How an actress became a powerful Byzantine empress
From a controversial actress, Theodora rose to become Byzantine Empress, wielding immense political power and famously saving her husband Justinian's reign.
Theodora, born around 500 AD, defied social norms to become one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. Starting as a risqué mime actress, a profession often stigmatized, her charisma captivated Justinian, a rising official. Their marriage, around 525 AD, required Justinian to change a law forbidding high officials from wedding actresses.
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