One-shots of fascinating, tragic, beautiful and little-known true love stories. Most are from history. Some are from legends and myths. All of them have touched my heart in some way, and I hope they touch yours too.
Oh, and I've also made a graphic...
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Time Period: Golden Era of the Byzantine Empire (6th Century), Constantinople Source: Historical Documentation Song: Byzantine Hymn from the 6th Century, mixing Latin and Greek (video above) •·················•·················•
Justinian and Theodora ruled from the old capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople (now called Istanbul). Both of them are now venerated Saints in the Orthodox Church. Theodora would come to be known as the most powerful woman in Byzantium, ruling right alongside her husband and influencing many of his decisions. Some even say it was truly she who ruled the Empire. She wasn't always set on this path to become Empress, though. She had actually been a prostitute and an actress, and Justinian fell in love with her at first sight. He even changed the laws around just so he could marry her!
So let's delve in.
Here's what you need to know first. Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire by Emperor Constantine during the 4th Century. He made Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) its capital. Quickly (next-generation-quickly), Christianity was not only legalized, but became the official religion! But the Roman Empire was then split into the West and the East in the 5th century. Sometimes, the Byzantine Empire is called the Eastern Roman Empire. They are interchangeable. The Western Roman Empire didn't last long, so we don't really need to specify between the two of them.
Byzantine was a whole new era - in art, in architecture, in literature, in religion... Think icons, think byzantine hymns, think mosaics, think churches with big domes (like the Hagia Sofia)... Greek now dominated in the Empire. In fact, our Justinian was the last Roman Emperor to speak Latin.
Justinian didn't really want to become an Emperor. In fact, he was living out in the countryside of modern-day Serbia with his parents, wanting to become a simple farmer just like them.
But his uncle, Emperor Justin, wanted Justinian to come live with him in Constantinople and get the best education the empire could offer. His treat. Justin didn't have any other children, though, and as he grew older it became clear that Justinian would have to be his heir.
Now, becoming the Roman Emperor was no small task. It wasn't just a government - it was a "theocracy". It was God speaking through the Emperor in order to lead his people. Justinian would become God's second-in-command. Like I said, it was a big deal.
It was especially a big deal because Justinian really had his eye on this one actress who was rising in fame for her great performing talents. She worked in a brothel in Constantinople (don't worry, that's not how he met her) and was also performing on stage whenever she could. She was especially known for her performance in a play of Leda and the Swan.
