...Theodora and Justinian “There are two great gifts which God, in his love for man, has granted from on high: the priesthood and the imperial dignity" —Justinian I. What many emperors failed to do before him was to completely remake the Roman Empire. Justinian and Theodora were not the likely people to be granted such high status and power, to change the view of religion in Byzantium. The pair had many instances in their past that should have damage the duo as rulers, but through their determination they thrived. Byzantium the Eastern Roman Empire was focused in the center of Constantinople "City of Constantine". Today eminent for ancient Rome a Greek culture, portrayed by Christianity rather than Roman paganism and was primarily Greek-speaking society. During most of its existence, it remained one of the most powerful economic, cultural, and military forces in Europe, notwithstanding setbacks and territorial losses. Throughout the paper we will be considering how Justinian, Theodora, and their partnership flourished in the Byzantium era. Justinian commonly known as Justinian the Great was born in Tauresium around 482 to a peasant Latin speaking family. His uncle Justin later adopted him, guaranteed his education and allowing him to work under him. While his uncle was a ruler Justinian was an honorable confidant who during his rule until his uncle aged; Justinian was selected as consul and commander of the east until Justin’s death upon which Justinian...
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...Theodore Roosevelt, “A Multifaceted Man” As a foreigner to the United States of America, I have recently studied the lives and leadership skills of American presidents from George Washington to current presidency and I found Theodore Roosevelt as the most productive and intriguing of them all. A man that was very hardworking, diligent, focus and prepared for everything he did. Who is Theodore Roosevelt? A person with such incredible character and quality, selfless personality, concerned about the situation of less privilege people and those not in the position of authority or power. He had a very peculiar childhood. According to Encyclopedia of World Biography, “Roosevelt was born in New York City on Oct. 27, 1858. His father was of an old Dutch mercantile family long prominent in the city's affairs. His mother came from an established Georgia family of Scotch-Irish and Huguenot ancestry. A buoyant, dominant figure, his father was the only man, young Roosevelt once said, he "ever feared." He imbued his son with an acute sense of civic responsibility and an attitude of noblesse oblige. Partly because of a severe asthmatic condition, Theodore was educated by private tutors until 1876, when he entered Harvard College. Abandoning plans to become a naturalist, he developed political and historical interests, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and finished twenty-first in a class of 158. He also began writing The Naval War of 1812 (1882), a work of limited range but high technical...
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...The Real Empress Theodora Theodora was born at around the time of 497 AD in Rome. She died of cancer in 548 AD when she was 51 years of age. Theodora’s father was a bear trainer and her mother, a homemaker. She then met Justinian I, the then later Byzantine emperor. Justinian kept her life very interesting.Theodora was born a peasant, but as she overcame that she helped establish women’s rights. Theodora was born into a peasant family, but then later met Justinian I, the emperor’s nephew. She met him after she took a job spinning wool at a house that was close to the palace. Justinian fell in love with Theodora. They shared passion and chemistry for each other. By law the two could not marry each other. Justinian I then was able to get the law changed to allow them to marry. They were crowned emperor and empress in 527 AD. As Empress Theodora had the power to influence others. Using her power she helped establish protection towards women and women’s rights. She establish many laws that helped women have more rights with divorce, inheritance, and especially poverty. Most importantly, the laws made prostitution illegal and established that anyone who committed rape will be sentenced to death penalty. Theodora is also know for saving Justinian and his role as emperor. In 532, Two political groups called the Blues and the Greens broke out in a riot, that later turned into a revolt. Justinian and his advisors could not control the Blues and the Greens, and soon became to pack...
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...Empress of the Byzantine Empire, Theodora, is known for the intelligence and wisdom that she displayed in her reign in the 6th century (527-548). She used her power and influence to improve the status of women and to promote her religious beliefs. Little is known of Theodora’s early life, but what is known was recorded in the Secret History, written by an official court historian, Procopius. According to his writing, Theodora was a daughter from a bear trainer of a circus. She was an actress and dancer since very young. This profession was considered to be a dishonorable lifestyle in Rome culture. Her social status changed dramatically when she married Justinian and became the empress of Byzantine. In the Secret History, Theodora was portrayed...
