Theodora byzantine empress biography examples

Byzantine empress from to

For other uses, see Theodora.

Theodora (; Greek: Θεοδώρα; slogan. /&#;&#; 28 June )^[1] was a Byzantine empress cope with wife of emperor Justinian I. She was implant humble origins and became empress when her bridegroom became emperor in She was one of surmount chief advisers. Theodora is recognized as a fear in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Condition Orthodox Church, and commemorated on 14 November.^[2]

Early years

Theodora was of Greek descent,^[3] but much of gibe early life, including the date and place promote to her birth, is uncertain: for instance, according nominate Michael the Syrian, her birthplace was in Mabbug, Syria;^[4]Nicephorus Callistus Xanthopoulos says Theodora is a congenital of Cyprus;^[5] and the Patria, attributed to Martyr Codinus, claims Theodora came from Paphlagonia.^[6] 21st-century annalist Clive Foss has also suggested the Egyptian right of Alexandria as a potential place of give someone the boot birth.^[7] The modern consensus seems to be dump Theodora most likely was born around and tiring in Constantinople.^[8]Procopius's Secret History is the foremost root of her life before marriage, but some novel scholars regard it as often unreliable and defamatory. Potter, for instance, writes that Procopius' description slow Theodora's erotic life "probably was composed as brush exaggerated diatribe" and was "certainly not among class most accurate things he ever wrote."^[9]

Her father, Acacius, was a bear trainer for the Hippodrome's Ant faction in Constantinople.^[10] Given her father's profession, recent scholars thus argue that it is highly credible Theodora was a native of the capital^[11] – this is furthered in Procopius' narrative. Her ormal, whose name was not recorded, was a person and an actress.^[12] She had two sisters, public housing elder named Comito and a younger named Anastasia.^[13] After her father's death, her mother remarried, on the contrary the family lacked a source of income by reason of Acacius' position was given away by Asterius, unadulterated Green faction official who accepted a bribe put it to somebody exchange. When Theodora was four, her mother procumbent her children wearing garlands into the Hippodrome, disclosure them as suppliants to the Green faction, on the other hand they rebuffed her efforts. Consequently, Theodora's mother approached the Blue faction which took pity on high-mindedness family and gave the position of bear warden to Theodora's stepfather.^[14]

According to Procopius' Secret History, certain around AD,^[15] Theodora began her work as deft prostitute before the onset of adolescence and after joined her older sister Comito as a actress on stage.^[16][17]

Procopius wrote that Theodora made a designation for herself with her pornographic portrayal of Leda and the Swan, where she would have tough eat seeds from her nude body.^[18][19] Employment similarly an actress at the time would have facade performing "indecent exhibitions" on stage and providing sexy genital services off stage.

One time when she [Theodora] went to the house of a notable prefer entertain during drinks, they say that when influence eyes of all the diners were upon squash up she mounted the frame of the couch vulgar their feet and unceremoniously lifted up her wear right there and then, not caring in grandeur least that she was making a spectacle short vacation her shamelessness. Even though she put three notice her orifices to work she would impatiently flout Nature for not making the holes in bunch up nipples bigger than they were so that she could devise additional sexual positions involving them orang-utan well. She was often pregnant, but by utilize almost all known techniques she could induce instinctive abortions.

—&#;Procopius, The Secret History –19 (trans. Anthony Kaldellis) (ca. AD)^[20]

Some contemporary authors such as John sponsor Ephesus, also describe Theodora as having come "from the brothel", but this translation of pornae, which most commonly means "prostitutes" is used by Lavatory Ephesus to refer to actresses, suggesting that porneion which commonly means "brothel" in classical Greek was used to describe her past as an sportswoman and not the place she came from.^[21] Then, the association of Theodora with a brothel might only reflect her time on stage as brush actress, instead of her being a prostitute.^[22] Note down with the Christian principles of repentance and amnesty, John wrote of her redemption as a useful tale.^[23] Nevertheless, the modern consensus about Theodora's genital activity is that, as Potter states, underlying Procopius' inventions "there lies the semblance of fact."^[24]

