Livia & Theodora: Patrician & Prostitute | Phoebe Smith | TEDxFrancisHollandSchoolSloaneSquare

Historical Analysis - The analysis challenges modern interpretations of historical figures like Livia and Theodora, suggesting they are often portrayed as either longing for freedom or manipulative, deviating from ancient historians' more nuanced depictions [2][3][4] - The study aims to examine Livia and Theodora based on original sources, focusing on their backgrounds, personalities, and use of influence [4] - Livia was presented as a traditional Roman woman, while Theodora's background was marked by controversy, with some accounts depicting her as a child performer and prostitute [6][7] - Theodora's rise to empress was unconventional, as Emperor Justinian changed the law to marry her, similar to Livia's marriage to Augustus [8] - Livia presented herself as modest and traditional, while Theodora was demonized by some contemporary writers but praised by others for her support of the persecuted [9][10][14][15] - Livia used her influence to help the Roman senators, while Theodora is known for helping prostitutes and priests with non-orthodox beliefs [13][17] - The analysis concludes that Livia and Theodora were distinct personalities, with Livia being traditional and Theodora being more unconventional in her use of power [19] Societal Implications - Modern writers may be projecting their own biases onto historical figures, hindering a true understanding of their personalities [21] - Ancient sources offer diverse portrayals of Livia and Theodora, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of ancient women as individuals [21]