In this gallery, we showcase images of 30 influential women from the Middle Ages. Usually dated from c. 500 to c. 1500, this was a complex and transformative period in European history filled with political turmoil and dynamic social and cultural changes. In this era, women's roles in societies were varied and nuanced. From queens to peasants to religious figures, women found new opportunities to fight for themselves, for what they cared about, and for what they believed in. Exploring this period through these notable women can give a new and unique understanding of the Middle Ages.
Queen Margaret was remembered with her own Norman chapel in Edinburgh Castle, today the oldest original part of that fortress. Margaret's daughter Edith/Matilda ensured her mother's good deeds were recorded in a decidedly hagiographic biography, written by Turgot of Durham (c. 1050-1115), a benedictine monk and once Margaret's personal chaplain. In 1250 Margaret was made a saint by the Catholic Church in recognition of her efforts to spread Roman Catholicism and her charity work for the poor in Scotland. For this reason, she is today better known as Saint Margaret of Scotland.
Empress Theodora (c. 497-548) rose from humble beginnings to one of the most prominent women in history. Through her marriage with Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565) in 525, Theodora became the Empress of the Byzantine Empire and ruled from 527 to her death in 548. As empress, Theodora was active in Byzantine affairs. A champion for social reforms, Theodora would go on to sponsor several institutions such as orphanages and homes for former prostitutes. She would also be the one to advise Justinian to stand firm in the direct face of rebellions and riots. Theodora’s direct involvement with the empire created her everlasting impact as one of the most powerful women in history.
Detail from the 6th-century mosaic "Empress Theodora and Her Court" in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna.
Based on Wikipedia content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished.Original image by The Yorck Project. Uploaded by Jan van der Crabben, published on 06 September 2013. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Public Domain. This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.
