Theodora (wife of Justinian I)
Theodora (/ˌθiːəˈdɔːrə/; Greek: Θεοδώρα; c. 490 – 28 June 548)[1] was a Byzantine empress and wife of emperor Justinian. She was from humble origins and became empress when her husband became emperor in 527. She was one of his chief advisers. Theodora is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church, commemorated on 28 June.
For other uses, see Theodora.Theodora
1 April 527 – 28 June 548
c. 490
28 June 548 (aged 58)
Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
14 November in the Eastern Orthodox Church, 28 June in the Syriac Orthodox Church
Imperial Vestment
Death[edit]
Theodora's death is recorded by Victor of Tonnena, with the cause uncertain; however, the Greek terms used are often translated as "cancer". Victor notes the death date was 28 June 548 and her age as 48, although other sources report that she died at 51.[46][47] Later accounts attribute the death to breast cancer but this was not identified in the original report, where the use of the term "cancer" probably referred to a more general "suppurating ulcer or malignant tumor".[47] She was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. During a procession in 559, Justinian visited and lit candles for her tomb.[48]