Description

The story opens with the astonishing rise of a young dancer who captivates the bustling hippodrome of Constantinople, only to become one of the most talked‑about figures in Byzantine history. Through vivid anecdotes and contemporary gossip, the early chapters trace her daring escapades, her encounter with the future emperor Justinian, and the legends that already surrounded her before she ever set foot in the imperial palace. The narrative paints a portrait of a woman whose charm and audacity turned the city's elite into both admirers and wary onlookers.

Beyond the spectacle of her ascent, the book delves into the complex duality of her public image: the celebrated, almost mythic heroine of popular tales and the shrewd, decisive ruler who wielded real power beside Justinian. By weaving together court chronicles, theological debates, and personal memoirs, the author invites listeners to explore how this former performer navigated politics, religion, and personal vengeance while shaping an empire that still remembers her name.

Details