This work investigates the extent of political agency and influence wielded by Byzantine empresses during the period between 527 and 1204. Lynda Garland, a scholar specializing in the history of the Byzantine Empire, synthesizes primary source material to reconstruct the lives of these influential figures. By examining the intersection of imperial authority and gendered expectations, the book evaluates the gap between the actual political actions of these women and the often biased portrayals found in contemporary historical accounts.

Historians and students of the Byzantine period frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the role of women in imperial governance. The prose is noted for its academic rigor and its success in balancing detailed biographical data with broader historical analysis.