Theodora was the empress of Byzantium from 527 to 548. She was born in about 500, so she was approximately 27 when she became empress. She influenced laws, art, and society on many different levels throughout her reign. She slowly moved her way up the ranks of society starting as an actress and when her life ended she had advanced to being the empress.
Most of the information we have today on Theodora we acquired from Procopius, who lived from about 500 to 560 also. He wrote three books regarding Theodora, all written after her death; History of the Wars of Justinian, De Aedificiis, and Anekdota or The Secret History. The Secret History was discovered in the Vatican Library, centuries after Procopius's death. It was published in 1623, but it is presumed to have been written in about 550. It is believed that Procopius hid the book until he died, because it was a massive attack on the character of Theodora and Justinian.
Theodora had a very shady youth, but once she met Justinian she cleaned herself up. About.com states that her father was a bear trainer at the Hippodrome, which is a large, stadium circus. Her mother started her acting career, which included being a mime at the circus with her father, and that soon evolved into Theodora’s prostitution. Once she met Justinian, the heir to the throne of Justin, she stopped prostitution and became strongly attracted to Justinian. Justin changed the law that forbade an aristocrat from marrying an actress to accommodate Justinian’s new found love (Theodora - Byzantine Empress). Theodora and Justinian were married in 525, and they are one of the first notable husband-and-wife partnerships.
According to the Women’s International Center, Theodora also changed some other important laws;
“She instituted the death penalty for rape, improved divorce laws and laws against the mistreatment of women and established laws allowing women to own and inherit property. She was responsible for the building of hospitals and convents as a refuge for homeless women.” (Theodora).
Theodora did what was feared by most women of her day, she was one of history’s best outspoken feminists, and stood up against man-made laws that favored men.
David Koeller tells us she sparked more than a revolution in laws, though. The most significant event of Theodora’s life is often thought to be the Nika revolt in January of 532. This event consisted of two rival political groups starting a riot at the Hippodrome. Koeller describes the event as follows,
"They set many public buildings on fire and proclaimed a new emperor. Justinian and his officials, unable to control the crowd prepared to flee, but Theodora spoke up and gave a moving speech about the greater significance of the life of someone who died as a ruler, over that of someone who lived but was nothing. Her determined speech convinced Justinian and his officials and they attacked the Hippodrome, killing over 30,000 rebels and emerging victorious" (Koeller).
Theodora definitely had the will and strength to take control when the situation arises. According to Norwich, when Justinian fell sick with the plague, Theodora exercised the supreme power alone during his illness, although her position was threatened by some of the army commanders (Norwich 233).
Theodora influenced history in a few other ways, also. One of the main things she did was adopt Monophysitism; which is the belief that Jesus Christ was purely divine, even though he has taken on a human form on Earth. She also accomplished the restoration of the icons used in churches. This was a major turning point for art and religion, because many artists are inspired by the icons in churches. These icons are examples of quality art citizens see on a frequent basis. She also sparked a revolution in architectural forms, such as vaults and domes. Sylvia Edwards describes her influence,
"Following the Nika revolt, Theodora and Justinian rebuilt Constantinople. They transformed it into the most splendid city the world saw for centuries. They built aqueducts, bridges, and more than 25 churches. The greatest of these is the Hagia Sophia, Church of the Holy Wisdom. It is considered to be one of the architectural wonders of the world. Its dome measures 108 feet in diameter and its crown rises 180 feet above the ground. Rich marbles and mosaics of emerald green, rose, white, blood red, black, and silver decorate its walls. In the fifteenth century it became an Islamic mosque; today it is a museum" (Edwards).
Theodora attempted to shape society into an almost liberal mindset. According to Wikipedia, she was history’s first pro-choice advocate, she practiced abortion herself repeatedly. She also was a voice for prostitutes and citizens down on their luck, since she had been one herself at a time. She also proclaimed the right for married women to commit adultery (Theodora, Empress of Byzantium).
Theodora made her mark on the Byzantine Empire’s society in the few years she ruled before she died on June 28th, 548. She accomplished her goals of becoming empress by falling in love with his heir and manipulating the current emperor. Once she attained power, Theodora used it to its full extent; she changed laws and attempted to transform society into a feminist, liberal community. Many of her changes were great, because they gave equal rights to women. Theodora and Justinian were definitely among the first memorable duos. Together they defended their country and led it for years with much success.