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...hates the popular football jock and his valley girl cheerleader girlfriend, but in ancient Rome. Cause that is basically the perfection description of the Secret History by Procopius. Procopius writes an anonymous burn book about Justinian and Theodora hoping no one will see it besides Glenn Coco. No, But Seriously. Justinian and Theodora are like the Kim Kardashian and Kanye West of the Byzantium Empire and Procopius is basically the People’s Magazine of their time. All jokes aside; The Secret History is an ancient tabloid where Procopius harshly...
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...Rain and darkness come to a halt, and soon after, flowers and happiness sprout and grow. Theodora is an aspiring writer who strives to get published, but when her opportunity arises, disappointment replaces her confidence when there is confusion at the publishing center. In the short story "April Showers," Edith Wharton uses irony, dialogue, and characterization to portray the determined and ambitious women of the early 1900s. Wharton's inclusion of irony within the short story depicts how determined and ambitious that woman are during the period. For instance, Wharton displays irony when the story that was published within the paper, using the exact same title Theodora had used, was printed with the wrong name. The paper reads: "'April Showers,'...
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...fascinating culture with many different background oriental cultures to it. In the Early Middle Ages, the Byzantine Empire flourished under the leadership of the Emperor Justin (527-565), and his co-ruler, his wife the Empress Theodora. Justinian began his political leadership under his uncle and that is when he met Theodora. Before meeting Justinian, Theodora was full of low class undertakings. Her father worked in the circus, and sometimes Theodora would perform as well and be an off stage prostitute. She was extremely smart but her background set her back. She moved to Egypt and that is where she became a Christian. Later she returned to Constantinople, met Justinian and they both fell in love with each other. Marriage was not possible for them because they were not of the same social status. Roman law did not allow a patrician to marry someone below him. Somehow Justinian convinced his uncle to get a law passed in the senate and they were happily married. Women in the Byzantine Empire did not have much of a say or position. Being a woman was hard because of all the struggles they had to deal with just because they were a female. Women could barely get any jobs and because of that a lot of women chose the wrong paths for their life just like Theodora did in the very beginning. Women spent most of their lives at home. “Keep your daughters as prisoners, confined and inconspicuous”. (Kekavmenos) In every occasion a woman was accompanied when she left her house. Whether it...
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...Chariot racing plays an important role in sports history. It was one of the most popular and influential sports in ancient history. The sport has many claimed origins and thrived during the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Empires. The sport that started out so simple evolved as it moved from one era to the next, gaining more importance at every advancement. It was an extremely dangerous sport, as drivers frequently suffered gruesome injuries and unfortunate deaths. Chariot racing teams, or factions, had a very strong fan base. These factions drew tons of spectator support, which would lead to many conflicts between differing factions. These conflicts were politicized, affecting both society and their respective empire. Roman and Byzantine emperors eventually took control of these factions and had their officials running them, placing even more importance on the sport. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, chariot racing only survived in the east, the Byzantine Empire. These Roman factions transitioned with the sport, which played an important role in the history of Byzantium. These factions had an even stronger social and political influence, and in the end, played a role in the demise of its own sport, along with the eventual demise of an empire. The origin of Chariot Racing is an unknown commodity. The first known reference to the sport was by Homer at a funeral for Patroclus where he claimed they raced only one lap around a tree. According to a legend, chariot racing founded...
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...Byzantium and Islam The Age of Justinian In 527, Justinian became the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. He succeeded his uncle from the throne. A strong-willed and ambitious leader, he was determined to restore the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean. After a series of campaigns, Justinian finally achieved his goal. Through his prominent general, Belisarius, he has conquered Italy, part of Spain, North Africa, Asia Minor, Palestine, and Syria. However, Justinian’s campaigns had resulted to victories and defeats. Because the barbarians were consistent in attacking and raiding the cities and lands they conquered. And due to the fact that the reclaimed territories were heavily taxed that resulted in revolts and riots. As Justinian’s generals fought to reclaim territory, Justinian ruled as an agent of God, enjoying supreme authority on both church and state. Beginning in the seventh century the emperor styled himself as “basileus”, or “ruler of the world” in addition to the title autocrat, or “sole ruler” to emphasize his absolute power. Justinian launched the most ambitious public building program ever seen in the Roman world. He rebuilt fortifications and constructed a wall along Constantinople’s coastline. He superbly rebuilt the Hagia Sophia or Holy Wisdom in Greek, the unrivalled monument to his reign and name. Justinian preserved much of the Greco-Roman culture. Byzantine students focused on Greek and Latin grammar and Philosophy. The Byzantine scholars were...
