Theodora: Empress of Byzantium Author: Paolo Cesaretti Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, History Publisher: Vendome Press Release Date: 2004 Pages: 384 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: Theodora of Byzantium, rising from the lowest ranks of Byzantine society, became one of the most important and powerful women in history. In this gripping biography, Theodora's full story is revealed for the first time, according her a well-deserved place in the pantheon of great women. Theodora's meager beginnings as the daughter of a bear-keeper could not have foretold her astonishing future as the wife of Justinian, the powerful ruler of the Byzantine empire. An actress at the time who was chastised for her scandalous performances, she eventually caught the attention of the young Justinian, who was no doubt charmed as much by her beauty as by her cunning. Justinian and Theodora ruled the empire together from their rich and bustling seat of power in Co...