What did Theodora and Justinian do?
Justinian focused on reconquering the western Roman Empire and expanding the borders, Theodora focused on building up the wealth and prosperity of Constantinople, and together they rebuilt many formerly great symbols of their city, including the mighty church called the Hagia Sophia.
What did Theodora and Justinian build?
Following the Nika revolt, Justinian and Theodora rebuilt Constantinople, including aqueducts, bridges and more than twenty-five churches, the most famous of which is Hagia Sophia.
How did Justinian and Theodora rule the empire?
Justinian the Great ruled from modern-day Istanbul between 527 – 565 AD. He and his trailblazing wife, Empress Theodora, introduced transparency and morality into the empire’s legal system and new laws to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
What was unusual about the marriage between Justinian and Theodora?
Theodora met Justinian I in 522, who was at that time heir to the throne. Justinian wanted to wed immediately, but as heir, he was forbidden to marry an actress, even one who had reformed. Justinian had this law repealed the following year, and the two were married in 525.
What was the message of Theodora’s speech and why was it important?
Justinian and his officials, unable to control the crowd prepared to flee, but Theodora spoke up and gave a moving speech about the greater significance of the life of someone who died as a ruler, over that of someone who lived but was nothing.
How did Justinian and Theodora influence 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.
How did Justinian and Theodora help the Byzantine Empire rise in power?
Justinian was responsible for the construction of the Hagia Sophia, the center of Christianity in Constantinople. Even today, the Hagia Sophia is recognized as one of the greatest buildings in the world. Justinian also systematized the Roman legal code that served as the basis for law in the Byzantine Empire.
Why was Theodora’s speech important?
Her determined speech convinced Justinian and his officials and they attacked the Hippodrome, killing over 30,000 rebels and emerging victorious. Historians agree that it was Theodora’s courage and determination that saved Justinian’s empire.
What was Theodora’s speech?
It is impossible for a person, having been born into this world, not to die; but for one who has reigned it is intolerable to be a fugitive. May I never be deprived of this purple robe, and may I never see the day when those who meet me do not call me empress.
How is Justinian and Theodora’s power shown from divine authority?
The union of political and spiritual authority expressed in these mosaics reflect the divine kingship of Justinian. It shows that the emperor derives his power from the church and the military. Theodora is holding a chalice, suggesting that she is part of the church.
Did Justinian and Theodora love each other?
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. Justinian had his uncle confer upon Theodora the rank of patrician. Still, two obstacles stood in the way of marriage.
How did Theodora influence Justinian?
Theodora participated in Justinian’s legal and spiritual reforms, and her involvement in the increase of the rights of women was substantial. She had laws passed that prohibited forced prostitution and closed brothels.
Why did Theodora give her speech?
Theodora was Empress of the Byzantine Empire. She gave this speech in 532 AD after riots broke out and enemies of Emperor Justinian named a new emperor. Justinian and the council were preparing to flee the country.
How was Justinian and Theodora’s Byzantine Empire different from Western Europe during the same time period?
How was Justinian and Theodora’s Byzantine Empire different from Western Europe during the same time period? The Byzantine Empire was a centralized government whereas Western Europe was decentralized. infer about their relationship and her power? Justinian and Theodora were co-emperors, they shared the power equally.
What was Theodora known for?
Why was Theodora important?
How did Justinian and Theodora end the Nika revolt?
What caused the revolt?
What did Emperor Justinian and Theodora accomplish?
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.
How did Empress Theodora influence Justinian?
Theodora wielded considerable power and authority, and Justinian consulted her on policy matters. Justinian allowed her to make official communications with foreign rulers and receive envoys sent to meet the emperor.
How did Theodora save the Empire?
She led an unconventional early life.