Stephania (wife of Adrian II)

Stephania was the wife of Pope Adrian II, who reigned from 867 to 872. Their marriage is notable because Adrian II was married prior to becoming Pope. This was a period in the history of the papacy when clerical marriage, although officially discouraged, was sometimes practiced, particularly before taking major orders.

Stephania and Adrian had a daughter. Both Stephania and their daughter were kidnapped and murdered in 868 by Eleutherius, the son of Bishop Arsenius, an official in the papal administration. Eleutherius, motivated by a desire for Stephania's daughter, murdered both women in a fit of rage after initially holding them captive. This event caused considerable scandal and outrage in Rome. The murderer was eventually captured and executed. The incident is a significant illustration of the political turmoil and social instability that characterized Rome in the 9th century and highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the papacy during that era.