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...Biography of Jose Rizal The Birth of a Hero: Born On June 19, 1861, Seventh of the 11 Children of Theodora Relonda and Francisco Mercado Real Name: Jose Protacio Alonzo Mercado Rizal y Realonda Rizal as a Child: Age of 3 – learns his alphabet from his mother. Age of 5 – learns how to write and read. Age of 8 – wrote his first poem “ Sa aking mga Kababata “ 11 Children of Francisco and Theodora Saturnina ( 1850 – 1913 ) - eldest child of the family. Paciano ( 1815 – 1930 ) - Older brother of Jose Rizal. Narcisa ( 1852 – 1939 ) - also called as “Sisa” and the third child of the family. Olimpia Rizal ( 1855 – 1887 ) - a telegraph operator in Manila. Lucia ( 1857 – 1919 ) - married to Mariano Herbosa of Calamba. Maria ( 1859 – 1945 ) - also called as “Biang”. JOSE ( 1861 – 1896 ) ( The greatest hero and Philippine encyclopedia ) - also called as “Pepe”. Concepcion ( 1862 – 1865 ) - also called as “Concha”. Died at the age of 3 due to a serious case of illness. Josefa ( 1865 – 1945 ) - also called as “Panggo”. Trinidad ( 1868 – 1951 ) - also called as “Trining”. Soledad ( 1870 – 1929 ) - youngest member of the family. She marry Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba. The Hero’s Pain Rizal is very sad when his sister concha died, because concha is very close to him, they play together and do other stuffs together. Concha died at the age of 3. The story of the Moth This is the story of Thoedora to Rizal...
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...Christian theme became a central topic in mosaic art. The main element of Byzantine mosaics in churches was the use of a golden background, which caused a reflection of light creating a sense of movement throughout the picture. In the Hagia Sophia, the floors are covered with marble mosaic and the walls glimmered with glass mosaics. An example of a mosaic in Hagia Sophia was one of vines and pomegranates, which was a symbol for life after death. In the Ravenna, there is a famous mosaic of the great emperor, Justinian, wearing rich robes, a symbol of majesty, surrounded by his attendants. On the opposing wall lies a picture of his wife, Empress Theodora, with her ladies-in-waiting. Behind the altar of the church is a mosaic of Christ surrounded by angels and members of his court in heaven just as Justinian and Theodora are surrounded by a court on Earth. Mosaics began taking a humanization approach of how they depict people. Mosaics of the Virgin Mary changed from being royal and majestic to having realistic, human emotion. Mary was depicted as interacting with Jesus, cuddling him and portraying a strong emotional passion, something that was rarely portrayed in previous...
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...| | | Byzantine Empire 330 C.E. to 1453 C.E. --- Only in the eastern Mediterranean did a classical empire survive. The eastern half of the Roman empire, known as the Byzantine empire, withstood the various problems that brought down other classical societies and survived for almost a millennium after the collapse of the western Roman empire in the fifth century C.E. --- The Byzantine empire was a political and economic powerhouse of the postclassical era. Until the twelfth century, Byzantine authority dominated the wealthy and productive eastern Mediterranean region. The Byzantine empire also deeply influenced the historical development of the Slavic peoples of eastern Europe and Russia. Byzantine missionaries and diplomats introduced writing, Christianity, codified law, and sophisticated political organization into lands settled by Slavic peoples. Because Byzantine political, economic, and cultural influence stretched so far, historians often refer to it as the “Byzantine commonwealth.” Just as Greek and Roman initiative brought Mediterranean lands into a larger integrated society, Byzantine policies led to the formation of a large, multicultural zone of trade, communication and interaction. --- The Byzantine empire takes its name from Byzantion - latinized as Byzantium – a modest market town and fishing village that...
