Aelia Eudocia was a Byzantine empress born around 401 AD in Athens. She was the daughter of a prominent philosopher and became known for her intelligence and literary talents. Eudocia married Emperor Theodosius II in 421 AD, and her marriage helped strengthen ties between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. As empress, Eudocia was influential in religious and cultural matters, promoting Christianity and supporting various building projects, including churches. After her husband's death in 450 AD, she fell out of favor and eventually retired to Jerusalem, where she continued her religious and literary pursuits until her death around 460 AD.