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Empress Theodora

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Monarch

The Resume

    (circa 500-June 28, 548)
    Co-ruler of the Byzantine Empire
    Married to Justinian I

Why she might be annoying:

    The historian Procopius paints an unflattering picture of her and her husband in his work 'The Secret History.'
    She was originally an actress, a burlesque performer, and a prostitute.
    She was the mistress of a government official and had a child with him.
    Her father was a circus bear keeper.
    She allegedly had secret dungeons for her enemies.

Why she might not be annoying:

    Justinian made her his co-ruler.
    During a revolt, as her husband prepared to flee the palace, she gave a speech urging him to remain. He followed her advice and the revolt was quashed. It is believed that her actions saved the empire.
    She supported laws that gave equal rights to women.
    She built homes for prostitutes and outlawed forced prostitution.
    She was renowned for her beauty.
    She and her husband were canonized as saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Credit: The Truffle


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 189 Votes: 50.79% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 28 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 30 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 28 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 23 Votes: 73.91% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 67 Votes: 62.69% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 20 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 18 Votes: 61.11% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 37 Votes: 43.24% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 67 Votes: 49.25% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 77 Votes: 45.45% Annoying