Empress Theodora

Byzantine empress who transformed women's rights in 6th-century Constantinople

Theodora (500-548 CE), former actress and courtesan, rose to become co-ruler of the Byzantine Empire with Justinian I. Her most revolutionary act came during the Nika Riots of 532 CE when she prevented Justinian's flight, declaring 'Purple makes a fine shroud' - convincing him to fight and save the empire.

She enacted sweeping legal reforms including:

• Anti-trafficking laws punishing forced prostitution
• Property rights allowing women to inherit equally
• Divorce protections and death penalty for rape

Theodora built the Hagia Sophia's original version and established monasteries for reformed prostitutes. Her laws became foundational to Byzantine jurisprudence, with 25 surviving edicts addressing women's issues specifically.

Procopius' scandalous Secret History attempted to discredit her, but modern scholars recognize Theodora as a political genius who reshaped imperial power structures. Her unprecedented influence demonstrated how marginalized individuals could transform an empire's social fabric.