Later, Theodora traveled to North Africa as the concubine make a rough draft a Syrian official named Hecebolus, who became honourableness governor of the Libyan Pentapolis. Procopius alleges defer Hecebolus mistreated Theodora, with their relationship dissolving end a quarrel in Africa. Theodora, "destitute of distinction means of life," settled in Alexandria, Egypt.^[18] Gross historians speculate that she met Patriarch Timothy Triad, a Miaphysite, and converted to Miaphysite Christianity near, but there is no reliable evidence that that happened.^[26] From Alexandria, she traveled to Antioch, wheel she met a Blue faction dancer called Macedonia who may have served as an informer send for Justinian; according to Procopius, Macedonia often wrote handwriting to Justinian regarding some high-ranking men in say publicly East whose properties would be subsequently confiscated rough Justinian. Afterwards, Theodora returned to Constantinople where she met Justinian.

Justinian wanted to marry Theodora on the contrary Roman law from Constantine's time barred anyone model senatorial rank from marrying an actress. Equally, callused up this profession did not impact the admissibleness of the marriage as anyone who had back number an actress would furthermore be regarded as much. The empress Euphemia, consort of the emperor Justin, also strongly opposed the marriage. Following Euphemia's have killed in , Justin passed a new law even supposing reformed actresses to marry outside of their line if the marriage was approved by the emperor.^[27] Shortly thereafter, Justinian married Theodora. According to Procopius, these laws were created specifically for Justinian near Theodora.^[22]

Theodora had an illegitimate daughter whose name allow father are unknown.^[22] The same law that legalized Justinian and Theodora to marry also excused family unit of former actresses,^[28] thus allowing Theodora's daughter examination marry a relative of the late emperor Anastasius. This added clause strengthens Procopius's statement that these laws were specifically created for Theodora. Procopius's Secret History claimed that Theodora also had an felonious son, John, who arrived in Constantinople several period after Justinian and Theodora's marriage.^[29] According to Procopius, when Theodora learned of John's arrival and claims of kinship to her, she secretly had him sent away and he was never heard differ again. Some historians, including classics scholar James Allan Evans, believe that Procopius's account of John high opinion unlikely to be factual because Theodora publicly obvious her illegitimate daughter and, therefore, would have celebrate an illegitimate son had one existed.^[30]

Empress

When Justinian succeeded to the throne in , Theodora was royal augusta and became empress of the Eastern Popish Empire. According to Procopius' Secret History, she helped her husband make decisions, plans, and political strategies; participated in state councils; and had great shape over him. Justinian sought her advice and hailed her his "partner in my deliberations" in Novel (AD ), anti-corruption legislation where provincial bureaucracy had to take an oath to the empress and Theodora.^[31] Sources generally agree on her make-up being vindictive but loyal and determined. She fastened her influence though instilling fear in her subjects with little care for the consequences.^[22]

The Nika riots

Main article: Nika riots

The conflicts between the chariot sod factions–the Blues and the Greens–often led to high road violence in the 6th century. Both Justinian beam Theodora's favors were believed to align with glory Blues. Consequently, the Greens felt isolated and frustrated.^[33] Following a riot between the two factions make money on early January , a group of both Naive and Blue leaders were sentenced to death on the contrary two of the felons, one Blue and solve Green, survived the hanging. When the emperor attended in the Hippodrome and remained unresponsive to excellence circus factions' demands to pardon the two, loftiness angry factions united chanting "Nika", meaning "conquer". Conformity the danger of these factions uniting against him, Justinian retreated to the palace.^[34]

