Wow - I took a class on the history of Byzantine Empire in college and never knew Theodora worked in a brothel / as an actress. Then again, the class mostly focused on Emperor Justinian himself
Emperor Justinian was a lucky guy to have her. >> Wikipedia has the following: Both John of Ephesus and Procopius (in his Secret History) relate that Theodora from an early age followed her sister Komito's example and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low-status customers; later she performed on stage.[7] Lynda Garland in "Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium, AD 527–1204" notes that there seems to be little reason to believe she worked out of a brothel "managed by a pimp". Employment as an actress at the time would include both "indecent exhibitions on stage" and providing sexual services off stage. In what Garland calls the "sleazy entertainment business in the capital", Theodora earned her living by a combination of her theatrical and sexual skills.[8] In Procopius' account, Theodora made a name for herself with her salacious portrayal of Leda and the Swan.[9] >> Moment of bad ass, from Wikipedia: Theodora proved herself a worthy and able leader during the Nika riots. There were two rival political factions in the Empire, the Blues and the Greens, who started a riot in January 532 during a chariot race in the hippodrome. The riots stemmed from many grievances, some from Justinian's and Theodora's own actions.[11] The rioters set many public buildings on fire, and proclaimed a new emperor, Hypatius, the nephew of former emperor Anastasius I. Unable to control the mob, Justinian and his officials prepared to flee. At a meeting of the government council, Theodora spoke out against leaving the palace and underlined the significance of someone who died as a ruler instead of living as an exile or in hiding, saying, "royal purple is noblest shroud"[12] Her determined speech convinced them all, including Justinian himself, who had been preparing to run. As a result, Justinian ordered his loyal troops led by two reliable officers, Belisarius and Mundus, to attack the demonstrators in the hippodrome. His generals attacked the hippodrome, killing (according to Procopius) over 30,000 rebels. Despite his claims that he was unwillingly named emperor by the mob, Hypatius was also put to death, apparently at Theodora's insistence.Historians agree that it was Theodora's courage and decisiveness that saved Justinian's reign. Justinian never forgot that it was Theodora who had saved his throne.
Shady Sadie...
That's a great name
Here's another of my favorite:
Thank you,
To You and Hound for posting such.
Almost certain, its an inspiration to the likes...
Zoe Piers.
What a cool read. We don't usually get a whole lot of respect. Thanks
CharityXXX
43505
This list has a few from the one you posted, but a few others including Christine Keeler, who brought down the entire British government. See! Even those staid Brits think with the little head sometimes.
You are such a groupie.
You are such a ____________________
Seriously. Its a combination of finger, and slap bass technique that give way to that distorted sound.
It's from the string actually hitting the pickup very quickly.
Thanks for the good tune!
BTW. I don't care if you were trying to insult me. I didn't get it anyway 
Wow - I took a class on the history of Byzantine Empire in college and never knew Theodora worked in a brothel / as an actress. Then again, the class mostly focused on Emperor Justinian himself
Emperor Justinian was a lucky guy to have her.
>> Wikipedia has the following:
Both John of Ephesus and Procopius (in his Secret History) relate that Theodora from an early age followed her sister Komito's example and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low-status customers; later she performed on stage.[7] Lynda Garland in "Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium, AD 527–1204" notes that there seems to be little reason to believe she worked out of a brothel "managed by a pimp". Employment as an actress at the time would include both "indecent exhibitions on stage" and providing sexual services off stage. In what Garland calls the "sleazy entertainment business in the capital", Theodora earned her living by a combination of her theatrical and sexual skills.[8] In Procopius' account, Theodora made a name for herself with her salacious portrayal of Leda and the Swan.[9]
>> Moment of bad ass, from Wikipedia:
Theodora proved herself a worthy and able leader during the Nika riots. There were two rival political factions in the Empire, the Blues and the Greens, who started a riot in January 532 during a chariot race in the hippodrome. The riots stemmed from many grievances, some from Justinian's and Theodora's own actions.[11] The rioters set many public buildings on fire, and proclaimed a new emperor, Hypatius, the nephew of former emperor Anastasius I. Unable to control the mob, Justinian and his officials prepared to flee. At a meeting of the government council, Theodora spoke out against leaving the palace and underlined the significance of someone who died as a ruler instead of living as an exile or in hiding, saying, "royal purple is noblest shroud"[12]
Her determined speech convinced them all, including Justinian himself, who had been preparing to run. As a result, Justinian ordered his loyal troops led by two reliable officers, Belisarius and Mundus, to attack the demonstrators in the hippodrome. His generals attacked the hippodrome, killing (according to Procopius) over 30,000 rebels. Despite his claims that he was unwillingly named emperor by the mob, Hypatius was also put to death, apparently at Theodora's insistence.
Historians agree that it was Theodora's courage and decisiveness that saved Justinian's reign. Justinian never forgot that it was Theodora who had saved his throne.