The Unconventional Woman That Was Theodora

Theodora's life began as a tragedy. Her father was a trainer at the Constantinople Arena and was killed by a bear, a horrible end for someone who has trained wild beasts for a long time. Her mother, on the other hand, was not able to handle the role of a widow too well. Being left with three daughters, she initially led them to work as circus helpers only to put them to the degrading task of being brothel workers in the end.
Theodora's life at the brothel began as she worked as an assistant to the dishonorable women at the time. Being the younger sister of Comito, an experienced prostitute, she followed her around with a small stool over her head. Only ten then, she waited as her sister did her duties.
At twelve, Theodora became sophisticated enough to assume the profession's full duties. She worked just long enough to become an actress in the end. Back in the day, this was no elevation of
social rank. Actresses were viewed no better than courtesans, even race horses.
Theodora became a renown entertainer, endowed with unique gifts. She had her way of catching her spectators' attention. It was easy for her to send an entire crowd to gales of laughter.

Theodora was seductive, young and talented, the very reasons why older women hated her and why men sought her. She readily sold her charms to plebeians and patricians alike. Rich or poor, she did not care about the man's nobility. All she ever cared about was the amount of money in their pockets. Yet it was a nobleman that became her life's first blessing.
Hekebolus, a Tyrian nobleman, was then just appointed as a governor of Pentapolis, an African province when he met Theodora. He hired her as an entertainer to one of his banquets. Her performance delighted him so much that she became his mistress. This was a huge step for an animal trainer's daughter.
Living in the governor's mansion, she was perpetually with her eunuch who was her only source of gossip. Pretty soon, the eunuch became her accomplice, letting in a young gentleman into their home. The governor found out soon enough and he sent Theodora packing.
She soon arrived in Alexandria where she became the lover of a merchant from Antioch. Heavy with a child, the man left her to fend for her and her soon-to-be-child's welfare.
Theodora found her way to the convent, bore her child there, went looking for the child's father, and upon discovering that he had died, she left the babe in front of its grandmother's home.
She soon met her Prince Charming, Justinian who was seen as a civilized savage himself. Having been married, they ruled the empire in strength and macabre frivolities. Theodora had a heart for the poor, especially her derelict prostitute sisters. She knew how they felt so their palace was a haven for such women.
Theodora's end was poetic. She battled cancer for the longest time and though the empire withstood rebels and stood firm, she soon succumbed to her illness. She had her wishes - she was adorned with flowers and perfume - on her deathbed; all a fitting funeral for the eternal entertainer that Theodora was.

Article Source: EzineArticles