How did a former actress, single mother, and spy take charge of a powerful empire? Loathed or loved, Empress Theodora (r. 527-548), wife of the Late Roman Emperor Justinian I (r.527-565), knew how to rule. Though legend traces her power either to demonic possession or divine inspiration, the actual sources of her authority were more mundane. Dr. David Potter explores how Theodora constructed her authority and became one of the most memorable women of all time.

Dr. Potter is Ronald W. Mellor Professor of Roman History at UCLA and has served as Francis W. Kelsey Collegiate Professor of Greek and Roman History, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and professor of Greek and Latin at the University of Michigan. He has written widely about the ancient world, with recent books on ancient sport, the emperor Constantine, the empress Theodora, and the rise of the Roman Empire. His work explores the way that power was created and used in the ancient world.

This event is free and open to the public.