In this episode, we explore the extraordinary lives of Euphemia and Theodora, two women who rose from obscurity to become empresses of the Byzantine Empire. Their stories—filled with ambition, resilience, and reform—challenge traditional narratives of power and privilege in late antiquity. From the sensational accounts of Procopius to the lasting legacies of their reforms, we’ll uncover how their lives were shaped by, and in turn, shaped the cultural and political landscape of their time.

Key Quotes:

1. "Euphemia, born a slave and once known as Lupicina, transformed her identity to embody the piety expected of an empress."
2. "Theodora’s reforms addressed marriage, dowry rights, and protections for women sold into slavery—legislation that echoed her own experiences."
3. "Procopius described Theodora as 'Theodora from the Brothel,' highlighting not just his disdain for her origins, but his fear of women who wielded power."
4. "The name Lupicina, linked to the Latin word for 'she-wolves,' connected Euphemia to both sacred Etruscan traditions and the lowest class of Roman society."
5. "In Justinian and Theodora’s marriage, Procopius saw not just a union of two people but a symbol of societal upheaval that blurred class distinctions."

Through the lens of Euphemia and Theodora’s lives, we’ll explore the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, the power of identity and narrative, and the ways in which women shaped the empire from behind the scenes. Join me as we unravel the truths and myths surrounding these two remarkable empresses.