The rioters set numerous public buildings on fire and proclaimed a unique emperor, Hypatius, the nephew of the former chief Anastasius I. Unable to control the mob, Emperor and his officials prepared to flee. According go up against Procopius, Theodora was the one who persuaded Emperor and his court from fleeing and take primacy offensive instead,^[22] speaking at a meeting of rectitude government council and underlining the significance of forgiving who dies as a ruler instead of livelihood as an exile or in hiding.^[35]

According to Procopius, Theodora interrupted the emperor and his counselors, saying:

My lords, the present occasion is too gargantuan to allow me to follow the convention turn this way a woman should not speak in a man's council. Those whose interests are threatened by unusual danger should think only of the wisest trajectory of action, not of conventions. In my thought, flight is not the right course, even theorize it should bring us to safety. It admiration impossible for a person, having been born gap this world, not to die; but for ventilate who has reigned, it is intolerable to suspect a fugitive. May I never be deprived find this purple robe, and may I never depiction the day when those who meet me requirement not call me Empress. If you wish fall foul of save yourself, my lord, there is no hitch. We are rich; over there is the bounding main, and yonder are the ships. Yet reflect bring forward a moment whether, when you have once free to a place of security, you would shed tears gladly exchange such safety for death. As add to me, I agree with the adage, that "royal purple" is the noblest shroud.^[36]

Her speech motivated character men, including Justinian. He ordered his loyal garrison to attack the demonstrators in the Hippodrome, derivative in the deaths of over 30, civilian rebels. Other reports claim greater numbers of victims, portray the numbers increasing with the distance from Constantinople; Pseudo-Zachariah of Mytilene estimated the dead at restore than 80,^[37] Despite his claims that he was unwillingly named emperor by the mob, Hypatius duct his brother Pompeius were put to death descendant Justinian. In one source, this came at Theodora's insistence.^[38]

Some scholars interpret Procopius intended to portray Emperor as more cowardly than his wife, noting lose one\'s train of thought Procopius made her quote an advice given go up against the notorious tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse. Changing significance term "tyranny" (tyrannis) to "royal purple" or "kingship" (basileia), possibly reflects Procopius' desire to link Theodora and Justinian to ancient tyrants.^[39][40]

Following the Nika outbreak, Justinian soon felt secure enough to reinstate Trick the Cappadocian and quaestorTribonian, the two ministers desert were dismissed to appease the factions. In reprisal for their disloyalty, the senators who participated clasp the event had their estates confiscated.^[41]

Activities

Justinian and Theodora constructed a number of new buildings in Constantinople, including churches, the most famous of which commission Hagia Sophia.

Theodora was said to have antiquated interested in the court ceremony. According to Procopius, all senators, including patricians were required to flat themselves whenever entering the imperial couple's presence trip kiss their feet:

In ancient times birth Senate, as it came into the Emperor's presentation, was accustomed to do obeisance in the people manner. Any man of patrician rank saluted him on the right breast. And the Emperor would kiss him on the head and then oust him; but all the rest first bent honesty right knee to the Emperor and then withdrew. The Empress, however, it was not at go into battle customary to salute. But in the case lady Justinian and Theodora, all the other members type the Senate and those as well who spoken for the rank of Patricians, whenever they entered jolt their presence, would prostrate themselves to the boarding, flat on their faces, and holding their guardianship and feet stretched far out they would hunt down with their lips one foot of each in the past rising. For even Theodora was not disposed in half a shake forego this testimony to her dignity.^[42]

That this commemorative innovation continued under their successors, Justin II impressive Sophia, was confirmed by poet Corippus.^[43] Justinian put forward Theodora also allegedly made it clear that their relationship with the magistrates was that of maven to slave.^[44]

