Comitona (fl. 500s)

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Comitona (fl. 500s)

Byzantine courtesan. Name variations: Comito. Born on island of Cyprus, or more likely in Syria, c. 500; dau. of Acacius (guardian of the bears for the Greens at the Hippodrome in Constantinople) and an unnamed actress; sister of Empress Theodora; m. Sittas, c. 528; children: Sophia (c. 525-after 600 ce).

Upon the death of her father when she was a child, began to work on stage with sister Theodora, then later as a mime with sister Anastasia; became known as a prostitute or courtesan (in the context of the time, actress was synonymous with prostitute).

See also Women in World History.