Theodora (497-548) was a Byzantine empress, wife of the emperor Justinian I and the most powerful woman in Byzantine history. Fortunately for the general, when Justinian recovered the following year and with the Moors and Goths baying at the frontiers of the empire, he was restored to his former position. The government of the Byzantine Empire was headed and dominated World History Encyclopedia is an Amazon Associate and earns a commission on qualifying book purchases. O n both sides of the main apse of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, the Byzantine imperial court is represented in mosaic. During this time, she may have met the future wife of Belisarius, Antonina, who would later become a part of the women's court led by Theodora. A Tudor Discovery Thomas Cromwells Prayer Book, Queen Zenobia of Palmyra: How One Woman Stood Against Two Empires, Robert Lawrence: The First African-American Astronaut, How Gaius Marius Saved Rome From the Cimbri. Theodora worked against her husband's support of Chalcedonian Christianity in the ongoing struggle for the predominance of each faction. Theodora was crowned as empress in the same coronation ceremony as her husband on 1 April 527 CE. [2] According to Michael the Syrian, her birthplace was in Mabbug, Syria;[3] Nicephorus Callistus Xanthopoulos names Theodora a native of Cyprus,[4] while the Patria, attributed to George Codinus, claims Theodora came from Paphlagonia. "[48], Although Procopius as a contemporary historian demonstrates areas of clear bias, his aggrandized tales and retelling of salacious rumors (compared alongside other historians of the era) provide a glimpse into the changing values and norms of the time period, rather than a straightforward biographical study of Theodora's life and character. Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925. These efforts were not perceived, however, as being even handed since both he and Theodora's favor were perceived as being aligned with the Blues (Justinian was believed to prefer the Blues due to their more moderate stances while Theodora's family was abandoned by the Greens after her father's death and consequently given support by the Blues as a child.) Procopius' Secret History, is, though, regarded by many as an outrageous gossip piece with a few facts thrown in for authenticity. (264.2 x 365.8 x 12.7 cm) Classification: Reproductions-Mosaics. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Procopius details two examples of Theodora's engagement in the Byzantine Empire's foreign policy that supports his perspective. alongside his wife, Theodora. Justinian treated his wife as his intellectual partner, and in doing so Theodora was able to have a major impact on the political decisions of the Byzantine Empire. [13], Theodora had an illegitimate daughter, whose father is unknown and whose name has been lost. [47] At his core, he was a preserver of the social order. Theodoras importance in Byzantine political life can be demonstrated by the fact that little significant legislation dates from the period between her death and that of her husbands in 548. By implication, considering the common association of the two professions at the time, she was also a courtesan. Anthimus had been appointed Patriarch of Constantinople under her influence, and after the excommunication order he was hidden in Theodora's quarters for twelve years, until her death. Off stage, Theodora was said to have had numerous lovers and held wild parties. "Justinian Mosaic" to the left, and the "Theodora Mosaic" to the right. Roman law from Constantines time prevented anyone of senatorial rank from marrying actresses. For example, Procopius describes two separate incidents where she accuses men of having sexual relations with other men publicly in the judicial system. Besides her piety, her beauty is also praised. World History Encyclopedia. Most of what we know about her comes from Procopius Secret History, which was written after her death and regarded by many as exaggerated gossip. The city was sacked in the 13th century and many notable buildings damaged. The famed imperial mosaics in the church of San Vitale in Ravenna depict the sixth-century Byzantine empress Theodora across from her husband, the emperor Justinian, with whom she reigned from 527 until her death in 548. As empress, Theodora used her position and influence to institute reforms within the empire, in particular those that promoted the status of women. After the relationship broke up, she made her way back home via Alexandria where she may have converted to Christianity. Theodora's daughter from before her marriage to Justinian had three sons and all of these became prominent figures in the Byzantine court. The Byzantine rulers adorned the churches of Ravenna with stunning mosaics. [1] Pinterest pin for guide to the mosaics of Ravenna She is described as being vulgar, jealous, filled with insatiable lust as well as possessing cold-blooded self-interest, shrewishness and mean-spiritedness. Empress Theodora, rhetoric, and Byzantine primary sources The city, now called Qasr Libya, is known for its splendid sixth-century mosaics. John the Cappadocian, Justinian's chief tax collector, she identified as her enemy, because of his independent and great influence, and was brought down by a plot devised by Theodora and Antonina. [42] Many modern scholars prefer Procopius' account.