - after 870) was a Byzantine soldier, politician and courtier.
Inger | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Ἴγγηρ |
| Born | c. 814 |
| Died | after 870 |
| Allegiance | Byzantine Empire |
| Children | several, including Empress Eudokia Ingerina |
| Other work | senator in Constantinople, courtier |
Life
Dimitri Obolensky, Romilly Jenkins and Cyril Mango noted that Inger's name is similar to Ingvar (Igor), which could've been an indication of his Scandinavian ancestry.[1] However, Aleksey Shchavelyov disputes this assertion and instead considers Inger to be a descendant of the Phrygian Gothograeci.[2] According to John Skylitzes, Inger was a member of the Martinakioi, a very noble Byzantine family.[3] Christian Settipani speculates that Inger was a son of Anastasios, first known member of the Martinakioi and prominent supporter of iconoclasm. In Settipani's view, Inger's mother was a woman of Scandinavian origin, thus explaining his name.[4]
Byzantine sources don't say much about Inger, although pro-Macedonian authors laud his nobility and good judgement. Their reluctance to discuss Inger's life was probably due to his connection with the iconoclasts.[5]
In the service of Amorian emperors, Theophilos and Michael III, Inger rose to distinction in the military and ultimately became a senator in Constantinople. During the reign of Basil the Macedonian he served as a courtier before retiring to his estates and dying some time after 870.
Inger married and had several children, including the future empress Eudokia Ingerina.