2Theodora

Unlike the others on this list Theodora was not born in high society. Her father trained bears and her mother was an actress. Theodora followed her mother onto the stage and may have served as a prostitute.

Retiring from her disreputable professions she met Justinian, heir to the throne. Winning his affections they married despite legal difficulties and opposition within the imperial family. When her husband became emperor, Theodora was a powerful presence at court. When riots threatened to topple Justinian it was Theodora who argued against fleeing but to stay and fight. Her protégés rose to positions of enormous power. She used her husband’s reforms of the legal system to improve the rights of women.

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