One of the most striking and original figures ever occupied the Byzantine throne was Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian.History Theodora, a woman of unusual destiny, women shagnuvshey with scaffolding stage almost from the panel on the imperial throne, has always aroused curiosity and interest.Contemporaries spoke of her most incredible stories, which later were decorated with new romantic details.Perhaps precisely because of the legends about her adventures, Theodore was the only one of all the Byzantine empresses, known to the general public.
Unfortunately, history has preserved little authentic information about this amazing woman.But in any case it was not just a clever adventurer: too much has been made for greatness Theodora of Byzantium, not only for his own elevation.It was truly a great sovereign.
Theodore was born in Cyprus 500-year.It is known that a child with her parents, she arrived in Constantinople.Some legends out of respect for the imperial dignity, which Theodore reached later attributed it more noble, more decent origin, calling her father a senator.But in fact, her father was a minister at the Hippodrome of Constantinople and died, leaving a widow in great poverty, and three young daughters.Little Theodore grew up in a rather dubious society backroom regulars racecourse.When she grew up, it became an actress and appeared in pantomime.
Flatterers said that Theodore was of incomparable beauty, "so that the words and art of people unable to represent it."According to its poritsateley, she was a pretty woman, not very tall, very graceful, with a somewhat pale face, his eyes filled with liveliness.Theodore was actually very beautiful, and it was recognized even her enemies.
This beauty is not brings us to the full her official portrait, which is in the church of St. Vital in Ravenna.Theodore is depicted in the mosaic of faded beauty with a weary and pensive face.Dressed in robes, it seems a little taller.Under the crown, hiding her forehead - a gentle, somewhat thin face with long, straight, regular shape face.The only feature of this portrait is preserved at - large black eyes, gleaming from under the dark line accrete eyebrows.
Theodore captivated not only by its beauty.She was smart, witty, hilarious, so quickly achieved success not only in the theater, but also outside it.Thanks to its ardent temperament, amorousness, innate inclination for pleasure, Theodore did not lead a righteous life, and to twenty years acquired a dubious reputation first among the courtesans of Byzantium.
long time Theodore was in Alexandria, scientific and cultural center of the world then, where could not help but be influenced by the environment in which it scored circumstances.It is believed that it is here, in Alexandria, it happened some broken.When she returned to Constantinople, then abruptly changed his lifestyle.Some legends suggest that at this time she was secluded, quiet and very moral life.Settling in a modest little house, she did needlework and spinning wool, the Roman matron good old days.And that she earned a living.This is where it met Justinian and "madly in love".
Theodore literally bewitched Justinian.Lovestruck, he did not refuse her anything.Theodore loved money - he showered her wealth, she craved adoration and honors - he procured his uncle attributing it to the patrician class.Contact Theodora was so strong that during Justinian decided that whatever was to marry her.Emperor Justin, who gave little importance nobility of origin, without hesitation, gave his beloved nephew consent to the marriage.But in order to marry Theodora, Justinian had to overcome great difficulties.The fact that Roman law forbade marriages senators, patricians, and other dignitaries from the low-born women, actresses and courtesans.This obstacle was overcome Justinian.He bowed, perhaps, the old emperor and forced to publish a law that henceforth actresses abandon old way of life, were allowed to marry.
in 525 in Hagia Sophia got married Justinian and Theodora.And two years later in the same Cathedral Patriarch of Constantinople, solemnly crowned Emperor Justinian on.This triumph shared with her husband and Theodore, who became empress now.And then, according to the Byzantine tradition, Justinian and Theodora, the newly crowned surrounded by the patricians and the guard came to the circus, to the Imperial box to take a seat on a golden throne and, according to the rite, in the fall of the cross head assembled people.Theodore took greetings and wishes from the people on the racetrack, which once witnessed her acting debut.
How very clever and flirtatious woman, Theodora realized that beauty - a true guarantee of its power.So much care and attention she paid to their appearance.To give the tenderness and the charm of his face, Theodore always slept very long.To preserve the color of the face and make it more freshness for a long time and it often took baths, followed by long hours of rest.
Among other things, this smart, bossy woman was busy with more serious matters than love affairs.Theodore had those high qualities that justify its desire for power.Thanks to them, she was able for the entire period of his rule, and enjoy a well-deserved deep influence on Justinian adored her.It was for him, as one of his contemporaries, "the sweetest charm."Yes, and the Justinian in one of the official acts with great pleasure noted that Theodore was "his gift from God."Emperor in no way denied his wife - in honors, nor in the actual use of the sovereign power.While Theodore was on the imperial throne, she ruled an empire as much as Justinian, and perhaps even more.All chroniclers unanimously argued that the most important matters she was an employee of the emperor and enjoyed the same authority as he did.
29 June 548, the Empress Theodora died at the age of 48 years.She was buried with all its emperors ceremonies.Justinian mourned bitterly for him this great loss.During his lifetime he admired her, after the death of awe stored memories.In memory of Theodore, he surrounded himself with those persons who were close to her.
Empress Theodora was one of the most famous women in Byzantine history.In an effort to retain power, achieved with such difficulty, it was cruel, harsh, despotic, unforgiving to those who caused her hatred.It is ambitious, she shook her yard and empire intrigues.But at the same time, this beautiful, flirtatious and clever woman had a strong will, determination and breadth of political outlook.In short, if it belonged to the vices of its origin and its time, it truly royal dignity belong to her.
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