Justinian and Theodora Strengthen the Empire
Analyze how Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora collaborated to codify Roman law, quell riots, and expand the Byzantine Empire in Grade 7 history.
Key Concepts
Emperor Justinian and his wife, Empress Theodora , worked together to strengthen the Byzantine Empire. They aimed to create a stable and well run government to restore the glory of ancient Rome. Theodora was a powerful advisor who influenced many of Justinian's decisions and helped expand legal rights for women.
A major achievement was organizing the empire's confusing laws. Justinian ordered scholars to collect and simplify centuries of Roman laws into a single, clear set of rules. This new legal system, known as the Justinian Code , provided order and became a model for many legal systems in the Western world.
Common Questions
How did Empress Theodora influence Justinian's rule?
Theodora was far more than a ceremonial empress—she was Justinian's most trusted advisor who influenced major policy decisions. When the Nika Riots threatened to overthrow Justinian in 532 CE and his advisors urged flight, Theodora famously argued for resistance, reportedly saying she would rather die an empress than flee as a fugitive. Her courage saved the throne.
What was the Justinian Code and why does it matter?
Justinian commissioned legal scholars to compile and organize the massive, contradictory body of Roman law accumulated over centuries into a coherent system—the Corpus Juris Civilis. This codification became the foundation of Byzantine law and later influenced legal systems across medieval Europe, forming the basis of the civil law tradition used by most nations today.
What were the greatest achievements of Justinian's reign?
Justinian's major achievements included codifying Roman law, launching military campaigns that temporarily reconquered North Africa, Italy, and Spain, and constructing magnificent buildings. The Hagia Sophia—built under his patronage—remains one of history's greatest architectural achievements, a massive domed cathedral that stood as the world's largest building for nearly a thousand years.