Theodora (wife of Justinian I)

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/theodora-wife-of-justinian-i

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Theodora (wife of Justinian I) born?Circa 500 AD
2. Where was Theodora (wife of Justinian I) born?Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey)
3. What is Theodora (wife of Justinian I) known for?Patron of arts and architecture, notably the reconstruction of the Hagia Sophia
4. What is the spouse?Emperor Justinian I
5. What is the key political role?Co-ruler and influential advisor to Justinian I
6. Who was Theodora and how did she become empress?Theodora was a former actress who married the powerful Justinian. After laws were changed to allow her marriage, she became empress when Justinian became emperor in 527 AD.

Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, a major power center from late antiquity through the Middle Ages.
Nika Riots: A violent civil disturbance in Constantinople in 532 AD that nearly cost Justinian his throne.
Hippodrome: A large public venue in Constantinople used for chariot races and other spectacles.
Patronage: The support given by a wealthy person or institution to artists, writers, or scholars.