num_pages: 448
description: Where Theodora went trouble followedIn sixth century Constantinople one woman Theodora defied every convention and all the odds and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. But the woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was in fact a scrappy clever conniving flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever toldWhen her father dies suddenly Theodora and her sisters face starvation on the streets. Determined to survive Theodora makes a living any way she canfirst on her back with every man who will have her then on the stage of the citys infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door entry into the halls of power she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protectoronly to face heartbreak and betrayal. Ever resilient Theodora rises above such trials and by a twist of fate meets her most passionate admirer yet: the Emperors nephew. She will thrive as his confidant and courtesan but many challenges lie ahead. For one day this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonderis she bold enough shrewd enough and strong enough to keep it?
language: English
title: The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora
publisher: Berkley