Theodora

What were the main achievements of Theodora? (choose TWO)

• Passed laws protecting women

• Converted to Christianity

• Ruled when Justinian was sick

• Divided the Roman Empire

What "rights" did Empress Theodora help to protect?

• Women's rights

• Rights of horses

• She didn't help to protect any group

What was Theodora's job before she married Justinian?

• Pony Express rider

• Seamstress - making silk products

• Slave girl and dancer at the Hippodrome

• A professional clothing model

Jobs: Theodora believed what...?

• Only elite society men should have good jobs

• Jobs should be for ability - not social class

• Nobody should work

When the Persians raided Constantinople, Justinian hid. What did Theodora do?

• She ran and hid with her husband Justinian

• She called her dad

• She rallied the Byzantine troops to fight the Persians

How did Justinian find Theodora and what did Justinian want?

• Justinian accidentally slammed into her while riding his horse, so he helped her up and gave her a job.

• Justinian bought Theodora from her owners and wanted her as a concubine.

• Justinian found out about Theodora from a friend and he went to watch her dance. Justinian wanted her for his wife.

What happened to Justinian and Theodora when the Nika Riots took place in 532 A.D.?

• Justinian faced the crowd and decided to work on their issues.

• Justinian and Theodora took off and went to Syria.

• Justinian ran and hid and Theodora faced the crowd and motivated her army with a great speech.

What play was she in that increased her popularity?

• She was never in a play...she was just a dancer

• Theodora played Livia in the play called Augustus Caesar

• Theodora was in a hit play called Lada and the Swan

Why did Emperor Justin tell Justinian that he could not marry Theodora?

• Emperor Justin said "Go ahead...and if you marry her you will no longer be a royal!"

• Emperor Justin said that royal people could not marry entertainers because of the law

• Emperor Justin said, "Yeah, marry her...but I'll make you move to Judea or Egypt if you do!"

What was Theodora's early profession before becoming Empress?

• A) Actress and dancer

• B) Weaver

• C) Merchant

• D) Scribe