As I understand it, Barenziah basically witnessed the creation of Tiber Septim's empire (as well as the use of his private body parts *cough*) and now with the death of Uriel the likely end of it.

Having a great deal of influence over both of her children (who both have immense political power), as well as being loved by just about everyone in the empire, what are the chances that she somehow attains control over more or less the entire empire? Sure, she said she was not interested in politics anymore. However, she has met all the Septim Emporers, helped ending the Simulacrum and had centuries of experience in ruling countries, as well as insight into imperial affairs.

Even if she does not become the ruler of the new empire do you think she will use her immense influence to lead things the way she wants them? As far as I understand Helseth wants to re-gain Morrowind's independence, which Barenziah might very well be able to help with.

Sorry for my rather poor English, it's not my native language. Thanks for any input.

Wasn't she only three years old when the empire was created? Or really young anyway? She was born in 2E893 and the empire began at the end of 2E896. Correct me if i'm wrong, i did that off the top of my head...

She was old enough to do the bedroom dance with Tiber Septim right after he was done uniting the provinces.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Brief_History_of_the_Empire_v_1 and http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Barenziah tell me the respective dates... Although one may be wrong...

Although it was the Lore RP instead of official (so far), I liked Ted Peterson's portrayal of Barenziah that he wrote around 2005-2006. By the time of the Oblivion Crisis, she had become her son Helseth's main advisor (though Helseth's wife becomes influential too, and gets along well with Barenziah). Seeing that Barenziah is still more respected than not, Helseth uses his mother as an envoy to the Houses when he began bringing them under tighter control as well as abolishing slavery. Barenziah is someone who has lived a life -- she's more than the disreputable times in her past.

Anyway, it's not official lore but Ted is/was one of the best writers among the devs.

On a side note, was Helseth's wife ever in the game?

After checking the PGE 3rd, I'd say no. It mentions the changes that Helseth was making (and was written before the Oblivion Crisis) but not a political marriage. Hopefully we'll learn more of current events and history when another Elder Scrolls game is created, but that's only a hope.

Yes, we can but hope...