Conflicted: A History Podcast
Untangling history’s greatest controversies. Every month, we take a hard look at the historical conflicts that raise difficult questions, stoke controversy, and send our moral compasses spinning.
When Justinian Met Theodora – Part 4
In the conclusion of the series, Justinian and Theodora face a cascade of setbacks and disasters. The Empress hatches a plan to destroy John the Cappadocian. Belisarius learns of Antonina’s serial infidelity. A deadly Plague threatens to bring the Byzantine empire to its knees.
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 Byzantine Empire. 2018
Captivating History. The Vandals. 2018
Dahm, Murray. Combat: Byzantine Cavalryman vs Vandal Warrior. 2023.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/01/03/gods-librarians
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