[41]. Theodora was said to have had one particularly lurid routine involving geese. [6] Her parents had two more daughters, the eldest named Comito and the youngest Anastasia. Although, they soon felt secure enough to reinstate the two ministers that were dismissed to appease the rebels; John the Cappadocian as financial minister, Tribonian as the primary legal minister. 545-549 CE - Imperial Mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale https://www.worldhistory.org/Empress_Theodora/. The mosaic depicting Emperor Saint Justinian I and Empress Theodora in the Basilica of San Vitale were executed shortly after the Byzantine conquest. This religious shift dramatically affected the art that was created across the empire. Empress Theodora's place setting uses Byzantine iconography and mosaics to convey her important role in building the Byzantine Empire. Justinian Mosaic & Theodora Mosaic The two scenes flanking the apse show the royal Byzantine court, which appears to occupy the same otherworldly space as does Christ. When Theodora was four, her mother brought her children wearing garlands into the Hippodrome and presented them as suppliants to the Green faction, but they rebuffed her efforts. She would protect and house monks who adhered to monophysite beliefs, even using the Great Palace of Constantinople to do so. Consistent with the Christian principles of repentance and forgiveness, John wrote of her redemption as a positive tale.[12]. Sponsored by a Greek banker, Julius Argentarius (CC BY-NC-SA). Our publication has been reviewed for educational use by Common Sense Education, Internet Scout (University of Wisconsin), Merlot (California State University), OER Commons and the School Library Journal. Guide To The Mosaics Of Ravenna, Italy's Byzantium Theodora, Byzantine empress who reigned jointly with her sister Zoe in 1042 and on her own in 1055-56. [32], Procopius describes Theodora's as causing women to "become morally depraved" due to her and Justinian's legal actions. [26], Following the Nika revolt, Justinian and Theodora rebuilt Constantinople, including aqueducts, bridges and more than twenty-five churches, the most famous of which is Hagia Sophia. He saw to it that the Chalcedonian missionaries were delayed and when they eventually reached Silko, they were sent away. Conversely, Theodora was described as irrational and driven by her anger, often by minor affronts or insults. Portrayed by contemporary writers as scheming, unprincipled, and immoral, the Empress, nevertheless, was also seen as a valuable support to the Emperor, and her direct involvement in state affairs made her one of the most powerful women ever seen in Byzantium. Due to being the only Christian Emperor and Empress, they believed it was their role to duplicate the heavenly structure on Earth. Why Did Athens Revolt When Alexander the Great Died? Procopius might have stolen the accolades for most-lasting and colourful literary portrait of the Empress but, in the visual arts, there is a formidable rival to how Theodora is remembered in history. Constantinople was the richest repository of Byzantine mosaics throughout the Empires history. The main historical sources for her life are the works of her contemporary Procopius. ", "The Home-Coming - The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia", World History Encyclopedia Empress Theodora, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Theodora_(wife_of_Justinian_I)&oldid=1170223893, Theodora is the leader for the Byzantines in the video game, Theodora gives missions to Belisarius, the main character in the Last Roman DLC for, Theodora is a playable character in the Mobile/PC Game. She presents to the church a jewelled gold chalice and is surrounded by officials and her extensive entourage of court ladies. Here are 10 facts about the Golden Queen of the Byzantine Empire. Diehl attributes the modern existence of Jacobite Christianity equally to Baradaeus and to Theodora.[52]. It is important to note, however, that Theodora had already died when the work was published, meanwhile Justinian was still alive and most likely commissioned the work.[40]. [35] As a result, she was accused of fostering heresy and thus undermined the unity of Christendom. Nor were her views merely theoretical ponderings, for Theodora acted upon them and protected and housed priests and monks who adhered to monophysite beliefs, even using the Great Palace of Constantinople to do so. Justinian was even of temperament, "approachable and kindly" even while ordering the confiscation of people's property or their destruction. Theodora's political manoeuvres are blamed for the downfall of the chief minister John of Cappadocia, although he was none too popular with the Byzantine people either because he was seen as the instigator of the oppressive tax reforms which had caused the Nika Revolt. It was during this period that many grand structures were built in the city and these buildings were adorned with exquisite mosaics. As a consequence, many of the mosaics created during the previous centuries were destroyed during this period. The visage of Justinian the Great, Byzantine Emperor between 527 and 565 and the