The account of Mary’s presence in the temple shows the author’s knowledge of contemporary Jewish practices concerning women who had such access: accused adulteresses, the weavers of the curtains, and Nazirites.

Aetius’ gynecological Tetrab. Book 16, showing his detailed knowledge of con­traceptives, abortifacients, and surgical procedures, is consistent with the sparse testimony that he held a public position and may have been court doctor to Theodora and her entourage.