When Justinian Met Theodora – Part 3

About this episode

The episode discusses the rebuilding of Constantinople by Justinian and Theodora following the Nika Riots and the military campaigns against the Vandal Kingdom.

With the Nika Riots behind them, Justinian and Theodora rebuild Constantinople and pursue a bold new agenda for the Byzantine Empire. Belisarius sails to war against the Vandal Kingdom. John the Cappadocian seeks to drive a wedge between the imperial couple. SOURCES: Bridge, Antony. Theodora: Portrait in a Byzantine Landscape. 1978. Potter, David. Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint. 2015. Parnell, David Alan. Belisarius & Antonina: Love and War in the Age of Justinian. 2023. Hughes, Bettany. Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities. 2017. Sarris, Peter. Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint. 2023. Kaldellis, Anthony. The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium. 2023. Cesaretti, Paolo. Theodora: Empress of Byzantium. 2003. Procopius. The Secret History. Procopius. The Wars of Justinian. Phillips, Robin. West, Jeff. Who in the World Was The Acrobatic Empress? 2006. Norwich, John Julius. Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy. 2011. Evans, James Allan. The Empress Theodora: Partner of Justinian. 2002. Holmes, Nick. Justinian’s Empire: Triumph and Tragedy. 2024. Charles Rivers Editors. Justinian the Great: The Life and Legacy of the Byzantine Emperor. 2014. Captivating History. The…

Topics covered

• Byzantine Empire
• Justinian
• Theodora
• Nika Riots
• Belisarius
• Vandal Kingdom

Keywords

• Constantinople
• Byzantine history
• Belisarius
• John the Cappadocian

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Belisarius & Antonina: Love and War in the Age of Justinian, The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium, The Wars of Justinian, Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy, Justinian the Great, The Byzantine Empire

Places: Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire, the Vandal Kingdom, Istanbul

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