This work briefly concerns the historical legacy of one of the most famous women in the history of the mankind – empress Theodora. In this work key traits of her co-reign with Justinian I are mentioned as well as Theodora’s contribute to Byzantine successes of that glorious time.
Reign of I Justinian was one of the most successful periods of Byzantine history and this period is absolutely impossible to imagine without his wife - Empress Theodora.
In spite of her base blood and dissolute past Theodora became Empress because of her beauty, intelligence and will. Unlike most wives of the rulers, Theodora took an active part in public affairs, sometimes even against the will of the emperor. For instance, she led a church policy regardless of Justinian. When in Syria began horrific persecution of the Monophysites, Theodore opened the shelter for them in the capital, and persecuted monks found in Theodora their intercessor against the emperor.
In some difficult moments, only Theodora could convert a bad situation into a winning one. During the Nika rebellion, 532, emperor was rescued by the presence of the spirit of Theodora, who made Justinian to take decisive action. "If you want to save your life, run. But, in my opinion, imperial clothes are good cover for a coffin."
Within twenty one years of the reign she took part in diplomatic activity, in politics, in church, arranging all at discretion. She appointed and displaced popes, patriarchs, ministers and generals, equally achieving success for own minions as ardently soliciting to undermine the strength of opponents. Theodora was not afraid even to resist to a will of the emperor. In such a way she could replace orders of Justinian with own acts. In all important issues she was an active advisor of the husband, and even if her influence wasn't always beneficial because of her avidity, uncontrollability and vanity, it is also necessary to confess that she often correctly saw interests of the state. Maybe, the death fend her off from strengthening the Byzantine Empire and, thus, from changing the course of history.
References:
Lewis, J. (n.d.). Learn about Theodora, the Byzantine Empress Who Pushed for Women's Rights. Retrieved from http://womenshistory.about.com/od/medbyzantempress/a/theodora.htm
Grant, M. (1998). From Rome to Byzantium: The fifth century A.D. London: Routledge.
Safire, W. (1992). Lend me your ears: Great speeches in history. New York: Norton.
