Theodora
Theodora was Empress of the Roman Empire married to Emperor Justinian. She was born in 500 AD and died in Constantinople 548 AD. Her father Acacius was a bear trainer at a hippodrome in Constantinople. After her fathers death she worked on the stage in the hippodrome as a mime. She then became a full-fledged actress, which at the time was synonymous with "prostitute". At the very young age of 16 she traveled to northern Africa as the companion of Hecebolus. After four years with Hecebolus she traveled back to Constantinople, but before arriving she settled in Alexandria, Egypt. There she adopted the beliefs of Monophysitism, Christianity was only divine. On the other hand Orthodox believed that Christianity was humain and divine. After her conversion to monophysitism, Theodora gave up her former lifestyle and returned to Constantinople in 522 AD. She settled in a house near the palace, and it was there that she drew the attention of Justinian. Justinian had met her years ago, when she was a mime. He was double her age, but he was so in love with her that he wanted to marry her. A roman law forbade government officials from marrying actresses, but Justinian repealed the law and married Theodora in 525 AD. At that time Justin was the Emperor, he crowned Justinian and Theodora on April 527 AD. that same year Justin Died leaving Justinian and Theodora in the throne, they were great rulers. Theodora displayed initiative and great leadership. Together they re-build Constantinople, building more than 25 churches. The Hagia Sophia was known to be the greatest. Theodora influenced Justinians legal reforms and passed laws that prohibited forced prostitution, she also established homes to prostitutes. Even though Justinian was Orthodox, Theodora still followed Monophysitism. She died of cancer on June 28, 548 AD and was buried in the church of the Holy Apostles, one of the many churches they build in Constantinople. Theodora and Justinian are represented in Beautiful mosaics found in the church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.