Sophia

Reign: 565 – 578
Life: 530–600

He managed to gain the support of the Senate and was proclaimed emperor in the palace before the other members of the Justinian Dynasty were notified. Sophia took the name Aelia following the practices of the empresses of the Theodosian dynasty and the Leonid dynasty . The name had not been used by the two preceding empresses of her own dynasty. They were depicted together in images and statues, while the name of Sophia alone was given to two palaces, a harbor, and a public bath built in her honor.

During Sophia's reign, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou ruled China, Pope John III ruled Papacy, and Emperor Kinmei ruled Japan.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

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The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Mary Beard

Beard's acclaimed introduction to Roman politics and emperors, readable and wide-ranging.

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