Constructing Power through Rituals: The Case of Theodora

Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian, has attracted increasing scholarly attention for her influence, with some historians likening her to a co-emperor. Although empresses generally lacked official military or political power, they wielded "soft power" through rituals and public appearances. This was evident in Theodora's participation in the adoratio, a ceremony traditionally reserved for the emperor, where elites would pay homage. According to Procopius, this was a significant departure from previous traditions, where empresses were not part of such rituals. Theodora’s involvement in the adoratio not only elevated her status but also reshaped the narrative of imperial rule, presenting the emperor and empress as a quasi-divine pair. Theodora’ participation in Justinian’s adoratio offered the elite participants a new narrative of the empire and the empress’ place in it: the chapter shows that the adoratio had presented the emperor as a quasi-divine monarch and that these attributes were now extended to Theodora. Furthermore, the above ritual presents a significantly more dynastic picture of imperial rule where the imperial couple, rather than just the emperor, were the object of the adoratio.