Theodora

Theodora (/ˌθiːəˈdɔːrə/; Greek: Θεοδώρα; c. 490/500 – 28 June 548) was the wife of emperor Justinian I and Eastern Roman empress from 527 until her death. Theodora was one of Justinian's chief political advisers. She is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, and commemorated on 14 November.

She was of humble origins, having been born to a circus keeper in Constantinople. She worked as a courtesan and actress in her youth. She likely met Justinian sometime before 524, when Justinian's first wife died. They subsequently married and Theodora was crowned empress when Justinian became emperor in 527. She proved an able advisor and empress. She played a crucial role in the suppression of the Nika riots in 532. Theodora and Justinian ordered construction of many grand public works, including the Hagia Sophia. She worked to end prostitution. She engaged in court intrigues, such as the exile of John the Cappadocian, and the exile and death of Pope Silverius and the elevation of Pope Vigilius. She and her husband supported opposite sides in the Chalcedonian schism between Christian Monophysites/Miaphysites and Chalcedonian Christianity, which led Justinian to be occasionally merciful to the Miaphysites despite being a Chalcedonian himself.