As long as the Empress Euphemia was alive, Justinian could not contrive to marry Theodora.

Though she did not oppose him on any other point, she obstinately refused her consent to this one thing.

She was altogether free from vice, although she was a homely person and of barbarian descent, as I have already said.

She never cultivated any active virtues, but remained utterly ignorant of State affairs.

She did not bear her own name, which was a ridiculous one, when she came to the palace, but was re-named Euphemia.