page_title: Theodora (6th century)
section_title: Reign as Empress
hierarchical_section_title: Theodora (6th century) / Reign as Empress
caption_attribution_description: English: San Vitale (Ravenna) - Mosaic of Iustinianus I
context_page_description: Theodora was an Eastern Roman empress by marriage to Emperor Justinian. She became empress upon Justinian's accession in 527 and was one of his chief advisers, albeit from humble origins. Along with her spouse, Theodora is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in the Oriental Orthodox Church, commemorated on 14 November and 28 June respectively.
context_section_description: When Justinian succeeded to the throne in 527, two years after the marriage, Theodora was crowned Augusta and became empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. She shared in his plans and political strategies, participated in state councils, and Justinian called her his "partner in my deliberations."  She had her own court, her own official entourage, and her own imperial seal.
  She was often present when the Emperor held court, and even held court independently when the Emperor was unwell. She was given charge of his imperial seal, implying that her perusal and consent were necessary before any document or order received legal validity. The Emperor sought her views on most matters before issuing orders. Other Eastern Roman empresses to command such devotion from her husband included Theodora's niece Sophia.
caption: Depiction of Justinian from a contemporary portrait mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna
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