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Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint (Women in Antiquity) by Potter, David is a history book available to read on EtoBox.

What is Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint (Women in Antiquity) about?

An authoritative portrait of one of the ancient world's most intriguing and powerful women Despite very humble beginnings, Theodora rose to become empress of the Byzantine Empire at the acme of its power and influence. Raised in a family of circus performers in Constantinople, she later caught the attention of the future emperor Justinian while performing as a courtesan. The two were married soon thereafter, to the shock of the ruling elite. When Justinian assumed power in AD 527, they ruled the Empire together until her death twenty years later. Their reign was the most celebrated in Byzantine history, bringing wealth, prestige, and even much of the Italian peninsula back to the Empire. As Justinian's most trusted advisor, she discernibly influenced his rule. Her interest in social causes, for example, is seen in added legal protections for women and the lower classes. Theodora's most lasting impact was her unwavering support for the Christian sect of Monophysitism. Although her husband was orthodox, Theodora maintained her religious independence at considerable risk to herself. In Syria today, where the sect still thrives, she is revered as a saint. In Theodora: Actress, Empress,

Who reads Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint (Women in Antiquity)?

Author

Potter, David

Publisher

IRL Press at Oxford University Press

Published

2015

Language

EN

ISBN

9780199740765

Category

history

Subjects

Historical Fiction, Memoir, Fiction

Rating

3.45 / 5 (32 ratings)

Updated

2026-03-14