1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910813467103321

Autore

Evans J. A. S (James Allan Stewart), <1931->

Titolo

The power game in Byzantium : Antonina and the Empress Theodora / / James Allan Evans

Pubbl/distr/stampa

London, [England] ; ; New York, New York : , : Continuum, , 2011

©2011

ISBN

1-4411-7252-1

1-4411-2040-8

Edizione

[1st ed.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (283 p.)

Disciplina

949.5/013

949.5013

Soggetti

Empresses - Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire Court and courtiers

Byzantine Empire History Justinian I, 527-565

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

List of Illustrations; Preface; Abbreviations; 1; The Background to the Story; 2; The Scum of Society; 3; The Rise to Power; 4; The Remarkable Career of the Young Belisarius; 5; Antonina in Love; 6; Victory and Defeat in the Ecclesiastical Arena; 7; Theodora's Riposte; 8; The Fall of John the Cappadocian; 9; The Theodosius and Antonina Affair Continued; 10; Plague and Intrigue; 11; Theodora Fosters an Anti-Chalcedonian Church; 12; The Agony of Italy; 13; Postlude: The Ending of the Era of Reconquest; Appendix; Notes; Sources; Bibliography; Index

Sommario/riassunto

This title presents an original portrayal of Justinian's reign, its politics and theological disputes, focusing on the lives of two extraordinary women who wielded power and influence. A fascinating exploration of the corridors of power in Byzantium of the time of Justinian (527-565), the book reveals how Empress Theodora and Antonina, both alumnae of the theatre, were remarkable examples of social mobility, moving into positions of power and influence, becoming wives of key figures. Theodora had three aims: to protect those Christians who would not accept the Chalcedonian Creed; to advance th