linguistic:translation, structural:scholar_edition, structural:reformatting, structural:expansion
Empress

When Justinian succeeded to the throne in 527, Theodora was crowned augusta and became empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. According to Procopius, she helped her husband make decisions, plans, and political strategies; participated in state councils; and had great influence over him. Justinian called her his "partner in my deliberations" in Novel 8.1 (AD 535), anti-corruption legislation where provincial officials had to take an oath to the emperor and Theodora. Sources generally agree on her character being vindictive but loyal and determined. She secured her influence though instilling fear in her subjects with little care for the consequences.

As Justinian's partner, Theodora shared his vision of the Byzantine Empire. His vision was straightforward – there could be no Roman Empire that did not include Rome within its control. Since childhood, he was taught that there was one God and one legitimate Empire. As the only Christian Emperor and Empress, they believed it was their role to duplicate the heavenly structure on Earth. Being relatively young as an Emperor and Empress, compared to their recent predecessors, neither Justinian nor Theodora was content to maintain the status quo. Their goals and projects, whether building new churches and public buildings or raising troops for expansive military campaigns, required a large amount of funding. Justinian and his chief financial minister, John the Cappadocian, ruthlessly pursued additional taxes from the aristocracy, who bristled at the lack of respect for their patrician status.