Empress Theodora and the Age of Justinian *Online* * NEW*

Thanks to Procopius’s Secret History, Empress Theodora (c. 495–548) has the reputation as a lascivious and cruel woman, the real ruler of the Roman Empire during its last glorious days under her husband, Justinian I. But what was she really like? What sort of empire did she rule, or at least reign over? And why did she get such a scandalous reputation? We’ll look at the religious conflicts that caused turmoil in the empire, the resurgence in the West, and the famous Nika riots, which originated in chariot-racing factions. Chronologies and a bibliography provided.

Instructor: Brian Bixby