Theodora

Lino portrait by Carine

Theodora was an empress of 6th century Byzantium, the world’s first monotheist empire, with its capital in what is now Istanbul. She married the man who was to become Emperor Justinian I. They married out of love, which was unusual for a man like Justinian at the time. He actually fought for a rule change in order for them to marry. For Theodora this meant she went from being an erotic dancer to ruling an empire, becoming one of the most powerful women of her time. 

Starting off as the daughter of a bear trainer, she made her way through society by using her smarts and, mostly, her body. She was an erotic dancer (one of her specialities included reenacting Leda and the swan using seeds and a real-life bird…) which meant she essentially worked as a prostitute. Having smarts though, men clearly enjoyed her company and she travelled throughout the empire as a companion to rich businessmen. Eventually, she ended up in the capital moving within high enough circles to meet the soon-to-be emperor. Their relationship was unusual in that Justinian was dedicated to her. He appreciated her intellectual input and involved her in state affairs, calling her his ‘partner in my deliberations’.

Through her position and political acumen, she legislated furiously, introducing safe houses for prostitutes, outlawing pimps, and introducing new penalties for rape. Together with Justinian, she crafted plans and political strategies, participated in state councils, and built impressive structures like the Hagia Sophia. The Justinian code – the system of law she developed together with her husband – underpins much of our European law today. The Eastern Orthodox Church still commemorates her today, as a saint, on November 14th.

My lino print is based on a tiled mosaic portrait found on the wall of the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna. It is believed to be the only surviving contemporary portrait.

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Another Theodora graces the Byzantine history pages. Theodora III Porphyrogenita was born in 980 and ruled the Byzantine empire together with her sister Zoë from 1042. After her sister’s death, this Theodora became the sole and last ruler of the Macedonian line.

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