How Did Theodora Build An Empire

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Theodora was one of the most powerful eastern Roman empresses; she encouraged people to promote religious and social policies that favored her interests. Theodora changed the future. She stood up for the people of Rome; during that she also formed a very successful empire. Around the 6th century Theodora was the wife of Justinian and an Empress (Dr. Field. Personal discussion). Theodora ruled alongside Justinian, but everyone knew that she was the main ruler. Theodora lived her life being in love, successful and a true leader. Theodora’s name means “gift of god”; which she was a true gift of god (Dr. field. Personal discussion).
Around 500-548 AD Theodora was born in Constantinople. She had two sisters, Comitona and Anastasia (“Theodora”
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Field "Personal discussion"). When they met, it was love at first sight. Justinian wanted to get married to Theodora right way. But he couldn’t because of the law. The law was that a prostitute couldn’t marry an emperor. Justinian was heartbroken. But eventually Justinian’s uncle, Justin I, changed the law. The new law was that an emperor and a prostitute could get married; as long as she had left that lifestyle behind. Justinian and Theodora got married in 525 AD (The Empress Theodora, thenagain). Some scholars believe that Theodora had a child at some point in her life, but sadly the child didn’t live. Justinian’s uncle fell ill; therefore, crowning Justinian as emperor on April 4th 527 AD (Theodora, biography). On August 1st 527 AD Justin died, leaving Justinian to rule on his own (Theodora, biography). But he wasn’t on his own, Justinian had Theodora. Theodora and Justinian ruled together, she was known as a backstairs politician. In 574 AD Theodora persuaded Justinian to adopt his son, Tiberius. He was the heir to the commander of Executors (The Empress Theodora, 177). Theodora wanted Tiberius to marry once his father died, but Tiberius was already married. He refused to abandon his wife, Anastasia. Tiberius and Anastasia were very close and in love. They ruled the empire together. But there is confusion on how they …show more content…
She was buried in the church of Holy Apostles. The death of Theodora affected Justinian immensely. Justinian cherished Theodora’s memory greatly. Those who wanted to win over Justinian, would remind him of her virtues. On August 11, 559 BC, Justinian was running a campaign against the Huns (Theodora, biography). Justinian was making a triumphal entry when he passed the church of Holy Apostles. Justinian stopped and went in the church to light candles and offer a prayer to Theodora. Four years later at the age of 83 Justinian died and was laid next to the woman he called his greatest delight. Theodora is forever known for one of the most influential and powerful rulers to ever rule in Eastern