Empress and wife of Justinian I, the courage and statesmanship of Theodora (ca. 500-548) complemented the genius of her husband and significantly contributed to the glories of his reign.

Born on the island of Cyprus, or more likely in Syria, in about the year 500; died on June 28, 548; daughter of Acacius (guardian of the bears for the Greens at the Hippodrome in Constantinople); married Justinian I, 525; no children.

Little is know about the early life of Theodora, who rose to become one of the most famous women in Western civilization. She was born of humble origins at the beginning of the sixth century--probably in the year 500--and died on June 28, 548. Much of what is known comes from the writings of the sixth-century Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea (d. 565), especially his seven-volume Anecdota (commonly called Secret History). Although an important primary source for the life of Theodora and the era...