Theodora reigned as empress of the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I, from 527 CE until her death in 548 CE. Rising from a humble background and overcoming the prejudices of her somewhat disreputable early career as an actress, Theodora would marry Justinian (r. 527-565 CE) in 525 CE and they would rule together in a golden period of Byzantine history. Portrayed by contemporary writers as scheming, unprincipled, and immoral, the Empress, nevertheless, was also seen as a valuable support to the Emperor, and her direct involvement in state affairs made her one of the most powerful women ever seen in Byzantium.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 497 CEBirth of Empress Theodora of the Byzantine Empire.
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525 CEJustinian I marries Theodora, a woman from a poor background and possibly a courtesan.
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527 CE - 565 CEReign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
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527 CE - 548 CEReign of Empress Theodora of the Byzantine Empire.
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1 Apr 527 CECoronation of Justinian I and Theodora in the Hagia Sophia Church in Constantinople.
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Jan 532 CEThe Nika Revolt lasts over a week in Constantinople during the reign of Justinian I. The disturbance caused the destruction of much of the central city area and was quashed after a significant loss of life.
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548 CEDeath of Empress Theodora of the Byzantine empire, probably of cancer.
