From An Actress To A Noble: A Study On The Transformation Of Antonina's Status

This thesis mainly concentrates on Antonina' s status changing.Used to be an actoress in the theater of the Byzantine Empire in 6th century,then with the help of Empress Theodora,she married the great General Belisalius,so that her status was elevated abruptly from a humble actoress to an aristocracy.Her status changing was closely connected with the era,the amendment of law provided the possibility that she could become aristocracy,moreover,the relationship with the Empress Theodora also made a direct channel for her elevation.When she became aristocracy,due to the close relation with the Empress,she not only influenced Theodora' s several decisions and Belisalius' ups and downs,but also deeply influenced the development of the Empire.Through all above,we may find that 6th century for Byzantine Empire was a bright era in law,during this period women's status was elevated which influenced the development of the Empire directly or indirectly.The framework of the thesis is as follows: The first chapter pays close attention to the previous miserable life of Antonina,emphasizing the role that legislative amendment played in Antonina's elevation.The second chapter mainly analyzes the life when she became aristocracy which focuses on two aspects: the political activities which Antonina took part in or on behalf of Theodora,such as striking political enemy;her influence on Belisalius.The third chapter mainly focuses on the quadrangle relationship between Justinian,Theodora,Belisalius and Antonina,analyzing the role of Antonina in the relationship and this relationship's influence toward the imperial politics.