first emperor to appear on coinage bearing the Christian cross, as well as that of his consort Theodora, grace . [50] This may also explain why Procopius in his writings is significantly different in his characterization of day-to-day life compared to the accounts of other contemporary authors. The famed imperial mosaics in the church of San Vitale in Ravenna depict the sixth-century Byzantine empress Theodora across from her husband, the emperor Justinian. She became empress upon Justinian's accession in 527 and was one of his chief advisers. As the chariot race card hit the second to last race for the day, the two factions (typically bitter rivals) united in a chant extolling the desire of both parties for mercy as a united front. The Roman-Byzantine Empire participated in extensive trade and diplomatic contacts with a wide range of societies, such that the period has been characterized as one of "incipient globalization." [1] In the fourth to fifth centuries, Northern Eurasian migratory groups vanquished the western provinces of the Roman Empire, even sacking Rome itself. He maintains an intense and political focus on his writing that precludes a balanced and holistic perspective. After the fall of the Empire, many mosaics underwent destruction but many remained well-preserved and are extant to this day. Together, they heralded a new era for the Byzantine Empire and its people. Mark is a full-time author, researcher, historian, and editor. She is also wearing a great deal of jewellery with necklaces, earrings, and a fabulous gem-studded crown, and a Tyrian purple robe. by Dr. Evan Freeman. Justinian was said to have been taken by Theodoras intelligence and beauty, and made her his mistress before marrying her in 525. She accompanied Hecebolus on his travels to North Africa, and stayed with him for almost 4 years before returning to Constantinople. [7] After her father's death, her mother remarried quickly, but the family lacked a source of income, as Acacius's position was given away due to a bribe paid to a faction official called Asterius. The starting point of all this destruction, the Hippodrome, escaped with only minor damage. 66 I n September 2006, in a near-empty church in Ravenna, in north-east Italy, I found myself in front of a vibrant, 1,500-year-old mosaic of a woman in purple. [46], The definition of feminine behavior in the sixth century as used by Procopius is not the way in which modern writers would use it. Similarly, in Italy, when the Renaissance was first emerging, it borrowed heavily from the traditions of Byzantium. 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. The Empress, 20 years younger than her husband, is described by Procopius as being short but attractive, a stickler for court ceremony, and a lover of luxury. Most known for being the wife of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I (482 CE - 565 CE), Empress Theodora was arguably the most powerful woman in the history of the Byzantine Empire, as she was able to use her immense influence to advocate a number of social and religious reforms across the empire.The Empress' immaculate presence and political prowess made her a reliable figure and trusted . Mosaic of Theodora, c.547 - Byzantine Mosaics - WikiArt.org Regardless, either cause demanded that women seeking a divorce provide clear evidence of their claims. According to Procopius, as the emperor and his counsellors were still preparing their project, Theodora reportedly interrupted them and stated: My lords, the present occasion is too serious to allow me to follow the convention that a woman should not speak in a man's council. Indeed, the Empress is credited with the promotion of, and ultimately achieving the adoption of, Monophysitism in Nubia around 540 CE. Procopius also claims there was an illegitimate son, too, but no other sources substantiate this. From Alexandria, she traveled to Antioch, where she met a Blue faction dancer called Macedonia who perhaps served as an informer of Justinian; according to Procopius, Macedonia and Justinian often exchanged letters. Justinian was not born into a dynasty as many emperors. Justinian had been determined that they be converted to the Chalcedonian faith and Theodora equally determined that they should be Miaphysites. During Justinians rule, Italy came under the Byzantine rule and Justinian made the city of Ravenna his administrative centre. (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) <https://flic.kr/p/e2QP3m> Beth: So we have an idea that Theodora, Justinian's empress, ruled as co-equal to Justinian, that she was a very powerful woman, even though she was reputedly of the lower class that she was an entertainer, apparently. Justinian is depicted as cruel, venal, prodigal, and incompetent; as for Theodora, the reader is given a detailed portrayal of an openly sexual woman, along with many shrewish and negative portrayals. References. Both sides appealed for mercy at the hippodrome where the public was permitted to entreat the emperor on issues. Later, he wrote the Secret History. The reign of Justinian. Their marriage was against the express wishes of Justinians aunt, the empress Euphemia, who was herself a former slave and prostitute. Empress Theodora and Members of Her Court | Byzantine | The [25], Despite