Pulcheria was a 5th-century Eastern Roman empress who exercised significant political and religious influence in Constantinople. As the daughter of Emperor Arcadius, she acted as the guardian and regent for her brother, Theodosius II, during his minority. After his reign, she married Emperor Marcian in 450. Known for her deep piety, she famously took a vow of virginity, which shaped the monastic atmosphere of the imperial court and influenced the theological direction of the Christian Church during major ecumenical councils.