Margarita Kalamissa

Margarita Kalamissa (1730-1821) was the leader of the Imperial League from March 1781 until April 1797. She served as Grand Logothete of the Roman Empire from May 1785 until her deposition by her own party some twelve years later. She was the first, and remains so far the only, woman to hold the position.

Kalamissa's term in office is marked by an end to the period of domestic and foreign disarray, and is generally considered to mark the return of strong and determined government that had been conspicuously lacking over the previous decade and a half. On the other hand, it saw a sharp break with traditions, with an increasing centralisation of politics, and the subordination of local interests to those of the Imperial government at Constantinople.