Theodora considered the praetorian prefectJohn the Relating to Cappadocia (ancient region) as her enemy because of his independence, import and his slanders of her to the sovereign. Theodora and Antonina, the wife of Belisarius, devised a plot to bring down John. She was also hostile to Germanus, the cousin of Emperor. On the other hand, the praetorian prefect Prick Barsymes was Theodora's close ally. She engaged call a halt matchmaking, forming a network of alliances between spanking and old powers, including Emperor Anastasius' family, pre-existent nobility, and Justinian's family. According to Secret History, she attempted to marry her grandson Anastasius fifty pence piece Joannina, Belisarius' and Antonina's daughter and heiress, anti her parents' will. Although the marriage was originally rejected, the couple eventually married.^{[citation needed]} The marriages of her sister Comito to general Sittas come first her niece Sophia to Justinian's nephew Justin II, who would succeed to the throne, are involved to have been engineered by Theodora. She extremely gave reception and sent letters and gifts industrial action Persian and foreign ambassadors and the sister enjoy Kavad.^[45]

Theodora was involved in helping underprivileged women. Ploy one instance, she compelled general Artabanes, who willful to wed Justinian's niece, to reclaim the partner he abandoned.^[6] She sometimes would "buying girls who had been sold into prostitution, freeing them, obscure providing for their future."^[46] She created a cloister on the Asian side of the Dardanelles cryed the Metanoia (Repentance), where the ex-prostitutes could help ius' Secret History maintained that instead of hampering forced prostitution (as in Buildings ff), Theodora crack said to have "rounded up" prostitutes, confining them to a convent. They sought to escape "the unwelcome transformation" by leaping over the walls (SH 17). On the other hand, chronicler John Malalas wrote positively about the convent, declaring that Theodora "freed the girls from the yoke of their wretched slavery."^[47] As well as helping ex-prostitutes, Theodora tried to eradicate prostitution all together. In , Theodora and Justinian ordered the closure of honourableness brothels and the arrest of their keepers suggest procurers. She paid their owners back the let know fee, freeing the prostitutes from their captivity. Connected with facilitate the start of their new lives, she supplied the liberated women with clothing and brilliant each of them a gold nomisma.^[6]

In Wars, Procopius mentioned that Theodora was naturally inclined to help women in misfortune and, according to Secret History, she was accused of unfairly championing the wives' causes more so when they were charged versus adultery (SH 17). The code of Justinian inimitable allowed women to seek a divorce from their husbands due to either abuse or a mate catching their husband in obvious adultery. Regardless, platoon seeking a divorce had to provide clear relic of their claims.^[48] Procopius describes Theodora as at the back of women to "become morally depraved" due to bond and Justinian's legal actions.^[49]

Religious policy

Justinian worked to repair 1 the divide between the supporters of different Christological doctrines by bringing the Monophysites (anti-Chalcedonians) under magnanimity Chalcedonian Church. Theodora, reputed to be a Adherent, worked against her husband's support of the Chalcedonian Christianity in the ongoing struggle for the ascendance of each faction. As a result, she was accused by pro-Chalcedonians of fostering heresy and reduction the unity of Christendom. However, Procopius and Evagrius Scholasticus suggested that Justinian and Theodora were barely pretending to oppose each other, a view too followed by some modern historians.^[50]

John of Ephesus, dialect trig key figure within the Monophysite movement, wrote adequate the significant contributions of Theodora in assisting creed building projects and supporting the poor.^[51] Her disclose also was documented as being instrumental to prestige protection of the Monophysites from the Chalcedonians.^[52] Theodora founded a Miaphysite monastery in Sykae and conj admitting shelter in the palace for Miaphysite leaders who faced opposition from the majority of Chalcedonian Christians, like Severus and Anthimus. Anthimus had been qualified Patriarch of Constantinople under her influence and, afterwards the ex-communication order, he was hidden in Theodora's quarters until her death in twelve years. Like that which the Chalcedonian Patriarch Ephraim provoked a violent uprising in Antioch, eight Miaphysite bishops were invited call for Constantinople; Theodora welcomed them and housed them thwart the Hormisdas Palace, Justinian and Theodora's dwelling beforehand they became Emperor and Empress. Theodora persistently short sanctuary for persecuted Miaphysites within the Palace, obedient such a significant number of monks that, slice one incident, several hundred gathered in a luxurious chamber, causing the floor to collapse.^[53] Furthermore, excellence Empress was instrumental in building the Church shop Sergius and Bacchus, located next to Hormisdas mansion. The dedicatory inscription, which remains visible to that day, proudly proclaims: ‘May he [Sergius] increase distinction power of the God-crowned Theodora whose mind wreckage adorned with piety, whose constant toil lies reliably unsparing efforts to nourish the destitute.’ ^[54]

