Who's Who in Medieval History
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Byzantium (The Eastern Roman Empire)
Rising from a humble background, Theodora became an actress and caught the eye of the future Emperor Justinian, who raised her to the rank of Patrician and married her. As the wife of the emperor, she exerted notable influence, especially on matters of law pertaining to women. Theodora subscribed to the Monophysite form of Christianity and worked to end the persecution of her fellow Monophysites. She died in her early 50s, possibly from breast cancer.
For more about Theodora, visit the Concise Biography of Empress Theodora.


