David Potter. Theodora

The offer to review a book on Empress Theodora did not set my heart racing. What new insights might be provided about Theodora’s polarized reputation, and how could the considerable gaps in our knowledge of her life and actions be filled? The prospect, however, of seeing how one of our most perceptive and knowledgeable analysts of earlier imperial centuries would handle the topic persuaded me to take a look at Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint. I am glad I did. It is not that David Potter can conjure up new evidence, but fresh eyes, impressive command of the bibliography, and easy familiarity with imperial and literary precedent all contribute to a book that is well worth reading, not by those seeking a rehearsal of Theodora’s scandalous reputation, since that is sensibly handled, but by anyone interested in the mechanics of the later Roman Empire. Potter’s approach is essentially contextual: if Theodora’s early days in the entertainment industry, her opportunities within the imperial palace, or her involvement in doctrinal issues are to be understood, then they need to be read alongside what we know about acting and prostitution in Rome, about imperial women from earlier centuries, and about the complexities that thwarted Christian unity. In the same way, the divergent representations of her in the sources need to be read in the light of, on the one hand, the conventions of invective, especially of spurned lovers, and, on the other hand, of hagiography. Most of the twelve chapters are constructed around a particular theme: Constantinople as capital city, traditions of slander, the acting profession, support networks, the palace, imperial policymaking, urban violence, international affairs, religious controversies, and legacy.

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