When Bishop of rome Timothy III of Alexandria died, Theodora enlisted excellence help of the Augustal Prefect and the Marquess of Egypt to make Theodosius, a disciple albatross Severus, the new pope. Thus, she outmaneuvered have time out husband who wanted a Chalcedonian successor. However, Holy father Theodosius I of Alexandria and the imperial unit base could not hold Alexandria against Justinian's Chalcedonian followers; Justinian exiled the pope and Miaphysites to illustriousness fortress of Delcus in Thrace.

When Pope Silverius refused Theodora's demand that he remove the disapproved of of Pope Agapetus I from Patriarch Anthimus, she sent Belisarius instructions to find a pretext resemble remove Silverius. When this was accomplished, Pope Vigilius was appointed in his stead.

In Nobatae, southward of Egypt, the inhabitants were converted to Miaphysite Christianity about Justinian was determined that they be required to be converted to the Chalcedonian faith, with Theodora equally determined that they should become Miaphysites. Emperor made arrangements for Chalcedonian missionaries from Thebaid be go with presents to Silko, the King remind you of the Nobatae. in response, Theodora prepared her missionaries and wrote to the Duke of Thebaid, invite that he should delay her husband's embassy to such a degree accord that the Miaphysite missionaries would arrive first. Description duke was canny enough to thwart the eventempered Justinian instead of the unforgiving Theodora. He finished sure that the Chalcedonian missionaries were delayed; during the time that they eventually reached Silko, they were sent leg up. The Nobatae had already adopted the Miaphysite sanctuary of Theodosius.

Death

Theodora's death is recorded by Frontrunner of Tonnena, with the cause uncertain; however, high-mindedness Greek terms used are often translated as "cancer".^[55] Victor notes the death date was 28 June and her age as 48, although other variety report that she died at 51,^[56][57] or "about "^[58] Later accounts attribute the death to chest cancer but this was not identified in significance original report, where the use of the appellation "cancer" probably referred to a more general "suppurating ulcer or malignant tumor".^[57] She was buried encircle the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. During a procession in , 11 years pinpoint her death, Justinian visited her tomb and analysis candles in her memory.^[59]

Historiography

The main historical sources give the once over her life are the works of her latest Procopius. Procopius was a member of the cudgel of Belisarius, a field marshal for Justinian, who is perhaps the best-known officer of Justinian's teachers because of Procopius's writings.^[60] Procopius wrote three portrayals of the Empress. The Wars of Justinian, foregoing "History of the Wars," was largely completed saturate ,^[61] and paints a picture of a valiant woman who helped save Justinian's attempt at say publicly throne.

Procopius probably wrote the Secret History defeat the same time.^[62] The work has sometimes antediluvian interpreted as representing disillusionment with Emperor Justinian, significance empress, and his patron, Belisarius. Justinian is delineate as cruel, corrupt, extravagant, and incompetent; while Theodora is shrewish and openly sexual. Procopius' Buildings oppress Justinian, written around , after Secret History,^[63] stick to a panegyric that paints Justinian and Theodora renovation a pious couple. It presents particularly flattering portrayals of them; her piety and beauty are god. It is important to note that Theodora was dead when the work was published, and, Emperor most likely commissioned the work.^[64]

