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Theodora ( / ˌθiːəˈdɔːrə /; Greek: Θεοδώρα; c. 490 – 28 June 548) [1] was a Byzantine empress and wife of emperor Justinian. She was from humble origins and became empress when her husband became emperor in 527. She was one of his chief advisers.
Apr 11, 2024 · Theodora (born c. 497 ce —died June 28, 548, Constantinople [now Istanbul, Turkey]) was a Byzantine empress, wife of the emperor Justinian I (reigned 527–565), probably the most powerful woman in Byzantine history.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Who were Theodora’s parents?Little is known of Theodora’s early life, but some sources say her father was named Acacius and was a bear keeper at the Hippodrome in Constantinople.
- What is Theodora remembered for?Theodora, a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I, is remembered for being one of the most powerful women in Byzantine histo...
- What were Theodora’s beliefs?Theodora believed in miaphysitism, which holds that both divinity and humanity are equally present within a single nature in the person of Christ,...
- What did Theodora die of?Theodora likely died from cancer.
- 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.
Jul 22, 2019 · Learn about the life and achievements of Theodora, the most influential woman in Byzantine history. She was a former actress, a monophysite Christian, and a trusted adviser to her husband Emperor Justinian I.
- Jone Johnson Lewis
Apr 3, 2018 · Theodora reigned as empress of the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I, from 527 CE until her death in 548 CE. Rising from a humble...
- Mark Cartwright
Theodora was a Byzantine empress who rose from humble origins as a prostitute and actress to become a powerful co-ruler with Justinian I. She influenced his policies and actions with her courage, wit, and religious convictions.
Sep 17, 2013 · Explore the life and legacy of Theodora, the wife of Emperor Justinian of Byzantium, who was a controversial but influential figure in history. Learn about her personality, achievements, values, and controversies from different sources and perspectives.
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