What did Justinian and Theodora do to the Byzantine Empire?

Theodora, a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I, is remembered for being one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She used her power and influence to promote religious and social policies that were important to her. She was one of the first rulers to recognize the rights of women.

What was the relationship between Justinian and Theodora?

Theodora was empress of the Byzantine Empire and the wife of Emperor Justinian I. She was one of the most influential and powerful of the Byzantine empresses. Some sources mention her as empress regnant, with Justinian I as her co-regent.

Why is it important that the emperor and empress carry a bowl of bread and a cup of wine in these images?

This mosaic thus establishes the central position of the Emperor between the power of the church and the power of the imperial administration and military. Justinian’s gesture of carrying the bowl with the bread of the Eucharist can be seen as an act of homage to the True King who appears in the adjacent apse mosaic.

How did Theodora become empress?

Justinian was said to have been taken by Theodora’s intelligence and beauty, and made her his mistress before marrying her in 525. When Emperor Justin I died in 527, Theodora was crowned empress of Rome, in the same coronation ceremony as her husband.

When did Justinian and Theodora rule?

Theodora reigned as empress of the Byzantine Empire alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I, from 527 CE until her death in 548 CE.

Was Theodora a Miaphysite?

They make an alternate account compared to Procopius by making Theodora the daughter of a priest, trained in the pious practices of Miaphysitism since birth. These are late Miaphysite sources and record her depiction among members of their creed. The Miaphysites have a tendency to regard Theodora as one of their own.

How old was Theodora when she married Justinian?

Justinian was 40 years old when he met Theodora, then only half his age. He was the favorite nephew and heir apparent of Justin I (reigned, 518-27). Some modern scholars believe that Justinian actually ruled during his uncle’s reign. In any event, the future emperor fell deeply in love with Theodora, and she with him.