
Once Theodora was little more than a slave the daughter of a bear-keeper running barefoot through the streets of Constantinople. Now she is Theou doron the Gift of God Empress of Byzantine Rome & the most powerful woman in the world. In Stella Duffys compelling new novel the beguiling & extraordinary Empress Theodora emerges from the shadow of history into brilliant light. Clever courageous & ruthless when betrayed Theodora rules alongside her husband the Emperor Justinian
- a true love match in a world of political marriages. While wars rage on the borders of the Empire Theodora discovers that the greatest danger to her reign
- & her life
- lies much closer to home. From the catastrophic & terrifying riots that burn through the city; to vengeful enemies at the palace who will never accept Theodora-from-the-brothel; to plagues & plots & murder Theodora learns what it truly means to be Empress. Spanning over twenty dramatic years of Theodoras reign The violet Shroud is a vivid portrait of a charismatic exceptional woman & a fascinating exploration of both the pleasures & the burdens of power.