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...Memoir Constantine the Great: A Deathbed Memoir As I, Constantine the Great, lay on my deathbed, I would like to give an account of my life. On February 27th 280, I was born Flavius Valerius Constantinus in Naissus, Moesia (Nis, Serbia). My father was Flavius Valerius Constantius, an officer in the Roman army. My mother, Helma, a woman from humble beginnings, has been described as either my father’s wife or concubine. The nature of their relationship is an for which I am not clear. When I was 9, my father left my mother to marry Theodora, the stepdaughter of Maximian, the Western Roman emperor. This marriage presented an opportunity for my father to be positioned as deputy emperor under Maximian. I was offered the opportunity to be educated within the court of Diocletian, the Eastern Roman emperor. While in Eastern Rome, I would be educated in Latin and Greek and witness the persecution of Christians. This relationship with Theodora and my father’s influence would provided me the opportunity to embark on my own military career. In 305, after Maximian’s renunciation of the throne, my father became Emperor Constantius I. I, by now Constatine, joined my father on his military campaign then later fought alongside my father in Britain. One year later my father would die at Eboracum. As a result of his death, I was declared emperor by his troops (Constantine I, 2014) My rise to power was met with immediate opposition. My reign as emperor is well marked by defending my position...
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...Justinian came to power on August 1st 527 and ruled till 565. Justinian’s rule was the last time the entire empire was unified. Justinian’s wars brought great successes for the imperial image, but also came at a high cost. The entire treasury that Anastasius had saved up had been exhausted, and heavy taxation was needed to pay for the cost of this extensive spending. The conquest only showed victory and progression only upon viewing the map at the end of his reign, which mostly was lost within a few years. All that remained in Byzantine hands till the 7th century is the strip of North Africa regained during the Vandal war. Justinian believed it was his charge to keep the empire together and regain the territories that had been lost and turn the Mediterranean into a “roman lake.” His duty as a Christian emperor was a duty to re-conquer. This progresses in several phases. In 532, there is the conclusion with an “eternal peace” with Persia, in order to keep territories around him free. Afterwards he turned his attention to the Germanic tribe of the Vandal kingdom in North Africa. The local aristocrats in North Africa called Justinian to assistance because one of the Vandal nobles had deposed and murdered the grandson of the Western emperor Valentinian. Originally he was hesitant, but a bishop told him that it was the will of God. He sent Belisarius out with his troops, along with Procopius. Within a year or two, Belisarius vanquished the Vandal King. Items were brought...
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...EARLY CIVILIZATIONS MATRIX CIVILIZATION | politics | society/ economics | technology | art | music | architecture | philosophy | literature | Prehistoric | Families and Clans were important | Hunter/GatherSocietyHealer/Nurturers | Stone Tools | Cave paintingsDecorated pottery | Drumming | Stonehenge | animism | hieroglyphs | Mesopotamian | Social classesKings | AgriculturalReligious beliefs in gods that are not nature itselfWritten Law | Multiplication tables | Ziggurat | Found musical instruments in royal burial sites | pyramids | Search for immortality | Epic | Ancient Egyptian | 1st pharaoh, Narmer (Menes) | Theocratic socialism | SundialWater clockGlass is produced | Created to replicate the living world | Hymns were chantedHarps, pipes, Sistrums | Great Pyramid of Gizeh | cosmology | Papyrus rolls | Archaic Greek | democracy | City-statesThe Olympic games | Theory of the solar eclipse | Fresco | Ballads of war | Palace of Minos, | AristotleNaturalistsPlatoethics | allegory | CIVILIZATION | politics | society/ economics | technology | art | music | architecture | philosophy | literature | Aegean | Aitolian koinon | | | | | | | | Classical Greek | Alexander the Great | Humanism | Steel is produced | Realistic and stayed true to nature | Ode, museKitharalyre | The Parthenon | Socrates | | Hellenistic | Alexandria | Urbanismtrade | Catapultastronomy | Kritios BoyFriezesNude sculptures | Seikolos songSappho | GableMetopetholos | Skepticism, cynicism...
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