LordBest's Gallery of Roman Emperors and Empresses.

Version 2.0

 

Theodora

Theodora was the wife of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Of common background, Theodora began work as a prostitute at age 13, but eventually managed to catch the eye of the future Emperor Justinian, who changed the law to allow their marriage. Immensely powerful, Theodora was co-ruler with Justinian in all but name. Created many refuges for women and instituted the death penalty for rape.