| Helen Argyra | |
| Fictional Character | |
| Agent of Byzantium POD: c. AD 597 | |
| Appearance(s): | "Strange Eruptions" |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Roman Empire |
| Religion: | Eastern Orthodox |
| Date of Birth: | c. 1285 |
| Date of Death: | 1307 |
| Cause of Death: | Smallpox |
| Occupation: | Housewife |
| Parents: | Alexios Moskhos |
| Spouse: | Basil Argyros |
| Children: | Sergios Argyros |
Helen Argyra (c. 1285-1307), neé Helen Moskha, was the daughter of Constantinople notary Alexios Moskhos, and the wife of Roman Imperial magistrianos Basil Argyros. The two met and married after he settled in Constantinople in 1306. This was just after he left the Roman Army after the Jurchen skirmishes, where his erstwhile cover identity was compromised. The two quickly had a son, Sergios in 1307.[1]
Helen had an amazing capacity to look on the bright side of things, even in the face of disaster. For example, she was hopeful that smallpox had not come to the city.[2] However, she was also very practical.[3]
While Basil did his best to keep the pox away, Helen caught it after they attended services at the Hagia Sopia and became deathly ill in short order.[4] Basil sought help from Helen's father, Alexios Moskhos. Moskhos refused to answer the door, and said he could offer none but prayer. He then threatened to release his hounds to chase Argyros away.[5]
Over the next days, Argyros took care of Helen.[6] He received help from Gian Riario, a medic who had lost his family to smallpox years before. Despite his best efforts, Helen died quickly.[7] After a priest named Ioasaph, prayed over her body, Argyros mourned, arranged for her burial, and informed his in-laws of her passing.[8]
Basil and Helen's son, Sergios died shortly after she did.[9]
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