Such was the birth, and such the training of this woman, and her name became better known than that of any other prostitute of her time.
On her return to Byzantium, Justinian became excessively enamoured of her.

At first he had intercourse with her merely as her lover, although he raised her to the position of a patrician.

By this means Theodora was straightway enabled to gain very great influence and to amass considerable sums of money.

She charmed Justinian beyond all the world, and, like most infatuated lovers, he delighted to show her all the favour and give her all the money that he could.

This lavishness added fuel to the flame of passion.