Justinian and Theodora question

Question

What are some accomplishments or achievements that Justinian and Theodora have done?

Answer 1

Justinian and Theodora were the powerful rulers of the Byzantine Golden Age.

They had an incredible love story. Theodora was an actress and entertainer from a poor family, while Justinian was the heir to the empire. Although Byzantine law forbade high-ranking officials from marrying actresses, Justinian was able to persuade his uncle, Emperor Justin I, to repeal the law and approve of their marriage. When Justinian assumed the throne, she was crowned his Empress.

Here are some examples of their many accomplishments:

Justinian's Accomplishments:

1. Legal Reform and Ratification: Combined centuries of Roman law into the Corpus Juris Civilis ("The Body of Law"). This collection would later contribute to the laws and civil traditions of Western society.
2. Commissioned famous Roman buildings: Examples include the Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, Basilica Cistern, and rebuilt the Imperial Palace. He also improved the roads, bridges, infrastructure, walls, and fortifications.
3. Expanded the Empire: Reconquest of the Western Roman Empire, including North Africa, Italy, and parts of Spain.
4. Defeated the Sassanid Persian Empire: He was able to defeat the Sassanid Persian Empire, but it placed considerable financial strain on the Empire. The Persian Empire remained a threat to the Byzantine Empire for generations to come.
5. Silk Industry: He introduced a silk industry to the empire, which thrived. This industry decreased the empire's dependency on China.

Theodora Accomplishments:

1.Contribution during the Nika Riots: She convinced her husband not to flee the country during the Nika Riots. Her support encouraged him to suppress the rebellion and secure their throne.

2.Women's Rights: Establish more legal rights for women with marriage rights, divorce, property ownership, and inheritance.

3.The Emperor's "Key Advisor": She served as her husband's "Key Advisor" and had an active role in the government. She influenced many of his famous policies and supported his political and military endeavors.