Theodora: Empress of Byzantium / Edition 1

by Paolo Cesaretti

Overview

This book is a gripping, long-overdue biography of one of the most intriguing and powerful female figures of Western history: Theodora of Byzantium. Ruthlessly criticized and reviled by her contemporaries, Theodora, the beautiful wife of Emperor Justinian, began her life as the daughter of a bear-keeper and rose to be Justinian's partner in politics as well as in life, ruling from 527 to 548. She stood by his side in Constantinople as he built a "second Rome," waging battles against the Goths and Vandals, quelling nationalist unrest in Egypt, and suppressing a rebellion at their doorstep by mercilessly slaughtering 30,000 in Constantinople's stadium. Theodora's political savvy saved Justinian's empire time and time again.When the European editions of Theodora were published, it was hailed as the "Book of the Year." Author Paolo Cesaretti received the Ginzano Cavour Prize for sifting through a vast range of documentary material to deliver a richly entertaining story of an ambitious and cunning woman who defied the conventions of her time and triumphed over those who sought to defame and destroy her. Author Bio: Paolo Cesaretti, an internationally recognized authority in Byzantine studies, teaches at the University of Chieti, Italy. In addition to his many books, he regularly contributes to important Italian publications, including Corriere della Sera and Il Giornale.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900865652377
Publisher:	Vendome Press
Publication date:	06/15/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Paolo Cesaretti, an internationally recognized authority in Byzantine studies, teaches at the University of Chieti, Italy. In addition to his many books, he regularly contributes to important Italian publications, including Corriere della Sera and Il Giornale.

Table of Contents

	Foreword	9
	Map of Constantinople	11
	Family of Theodora	13
	Introduction	15
1	"Keeper of the Bears"	25
2	"He Removed These Persons from That Office... They Conferred This Position ... upon Them"	43
3	"As Each One Seemed to Her to Be Ripe for This Calling"	59
4	"She Immediately Became Admired for This Sort of Thing"	71
5	"Contriver of Shameless Deeds Above All Others"	87
6	"She Was at a Loss for the Necessities of Life"	99
7	"The Pious ... the Saintly ... the Devout"	113
8	"I, Consul"	129
9	"They Received Imperial Power"	147
10	"Harmonious Movement"	167
11	"Royalty Is a Good Burial-Shroud"	185
12	"The Victories That Heaven Has Granted Us"	207
13	"Our Most Pious Consort Given Us by God"	227
14	"Inhuman Cruelty"	249
15	"Solomon, I Have Conquered You!"	269
16	"God ... Entrusted These Lands to the Demons of Violence"	295
17	"Loyal to Her Family"	315
18	"Her Next Stage"	331
	Epilogue	345
	Notes	355
	Glossary	371
	About the Sources	379
	Selected Bibliography	385
	Photo Credits	389
	Acknowledgments	391
	Index	393

Editorial Reviews

Set in sixth-century Byzantium, this is a real rags-to-riches story about one of the most fascinating women of antiquity. The daughter of a bear-keeper, Theodora went on to become a mime in obscene productions, a prostitute, a mistress of wealthy patrons, and, at last, an empress. The change in her fortunes occurred when she became the mistress of Justinian, nephew and heir of Justin, the emperor of Byzantium. Intelligent and ambitious, Theodora formed a partnership with Justinian that, in the end, saw him enthroned. Together, they ruled the empire from its seat in Constantinople, and Theodora has been credited with saving the empire more than once. Cesaretti (Univ. of Chieti, Italy), an expert in Byzantine studies, captures the world of this powerful couple for modern readers while illustrating their importance to world history. This lively account, which includes 40 black-and-white illustrations, will be of interest to students of women's history as well as to those concerned with Byzantium. Recommended for public and academic libraries.-Robert J. Andrews, Duluth P.L., MN Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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