We present new results in the theory of the classical theta functions of Jacobi: series expansions and defining ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The proposed dynamical systems turn out to be Hamiltonian and define fundamental differential properties of theta functions; they also yield an exponential quadratic extension of the canonical θ-series. An integrability condition of these ODEs explains the appearance of the modular ϑ-constants and differential properties thereof. General solutions to all the ODEs are given. For completeness, we also solve the Weierstrassian elliptic modular inversion problem and consider its consequences.