Maria of Amnia (Greek: Μαρία, 770 – after 823) was a Byzantine empress, the first wife of Constantine VI.
[1] Through her mother Hypatia, Maria was a granddaughter of Saint Philaretos,[2] a magnate from the Armeniakon Theme known for his charitable activities, a relation mentioned in his hagiography.
The bride-show had been ordered by the Empress-regent Irene in search of a suitable bride for her son Constantine VI.
Constantine was previously betrothed to Rotrude, daughter of Charlemagne and Hildegard, but Irene had called off the engagement.
Constantine and Staurakios, a eunuch who served as the logothetes tou dromou, were also reportedly involved in the presentation of the candidates.