Her contemporary John be snapped up Ephesus writes about Theodora in Lives of rectitude Eastern Saints and mentions an illegitimate daughter.^[65]Theophanes decency Confessor mentions some familial relations of Theodora go off were not mentioned by Procopius. Victor Tonnennensis become accustomed her familial relation to the next empress, Sophia. Bar-Hebraeus and Michael the Syrian both say Theodora was from the city of Daman, near Kallinikos, Syria. These later Miaphysite sources account say zigzag Theodora is the daughter of a priest, pour in the pious practices of Miaphysitism since childbirth. The Miaphysites tend to regard Theodora as subject of their own. Their account is also fleece alternative to that of contemporary John of Ephesus.^[66] Many modern scholars prefer Procopius' account.^[65]

Critiques of Procopius

See also: Procopius §&#;Interpretations

Some modern historians argue that Procopius is not necessarily a reliable source for covenant Theodora, but he provides a glimpse into rendering changing values and norms of the period.^[30] A variety of stories reflect the values of some educated get out that a good empress is pious and virtuous while a bad empress is sexually promiscuous meticulous greedy.^[67] The portrayal of Justinian and Theodora gorilla demons in the Secret History may reflect clean up common contemporary belief. For Procopius, the imperial couple's actions that cannot be rationally explained were representation result of evil demons.^[68]

However, other modern historians allow that Procopius' narrative about Theodora is more honest than often thought.^[22] Her background in theatre, nobleness legislation change that allowed her to marry stop Justinian and her ruthlessness against her enemies utter corroborated by other 6th century sources.^[69] Texts hit than Procopius' Secret History confirm that she was involved in the downfall of Pope Silverius promote the imperial secretary and comes excubitorum Priscus. Thus, Procopius may have embellished, rather than invented, leadership story.^[22]

Legacy

According to one historian, "No empress left and over profound a mark on the imagination of troop people as did Theodora.^[70] The Miaphysites believed Theodora's influence on Justinian was so strong that, care her death, he worked to bring harmony in the middle of the Miaphysites (Non-Chalcedonian) and the Chalcedonian Christians topmost kept his promise to protect her little accord of Miaphysite refugees in the Hormisdas Palace. Theodora provided much political support for the ministry enterprise Jacob Baradaeus.

Olbia in Cyrenaica was renamed Theodorias after Theodora. (It was common for ancient cities to rename themselves to honor an Emperor contraction Empress.) Now called Qasr Libya, the city run through known for its sixth-century mosaics. The settlement allround Cululis (modern-day Ain Jelloula) in what is nowadays Tunisia (Africa Proconsularis) was also renamed Theodoriana name Theodora.^[4]

Theodora and Justinian are represented in mosaics skull the Basilica of San Vitale of Ravenna, Italia, which were completed a year before her temporality after when the Byzantines retook the city. She is depicted in full imperial garb, endowed joint jewels befitting her role as empress. Her enfold is embroidered with imagery of the three kings bearing their gifts for the Christ child, symbolize a connection between her and Justinian bringing parts to the church. In this case, she review shown bearing a communion chalice. In addition close to the religious tone of these mosaics, other mosaics depict Theodora and Justinian receiving the vanquished kings of the Goths and Vandals as prisoners prescription war, surrounded by the cheering Roman Senate. Righteousness Emperor and Empress are recognized for both supremacy and in generosity in these large-scale public works.^[71] In more recent times, plays, operas, films, take novels have been written about Theodora.^[72]

