From acrobatic circus to imperial political theatre

Introduction

Contrary to what many people imagine about the pre-Renaissance era, which did not allow women to participate socially or economically, let alone engage in politics or hold senior positions in the country.

History in ancient times witnessed the emergence of female figures who controlled the political process through their control of the ruling system.

An example of this is the Pharaonic Queen Hatshepsut, who emerged during what is known in Pharaonic history as the New Kingdom. This state succeeded in establishing the world's first pharaonic empire, extending from the Euphrates River in the north to Nubia in the south, encompassing Phoenicia, the Levant, and the islands of the Mediterranean.

After her, the Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra emerged, ruling Egypt and directing the country's policy during a complex historical period during the Western Roman Empire, when conflict erupted between the Roman Emperors Augustus and Octavian, and the Roman Empire was nearly split into two parts.

The role of women in history continued in the Middle Ages, and even in Islamic history, which placed restrictions on women assuming supreme leadership of the state, Queen Shajar al-Durr appeared in Egypt, who led the country during a difficult period during the days of the Crusades.

Theodora

Theodora is one of the most prominent women in Byzantine history, and her life represents a rare example of a transition from social marginality to the pinnacle of political power in a major empire. Born in the late fifth century AD, Theodora was the daughter of a man who worked in the Byzantine circus, a venue that combined acrobatic performances with popular theater and was a prominent feature of popular life in the capital, Constantinople.

From circus to palace

Theodora grew up in a theatrical environment, where the acrobatic circus was not just for entertainment, but also a stage for political messages and ideological orientations, especially in a society saturated with conflicts between political-athletic teams such as the Blues and the Greens. Theodora participated in circus and theater performances and was known for her beauty and intelligence, but she was not just an artist; she was opinionated and ambitious, which later paved the way for her to become the emperor's partner.

Her origins

There was a man named Acacius  in Byzantium who worked as a keeper of circus animals  in the region during this period. He belonged to the Green Party - Theodore's political life was influenced by the rise of the Blue and Green Parties - and he held the title of Keeper of Bears. This man died in Byzantium, leaving three daughters, Anastasius sitting on the throne of the Emperor at a time when the Emperor was Anastasius, Komito, and Theodore . They had not yet completed their seventh year, and were already grown. The mother (the mother of the three girls) married another man named Asterius to help her manage the house and care for the animals....

As the girls grew up, their mother placed them on the stage.They were very attractive—not all of them were like this at the same time—and in any case, it seemed to her that each one of them was mature enough for this job . Procopius continues his description of what happened after their father’s death, saying: “The three girls were in the same condition, among them Theodora, who came after the time, and Theodora Komito, who had already become one of the most famous prostitutes. She wore a short-sleeved shirt, which was the maid’s clothing, and she used to help her sister in various ways, following her everywhere, always carrying on her shoulders the seat on which her sister used to sit in public meetings” 

after the means of living in Byzantium became difficult for her, in search of what would enable her to obtain the necessities of life. Then she embarked on a journey around the entire East  after which she returned to Byzantium.