Did the Byzantine Empire Benefit from the Rule of Justinian and Theodora?

Question

In the book-Taking Sides
Clashing Views in World History, Volume 1: The Ancient World to the Pre-Modern Era
here is an argument.-
ISSUE 7. Did the Byzantine Empire Benefit from the Rule of Justinian and Theodora?

YES: Paolo Cesaretti, from Theodora: Empress of Byzantium (The Vendome Press, 2004)

NO: Procopius, from Secret History, trans. by Richard Atwater (P. Covici, 1927; Covici Friede, 1927; University of Michigan Press, 1961)

Professor of Byzantine studies, Paolo Cesaretti, presents a balanced view of the accomplishments of Justinian and Theodora in the Byzantine Empire of the sixth century. Procopius, a contemporary of the Byzantine rulers, offers a "secret history" of their personal and administrative failings.



can anyone explain both sides please?please please!

PLEASE! i need this by 2 morrow! ugh im so confused.=(

Answer 1

Behind every Great man there has to be a Great Woman.

And thats exactly what Theodora was. When the mob of the City rebelled, Justinian lost his wits and was about to desert the city with his advisors.

Theodora kept her cool and told him that while he wore the colour Purple (The colour of Royalty) and would desert, she would not desert. Seeing his own cowardice, Justinian changed his mind and stayed - ordering the revolting mob to be ruthlessly massacred. That was the Nika revolt of 532.

Theodora came from a very poor and humble background compared to Justinian. Sure she benefited from the power and prestige and riches of being an Empress, but it was her political abilities and her encouragement of her Husband that made some ask - who really was the Byzantine Emperor? Theodora was the power behind the throne.

Theodora was a very gifted, if ruthless and cunning woman that Justinian grieved for when she died.

Answer 2

I don't know if it can help in your overnight stint, but maybe if you can't make up your mind, the thing to do when you know two people's position and they contrast with each other (unless — horror of horrors — you haven't gotten round to reading the two historians at all!) is to read a third and use that as a standard to decide who is mainly right. Try to short essay in the source box that follows.

Answer 3

Try this site. http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=864612

I'd try to explain it to you, but it's hard to do in this little box.