31. Empress Theodora used her position to try and improve women’s rights.
Euphemia was succeeded as empress of the eastern empire by, Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian, famed for the Justinian legal code. Like Euphemia, Theodora came from a less than exulted background. Her father was a trainer of wild beasts used in the arena. Theodora herself started her career as an actress (and reputedly a prostitute). However, she was employed in the less glamorous trade as a wool spinner when she caught Justinian’s eye. Theodora became his mistress. She later became his wife — after a special law allowed the future emperor could marry an ex-actress. As empress, Theodora was a much more political animal than her predecessor. She served as Justinian’s right hand, negotiating foreign policy and suppressing rebellions — as well as attempting to improve women’s rights.
