Obsessed with Theodora…
In the midst of researching a new book for Pen & Sword on medieval queendom, Empress Theodora has halted me in my tracks. When a real character captures your imagination – you want to chase down every lead, every detail, to create a 3D, surround-sound picture of their life. I’m supported by some superb historical fiction by Stella Duffy and some historical books by Judith Herrin, an absolute expert on Byzantine women and archaeology. Theodora started life at the bottom – the daughter of a poor bear keeper at the Hippodrome – the 30,000 seat capacity racing track, circus and entertainment arena at the heart of Constantinople (today’s Istanbul). Through a series of events, she rose from actress and whore to Augusta: Empress of Rome, alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian. Now all I need is for Kings College London to make their MPhil/PhD in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies Research programme available online…….Watch this space #womenshistory #Byzantium #Byzantine #Theodora #Justinian #herstorically