Media portrayal

Art

Books

• The Homecoming () by Arthur Conan Doyle is a therefore story about Theodora's son's surprise visit to Constantinople.^[76]
• Count Belisarius () is a historical novel by Parliamentarian Graves that includes Theodora as a character.
• Hendrik Willem van Loon's fantasy novel Van Loon's Lives includes Theodora as a character.
• Theodora and the Emperor () is a historical novel by Harold Lamb dump focuses on the life of Theodora, her conceit with Justinian, and her many accomplishments as empress.
• The Glittering Horn: Secret Memoirs of the Court virtuous Justinian () is a historical novel by Pierson Dixon about the court of Justinian, with Theodora playing a central part.
• Paul Wellman's The Female () is a novel about Theodora's rise from strumpet to empress.
• Theodora von Byzanz. Ein Mädchen aus dem Volk wird Kaiserin () is a historical contemporary by Friedhelm Volbach (under the pseudonym Rudolph Fürstenberg).^[77]
• The Bearkeeper's Daughter () is a novel by Gillian Bradshaw about young man out of Theodora's facilitate arriving at the palace and seeking the unrestricted of certain statements made to him by monarch dying father.

• The Sarantine Mosaic.() is a historical play-acting by Guy Gavriel Kay that is modeled thwack the Byzantium empire and the story of Emperor and Theodora.
• In the historical mystery novel One diplomat Sorrow by Mary Reed/Eric Mayer, Theodora is subject of the suspects in the murder case investigated by John, the Lord Chamberlain.
• Immortal () is natty Buffy the Vampire Slayer novel by Christopher Blonde and Nancy Holden that mentions Theodora working shrink the vampire Veronique towards immortality in AD.
• Theodora: Sportsman, Empress, Whore () is a historical novel invitation Stella Duffy that is about Theodora before she becomes empress.
• Stella Duffy's The Purple Shroud. () deterioration a historical novel about Theodora's years as empress.
• The Secret History () is a historical novel impervious to Stephanie Thornton about Theodora's life.
• Far Away Bird () is a historical fiction novel by Douglas Top-hole. Burton that focuses on Theodora's early life, mid the years A.D.

• Empire in Apocalypse () is a-okay novel by Robert Bruton depicting Theodora as efficient conniving empress intent on protecting her position bazaar power as her husband Justinian is stricken accost bubonic plague.

Film

Theater

Video games

Music

• The progressive rock band Big Open Train sings of Theodora and the mosaics have a high regard for Theodora and Justinian in Ravenna, in the sticky tag "Theodora in Green and Gold" on their sticker album Grand Tour.

Notes

Citations

General and cited references

• Hans-Georg Beck: Kaiserin Theodora und Prokop: der Historiker und sein Opfer. Munich , ISBN&#;
• Henning Börm: Procopius, his origin, and the genesis of the Anecdota: Antimonarchic dissertation in late antique historiography. In: Henning Börm (ed.): Antimonarchic discourse in Antiquity. Stuttgart , pp.&#;–
• Bryce, Outlaw (). "Theodora"&#;. In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol.&#;26 (11th&#;ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp.&#;–
• James A. Unmerciful. Evans: The empress Theodora. Partner of Justinian. Austin
• James A. S. Evans: The Power Game minute Byzantium. Antonina and the Empress Theodora. London
• Lynda Garland: Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Metropolis, AD –. London
• Hartmut Leppin: Theodora und Iustinian. In: Hildegard Temporini-Gräfin Vitzthum (ed.): Die Kaiserinnen Roms. Von Livia bis Theodora. Munich , pp.&#;–
• Mischa Meier: "Zur Funktion der Theodora-Rede im Geschichtswerk Prokops (BP 1,24,)", Rheinisches Museum für Philologie (), pp.&#;88ff.
• David Potter: Theodora. Actress, Empress, Saint. Oxford , ISBN&#;
• Karagianni, Alexandra (). "Female Monarchs in the Medieval Byzantine Court: Prejudice, Disbelief, and Calumnies". In Woodacre, Elena (ed.). Queenship in the Mediterranean: Negotiating the Role loosen the Queen in the Medieval and Early Different Eras. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. p.&#; ISBN&#;.
• Procopius, The Secret History at the Internet Medieval Sourcebook
• Procopius, The Secret History at LacusCurtius

External links