Theodora and Her Essential Role in the Development of the Byzantine Empire

The birth of an eastern circus woman attracted no attention at all in mid-millennium year 500. No one could ever imagine that this baby would grow up to be one of the most remarkable women in history of the World. She was the daughter of the bear keeper, a public performer,wife of Justinian, Empress of the Byzantine Empire and a natural beauty whose name became the one name in the voluminous annals of the Byzantine empire known to almost everyone; Theodora. Once the former show girl settled down to respectable married life, she touched every branch of life in the Empire. She had her finger on everything including military campaigns, architectural developments, and government policy and law reforms.

Theodora was the Empress of the Byzantine Empire from 527, when she was crowned, until her death in 548. Procopius was the appointed historian to record what was happening in the Empire, but mostly to focus on Theodora and Justinian. The Secret History was written by Procopius, but not published in the West until about a millennium after it was written. As it was ‘a venomous pamphlet of dubious merit’, The Secret History is hardly a reliable historical source. It criticises Justinian and Theodora for all of their actions as Emperor and Empress, as well as create a story, possibly based on nothing, about the origins of Theodora. While Procopius is considered a significant historian for the sixth century, it is notable that his treatment of Theodora is biased in an unfavourable way. Procopius adopts a perceptibly hostile attitude toward Theodora. Much of this bias against Theodora can be explained by Procopius’ view of women in power and gender roles.

“Beginning with the reign of Constantine I and the establishment of the Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Christian church became a tool of the Emperors. Byzantine Emperors and Empresses played a dominant role in the Eastern church and used the Christian religion to strengthen the Empire internally, to spread Byzantine cultural and political influence, and at times, to fortify their own power”

The Byzantine Empire was originally known as the Eastern Roman Empire, after surviving the barbaric attacks on its land. Emperor Justinian protected this empire and was well known for conquering many places. In the Byzantine Empire, the Emperor is the supreme ruler, looked at as a god. He was the head of the army, the highest political authority and the supreme legislator and judge. However, according to Procipius in, The Secret History, Justinian destroyed the greatness and history of Rome. Justinian was described as being “crafty, hypocritical, secretive by temperament, two-faced, and purely evil”.

Byzantine also helped with the spreading of the Catholic religion and churches. Most of what we know about Roman culture today comes from documents from Byzantine. A political and cultural continuity in Rome was that the Empire had always been patriarchal. This is mainly shown by what is called the paterfamilias. The paterfamilias says that the oldest living male in the family has complete control and authority over the whole family.

Justinian, also known as “the sleepless emperor” by his subjects, was one of the most influential of the early Byzantine emperors. The reign of Justinian was a prodigiously paramount period. It marked the final cessation of the Roman Empire; the establishment of the incipient, Byzantine empire; the commencement of Western Europe's unique position within the civilizations of the Old World; and made possible the spread of Islam and the rise of the Franks. He ruled along side his strong-willed wife, and

Byzantine Emperor Justinian was the bold architect of a revitalized Byzantine Empire that would leave a lasting legacy for Western Civilization. As much of Europe entered the Dark Ages, Justinian 's vision of a restored Roman Empire would reverse the decline of the Byzantine Empire and lay a firm foundation that would allow the Byzantine Empire to survive for centuries to come.

In document one it states “ Justinian created countless cities which did not exist before”. The creation of endless cities is what brung life to the Byzantine Empire. The more life there was in the Byzantine Empire the more growth and well-being that was began to be brung back. He is remembered due to such a great fulfilment. Recreating a fallen empire into something much better and redeeming it of its glorious days is a true legacy that is valued present day. In document six it shows a map of the Byzantine Empire in 527. This map presents a visual of what Justinian reconquered that was previously part of the Roman Empire. As shown he reconquered some parts of Africa, the black sea, and part of

Empress Theodora helped her society by saving and strengthen the Byzantine Empire. When political rivals opposed to the emperor, now known as the Nika revolt, they rioted the city and rebels burned areas of Constantinople. Justinian then prepared to flee the city but when Empress Theodora made a speech that persuaded Justinian to not flee but to

It was also why Justinian made her an adviser of his own empire. This allowed Theodora to use power of her position to advertise religious and social policies according to her interests and liking. Of course one of them being monophysitism. She did great things in her position, like extending divorce rights and other privileges for women and children. She also gave personal advice on political decisions to her

Theodora was an empress of the Byzantine Empire, along with her husband, Emperor Justinian. She was one of the most famous empresses in Byzantine History, there have also been scandals and rumors about her, that may detriment her legacy. Most prominent of these is Procopius, a historian that had very negative views of her, especially her early life. While some, like Procopius view Empress Theodora as conniving and malicious, she was really a great leader.

Imagine being trap into a small, limited bubble for your whole life. That was what it was like for women in the Byzantine empire until a fine woman spoke up for them. Her name was Empress Theodora and she was one of the greatest people who helped establish rights for women and children. She lived in a low, poor class as the daughter of a bear keeper. Throughout her lifetime, she influenced the belief that women should have equal rights as men. Theodora’s intelligence and passion made her a trusty consultant for Justinian I. She was thought to be the most powerful woman in the history of the Byzantine Empire. Empress Theodora was a strong leader and role model for women and children.

Justinian was emperor of the Byzantine Empire for nearly forty years and served from A.D. 527 to 565. He was known as the first great Byzantine emperor. Justinian and his wife Theodora were an unusual couple. Justinian was born a peasant and worked his way up as a soldier. Theodora’s dad was a bear trainer for the circus, and when Theodora grew up she also

Her contemporary John of Ephesus writes about Theodora in his Lives of the Eastern Saints as the daughter of a pious Monophysite priest. He mentions an illegitimate daughter not named by

In 533, Belisarius was sent with five hundred transports and ninety-two warships to attack the Vandals in North Africa (Durant 109). Belisarius had proven to be a loyal and effective general, so Justinian gave him full command of the expedition (Hughs 75). He even gave Belisarius a large mixed army of infantry and cavalry (Hughs 75). He left in June 533, accompanied by his wife Antonia and Procopius who was his assessor and secretary (Hughs 78). In the process of his mission, he captured a one of the Vandal messengers who helped Belisarius discover the Vandals’ plot (Hughs 109). He was able to destroy the Vandal Kingdom in just a few months and only two victories (Barker 1). After this victory, Justinian had Belisarius return to Constantinople for a brief triumph. On his way home, the Moors came down the hill, attacking the Roman garrison. Fortunately, Belisarius made his way back just in time to jump into action and defeat the Moors (Durant 109). During this time, he married an old friend of the empress Theodora, Antonia, but after a few years, she passed away (Barker 1). They had one daughter by the name of Joannina (Hughs 69). Many theories centered around why Antonia accompanied him on his expeditions, and one of the most common claimed that Belisarius forced her to because he didn’t trust her (Hughs 108).