All About - History - Hitler Versus Stain

not, however, there are hints at a darker side to
Theodora’s story, at the lengths the proud and selfrighteous
empress would go to achieve her aims.
There are tales of forced marriages at Theodora’s
behest, and the vindictive hounding of officials
who displeased her from office. Although not
proven, there were also rumours Theodora was
involved in the murder of Amalasuintha of the
Goths, a potential rival for Justinian’s hand.
It is Theodora’s reported influence during the
events of the infamous Nika revolt, however, that
are the most cited example of her power and
influence both in political matters and with her
husband. In January 532, the Hippodrome in
Constantinople, the venue of the popular chariot
races, was the scene of the biggest challenge
to Justinian’s reign. The sweeping reforms and
expansive building programme instigated by the
emperor throughout the city were met with protest
at the disruption they caused, and this discontent
erupted as the pressures took their toll on an
already strained population. Riots broke out, and
although they were put down and the ringleaders
rounded up, two escaped, with mercy demanded
for the fugitives at the next races. When this was
denied by Justinian, violence surged afresh, and
with the additional involvement of members of
the aristocracy, it became not just an occasion
Claiming Back the West
With Theodora at his side, Justinian embarked upon a determined quest
to reclaim lands lost to the former Roman Empire in the west. Just how
successful was he in this mission?
of popular unrest, but a political coup with the
intention of removing the emperor for good.
A rival candidate, a nobleman with imperial
blood named Hypatius, was proposed and
enthroned, the violence in the Hippodrome
escalating and forcing Justinian and his advisers
back into the palace. The emperor was prepared
to flee, when the former actress stepped forward
to perform perhaps the most important role of her
life. It was not, Theodora told her husband, time
to run away – an emperor should never be in the
position of fugitive, and it was better to die an
emperor in the role allotted to him than to be safe
in hiding. Shamed, scolded or given much-needed
fight, Justinian stood firm. Sending his troops to
the Hippodrome, the revolt was decisively crushed,
with between 30,000 and 35,000 rebels left dead.
The pretender Hypatius was executed, as were
others closely involved, and Justinian emerged
the victor: his position unassailable and his wife
vindicated and triumphant.