Episode 16: Theodora, The Actress who Became an Empress, the Empress who Became a Saint

Warning: This episode discusses themes of a Sexual Nature including Prostitution.The extraordinary story of one of History's most remarkable women. Episode Icon: Depiction of the Empress Theodora from a contemporary portrait mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th Century, Host’s own photo.Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyhouse1.bsky.social/post/3lxarl2osd22s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EuqMC7Jqf/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyivuk2Iu_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Recommended further reading...Allan Evans, James, ‘The Empress Theodora: Partner of Justinian’, (Austin, 2003).Herrin, Judith, ‘Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe’, (London, 2021).Hughes, Bettany, ‘Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities’, (London, 2017).Potter, David, ‘Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint’, (Oxford, 2017).Procopius, Sarris, Peter (ed. and translator), Williamson, G.A. (Translator), ‘The Secret History’, (London, 2007).Sarris, Peter, ‘Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint’, (New York, 2024).Break Music: Byzantine Memories provided by SonicArt on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 24/08/2025)Ending and closing theme, 'Classical Orchestral Dvorak Serenade Waltz Strings Music, provided by mrqwertz on https://www.pond5.com (Purchased with license on the 01/06/2024)