Abstract
M.A.
This particular historical-intertextual study that delves into the life and work of the empress Theodora, wife of Justinian I, have as its fundamental source the testimony of the historian Procopius of Caesarea, contemporary of this “Augusta”. Procopius’ main information is contained in the Anekdota or Secret History, a work generally acknowledged by historians and scholars as one of slander. Nevertheless, it is believed to be the most important source of information of Theodora’s controversial and eventful life.
The purpose of this study is to examine The Treatment of Theodora, empress of Byzantium. We have selected the works of five modern writers, namely Theodora by the French historian-byzantinist C. Diehl, Theodora Augusta by novelist K. Theocharous, Theodora by the Italian historian P. Cezaretti, Theodora by French novelist Guy Rachet and Flaming Purple by the historical writer G. Roussos. Our research has examined whether these above-mentioned biographers of Theodora have brought to light new and important explanations. These, compared to older or more recent historical documentation, have made it possible to collect as much ‘data’ as possible on Theodora and, by comparing this ‘data’, convey the best appreciation possible about the ‘disputed’ and ‘multifarious’ personality of this empress.