The most notorious sexual scandal in Rus' history: the reasons behind Eupraxia Vsevolodovna's decision to take monastic vows.

Sexual scandals have become a powerful tool in modern politics. They are discussed openly and candidly. In a world where journalists and bloggers uncover secrets, sex has become bait for politicians and celebrities alike.

But is this phenomenon exclusively contemporary? It turns out that a similar political scandal occurred nearly a thousand years ago. In this case, the "impropriety" was embodied by Henry IV, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, while the victim of harassment was Princess Eupraxia Vsevolodovna of Kiev, the granddaughter of Yaroslav the Wise.

The Kiev Princess on the Imperial Throne

Eupraxia Vsevolodovna, also known as Adelheid, became the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire by marrying Henry IV. This marriage was not only a romantic tale but also a significant political maneuver. The emperor sought to gain the support of Kievan Rus in his struggle against the Pope for power.

It is important to note that during that time, the church played a substantial role in political life, competing with feudal lords for influence over society. Henry IV initiated an open conflict with the Pope, known as the "Investiture Controversy." In this struggle, Kievan Rus could have been a valuable ally, which made the marriage to Eupraxia crucial for the emperor.

Dirty Secrets of the Imperial Court

However, Henry's political calculations did not pan out. Kievan Rus did not intervene in the conflict between the emperor and the Pope. Consequently, the emperor took his frustrations out on his wife.

Five years later, the empress escaped from her husband's control to Tuscany. There, she publicly accused Henry of horrific crimes that are hard to fathom within the confines of medieval morality. According to Eupraxia, Henry forced her to engage in sexual relations with other men and personally incited them to do so.

These accusations were made during a church council in Piacenza in front of thousands of church delegates and laypeople. The scandal was tremendous. Opinions were divided: some condemned Henry, while others blamed Eupraxia.

Historical Assessments

German medieval scholars label Eupraxia a traitor, an immoral, and shameless woman who leveled the most despicable accusations against Henry. However, there is another viewpoint that emphasizes that despite all her suffering, Eupraxia found the courage to publicly confess her experiences. Moreover, in 1106, after Henry's death, she took vows as a nun at the St. Andrew's Convent.

History has preserved evidence of Henry IV's character and behavior. Even in his youth, he had numerous mistresses and did not shy away from casual affairs. He was accused of inciting infidelity and being part of a sect that conducted black masses and orgies.

One cannot unequivocally trust either side in this conflict. However, even Henry IV's son from his first marriage, Conrad, who fought for his father’s interests, later switched allegiance to the Pope.

The story of Eupraxia Vsevolodovna is not just a tragic fate of a Kiev princess in exile but also an example of how sexual scandals were used as weapons in political struggles a thousand years ago. This narrative reminds us that politics has always been a game that employs all available means, even the dirtiest ones.

Previously, "Telegraph" discussed what the erotic graffiti of the 12th century truly reveals. These drawings reflect not only the aesthetic tastes of that time but also the social norms that may have existed in society.