Theodora (wife of Justinian I)
| Theodora | |
|---|---|
| Augusta | |
Depiction from a contemporary portrait mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna | |
| Byzantine empress | |
| Tenure | 1 April 527 – 28 June 548 |
| Born | c. 490–500 |
| Died | 28 June 548 Constantinople, Byzantine Empire |
| Burial | |
| Spouse | Justinian I |
| Dynasty | Justinian |
| Religion | Non-Chalcedonian Christianity |
Theodora (/ˌθiːəˈdɔːrə/; Greek: Θεοδώρα; c. 490/500 – 28 June 548) was a Byzantine empress and wife of emperor Justinian I. She was from humble origins and became empress when her husband became emperor in 527. Theodora was one of his chief political advisers. She is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church, and commemorated on 14 November.