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Apr 3, 2018 · The Nika Revolt. Theodora's active role in Byzantine politics and the staunch support she gave her husband are best revealed by the incident of the Nika Revolt of 11-19 January 532 CE. This was an infamous riot caused by factions of the supporters in the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
- Mark Cartwright
During the Nika riots in 532, Theodora played a crucial role by convincing her husband, Justinian, to stay in Constantinople and suppress the revolt. Her resolve and counsel were pivotal, according to historical accounts, and her stance helped stabilize the situation, ultimately leading to the survival of Justinian’s rule.
Aug 27, 2024 · Theodora was a Byzantine empress who reigned jointly with her sister Zoe in 1042 and on her own in 1055–56. The third daughter of the emperor Constantine VIII, Theodora possessed a strong and austere character and refused the hand of the heir presumptive, Romanus, who was married instead to her.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
When Theodora was 16, she accompanied a Syrian official called Hecebolus to the Libyan Pentapolis, as he was appointed as governor of that province. Four years later, she returned to Constantinople. On her return journey, she settled for a time in Alexandria, and converted to Christianity.
- She led an unconventional early life. Theodora was the daughter of Acacius, a bear-keeper who worked for the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Little is known of her early years.
- She abandoned her acting career aged 16. At the age of 16, Theodora walked away from her acting career to become mistress to a Syrian official named Hecebolus, the governor of what is now known as Libya.
- She converted to an early form of Christianity. After her relationship with Hecebolus broke down, Theodora joined an ascetic community in the desert near Alexandria, where she converted to a branch of early Christianity, Monophysitism.
- She and Justinian were an unlikely match. After her conversion, Theodora travelled to Constantinople where she met Justinian, who was 20 years her senior.
Jun 27, 2018 · The second Theodora (d.867) ruled as regent for her young son Michael III (842–856). She expelled the iconoclasts and restored the worship of images. The third Theodora (980–1056) was co-ruler from 1042 and was briefly sole empress after the death of Constantine IX Monomachus in 1055.
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Feb 16, 2024 · Quelling the Nika Riots: In 532 AD, Constantinople erupted in the Nika riots, threatening Justinian’s reign. Theodora’s courageous public address, urging decisive action, played a pivotal role in quelling the rebellion and securing her husband’s power.
