Why was Theodora important?
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Why was Theodora important?
Theodora, a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I, is remembered for being one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She used her power and influence to promote religious and social policies that were important to her. She was one of the first rulers to recognize the rights of women.
What is the Justinian mosaic made of?
marble
Gold, glass, and marble dazzle the eye in this 6th-century church. High above us, Emperor Justinian presides.
Who were Justinian and Theodora and why were they important to the Byzantine Empire?
Justinian and Theodora ruled the Byzantine Empire, the surviving eastern half of the Roman Empire that was based in Constantinople. Together this Byzantine power couple dominated the sixth century, bringing light, wealth, and growth to an era that we tend to mischaracterize as a dark age.
How is Justinian and Theodora’s power shown from divine authority?
The union of political and spiritual authority expressed in these mosaics reflect the divine kingship of Justinian. It shows that the emperor derives his power from the church and the military. Theodora is holding a chalice, suggesting that she is part of the church.
Why is Theodora a saint?
About Saint Theodora She was alive in the 9th Century AD and she was most known for being an “iconodule”, which means that she supported the use of icons, or images, as part of the Orthodox Christian Church.
What was the significance of Justinian mosaic?
This mosaic thus establishes the central position of the Emperor between the power of the church and the power of the imperial administration and military. Like the Roman Emperors of the past, Justinian has religious, administrative, and military authority.
Who commissioned the Justinian mosaic?
Bishop Maximian completed construction in 547, preceding Justinian’s creation of the Exarchate of Ravenna, which followed his partial re-conquest of the Western Roman Empire. The construction of the church was sponsored by local banker and architect Julius Argentarius.
What was unusual about the marriage between Justinian and Theodora?
Theodora met Justinian I in 522, who was at that time heir to the throne. Justinian wanted to wed immediately, but as heir, he was forbidden to marry an actress, even one who had reformed. Justinian had this law repealed the following year, and the two were married in 525.
Was Justinian a blue or a green?
Both were ardent Greens. In Constantinople some 500 years later, Justinian and his wife Theodora were passionate Blues. The Blues and Greens were two of the factions in chariot racing, who were supported by the populace in huge numbers.
What is the major theme of the mosaic Emperor Justinian and his attendants?
A major theme of this mosaic program is the authority of the emperor in the Christian plan of history.
What laws did Theodora create?
She attended to the rights of prostitutes in particular by closing brothels, creating protective safe houses, and passing laws to prohibit forced prostitution. In addition, she passed laws that expanded the rights of women in divorce cases and abolished a law that had allowed women to be killed for committing adultery.
Was Theodora a monophysite?
Although Theodora is thought to be of Syrian origin, she did not actually convert to Monophysitism until after meeting Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria, who is credited with having a profound influence on her life.
Is San Vitale a Martyria?
San Vitale was built as the martyrium of Saint Vitalis, not as a palatial chapel, as has occasionally been suggested.
Did Justinian and Theodora love each other?
Some modern scholars believe that Justinian actually ruled during his uncle’s reign. In any event, the future emperor fell deeply in love with Theodora, and she with him. Justinian had his uncle confer upon Theodora the rank of patrician. Still, two obstacles stood in the way of marriage.