his claims that he was unwillingly named emperor by the mob, Hypatius was also put to death by Justinian. Procopius also had it in for Antonina, the wife of Belisarius (Justinian's most talented general), and she is portrayed as constantly scheming with Theodora to create damaging palace intrigues. Yet reflect for a moment whether, when you have once escaped to a place of security, you would not gladly exchange such safety for death. It was during this period from the 9th to 11th centuries that some of the most magnificent Byzantine mosaics were created. She had a halo, her own courtiers,. Byzantine art and culture continued to live on in its far-reaching outposts, as well as in Greece, Italy, and the Ottoman Empire, where it had flourished for so long. Afterwards, Theodora returned to Constantinople. Theodora ( / idr /; Greek: ; c. 500 - 28 June 548) [1] was a Byzantine empress through her marriage to emperor Justinian. [23], Her determined speech motivated them, including Justinian who had been preparing to flee. In it, Theodora-from-the-Brothel is described allowing geese to peck grain from her lower torso, dancing naked but for a ribbon, and has her saying she regrets that God gave her only three orifices for pleasure. Procopius asserts in the Secret History (12.12-14) that many in the senatorial class were being "strangled" by tax collectors due to Justinian's (and Theodora's) policy of collecting and retaining the attractive properties and furniture of the wealthy, while "generously" giving back properties that had high taxes to their original owners. When Procopius was unable to explain the actions of the Emperor and Empress according to his beliefs, he fell back on the principle of outside influences being the only likely explanation. Prokopios's Secret History survived from the Byzantine era to today in just one manuscript copy, suggesting that it was not widely reproduced in the Byzantine period. Instead, he was of common birth and . The accuracy of Procopius's portrayal of Theodora's early career is unclear. Justinian I was the emperor of the Byzantine empire from 527 to 565 C.E. Besides these darker tales of personal vendettas and cronyism, Theodora was noted for her influence on Justinian's social reforms and her charitable work, sponsoring the foundation of many institutions for the poor such as orphanages, hospitals, and (perhaps significantly given her former profession) a home for former prostitutes seeking to reenter respectable society. John was dismissed after the revolt as one of the demands of the rioters but he later made a political comeback. History Hit's Miscellany of historical facts, figures and fascinating finds. Born from humble origins, Theodora reigned over the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband from 527 until her death in 548. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. The 6th-century CE Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea states in his Secret History (Anekdota) that Theodora earned her living, like her mother before her, as an actress, which meant performing in the Hippodrome as an acrobat, dancer, and stripper. In order to legalise their marriage, Justinian had a law changed to raise her status and created another to allow her to marry. Much of Theodora's early life is unknown. The glittering wall mosaic shows the Empress in one panel while another shows Justinian and the archbishop of Ravenna, Maximian (r. 546-556 CE). {"@context":"https://schema.org","@id":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3341/justinian-i/#imageobject","@type":"ImageObject","acquireLicensePage":"https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3341/justinian-i/","caption":"Detail of a contemporary portrait of Justinian I in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. If you wish to save yourself, my lord, there is no difficulty. (DOC) (3rd Year) The Justinian and Theodora Mosaics of San Vitale In spite of this period of diminished wealth and stability, the arts continued to flourish in the Late Byzantine period, much as it had before. Crusaders from Western Europe invaded and captured Constantinople in 1204, temporarily toppling the empire in an attempt to bring the eastern empire back into the fold of western Christendom. Image credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Image Credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Her mother, whose name is not recorded, was a dancer and an actress. Procopius was believed to be aligned with many of the senatorial rank that disagreed with the changes and policies that Justinian and Theodora imposed upon the empire. His vision was straightforward there could be no Roman Empire that didn't include Rome within its control. Theodora provided much political support for the ministry of Jacob Baradaeus, and apparently personal friendship as well. In my opinion, flight is not the right course, even if it should bring us to safety. As for me, I agree with the adage, that "royal purple" is the noblest shroud. According to Procopius' Secret History, Theodora followed her sister Comito's example from an early age and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low and high status customers; later, she performed on stage.
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