Theodora was of Greek descent, but much of her early life, including her place of birth, is unknown. Procopius's Secret History is the foremost source of her life before marriage, but is often regarded as slanderous. … See more

When Justinian succeeded to the throne in 527, Theodora was crowned augusta and became empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. According to Procopius, she helped her husband … See more

Theodora's death is recorded by Victor of Tonnena, with the cause uncertain; however, the Greek terms used are often translated as "cancer". Victor notes the death date was 28 June 548 and her age as 48, although other sources report that she died at 51. … See more

The Miaphysites believed Theodora's influence on Justinian was so strong that, after her death, he worked to bring harmony between the Miaphysites (Non-Chalcedonian) and the Chalcedonian Christians and kept his promise to protect her little community … See more

Since Justinian was not the recognized head of any of the sects of the Christian church, his focus was on reducing or eliminating the friction between the various Christian sects and … See more

The main historical sources about her life are the works of her contemporary Procopius. Procopius was a member of the staff of Belisarius, a field marshal for Justinian, who is perhaps the best-known officer of Justinian's officers because of Procopius's … See more

Art
• The 1932–1934 artwork Famous Women Dinner Service and the 1979 artwork The Dinner Party both … See more