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.

Her meeting with Justinian

Theodore's birth and upbringing were a common topic among the people of all kinds, and when she returned to Byzantium, Justinian (who by this time had reached the rank of a member of the Council of the Seven) was waiting for her to have enormous influence. He initially took her as his mistress and promoted her to the rank of nobility, which enabled her (Theodore) to have great wealth and power   "Nature gave her strength and personal experience in Theodora's personality, or the ability to appear in public, and self-confidence - which she was able to exploit in powerful images - in addition to the fact that she was not afraid of anyone, which enabled her to reach this powerful position, and become Emperor

He was impressed by her strong personality and political acumen. Although the law prohibited noblemen from marrying actresses or dancers, Justinian insisted on amending the law to marry her. After the death of Justin I, Justinian became emperor in 527 AD, and Theodora became his co-emperor, with equal influence.

Obstacles facing Justinian's marriage to Theodora

There were several obstacles to Justinian's marriage to Theodora. The first was Empress Euphemia, Justin's wife, whose character was characterized by aversion to anything that was incorrect or contrary to Byzantine Roman law. This was despite her lack of culture and complete ignorance of state affairs.

Although she did not oppose Justinian's actions, she did oppose his marriage to a circus dancer.

The second obstacle was that the Roman laws also prohibited a senator from marrying a dancer, and perhaps Theodora was said to be a prostitute, but Empress Euphemia died and Justin reached such an advanced age and weakness that he became an object of ridicule among his people. On the other hand, everyone courted Justinian and feared him because he had reached a stage of great political influence.

Despite all these obstacles, Justinian chose the right moment to marry Theodora. He forced his uncle, Emperor Justin, to abolish the law that prohibited senators from marrying prostitutes, and to issue another new law that allowed his uncle to do so.

Justinian was then able to declare himself emperor of the entire Byzantine Empire during the lifetime of Emperor Justin, and thus Justinian and Theodora exercised their imperial authority three days before Easter. Justin then died of natural causes after ruling for 9 years.

Theodora and the Political Theatre

Theodora played a pivotal role in imperial politics. She was resolute and courageous, and she contributed to the suppression of the Nicaean Revolt in 532 AD when Justinian hesitated to confront the rebels. Her decisive words were: "The throne must not be abandoned, and death is better than flight." This immortal phrase saved the empire from collapse and established her image as an invincible leader.

She also supported legal reforms and women's rights, and helped improve the conditions of women, especially those who suffered from discrimination, poverty, or slavery. She influenced the empire's religious policy, leaning toward Monophysitism (the one nature of Christ), while Justinian was trying to reconcile the various sects.

Theodora's legacy

Theodora died in 548 AD, but she left an indelible mark on Byzantine history. She was more than just an empress; she was a symbol of social and political transformation, combining theatrical cunning with the acumen of government. She began her career in the acrobatic circus arena, but ended it as the most powerful woman in the greatest empire of the age.