Justinian and Theodora Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

Justinian's father made a living as a farmer. However, his mother's brother was Emperor Justin I. He was educated in the city of Constantinople, and eventually became his uncle's most influential adviser. When he was crowned in 527, his wife, Theodora, was named his co-regent, amid much opposition but one contemporary wrote that she was "superior in intelligence to any man."

Answer: Byzantine Empire

By this time, Diocletian had already divided the Roman empire into two halves, and institutionalized the practice of having two emperors. The western empire was the old Roman Empire that was decaying and dying and fell in 476 A.D. The Byzantine Empire was the eastern empire; it remained in existence until it was taken by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Answer: Theodora was an actress

Theodora's family was in "show business" and worked at the Hippodrome in Constantinople. Her father died when she was very young, and Theodora became an actress to earn a living. Since most actresses were also prostitutes, her association with Justinian caused quite a commotion. Procopius, in the "Secret History" (Latin "Historia Arcana"), writes about her early life with all the glee of a pornographer. Whether his account is really accurate is another matter, however. Upon her conversion to Christianity, and prior to her marriage, Theodora became a wool spinner.

Answer: False

Actually, his uncle, Justin I, changed the law that forbade officials to marry actresses, even though his wife, Empress Euphemia, was against the marriage. Justinian married Theodora the next year; by that time she already had a daughter.

Answer: Monophysitism

Monophysites were Christians, but their beliefs did not agree with the orthodox church. They believed that Jesus had only a divine nature, rather than being both divine and human. Since many believed monophysites to be heretics, Justinian had his hands full with the issue, especially considering that eventually he accepted the teaching. Strained relations with the pope set the stage for the eventual break between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Answer: Nika Revolt

Justinian wished to rebuild and reunite the ancient Roman empire. This was a very costly endeaver and aroused much controversy. In 532 a revolt broke out in Constantinople at the chariot races; the two rival teams were each supported by a different social class. Subsequently, a violent uprising occurred that targeted the emperor, who charged heavy taxes to pay for imperial expansion.

Answer: purple

At the onset of the Nika Revolt, Justinian wanted to flee. Theodora persuaded him to remain by saying "My opinion then is that the present time, above all others, is inopportune for flight, even though it bring safety. For while it is impossible for a man who has sen the light not also to die, for one who has been an emperor it is unendurable to be a fugitive. May I never be separated from this purple . . ." In other words, a deposed empress would not have the right to wear the color purple, which symbolized nobility, power, royal status, and wealth.

Answer: Caesaropapism

Justinian's motto was "One empire, one church, one law." He acted as the head of the Church, as well as the State. The election of the patriarch was also controlled. This combination of secular and religious roles is sometimes called Caesaropapism.

Answer: St Sophia's

The Hagia Sophia, or Church of the Holy Wisdom, is considered to be one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture. It had a dome, and the interior was decorated with mosaics and colored marble. When the Turks captured Constantinople, they converted the church into a mosque.

They covered the mosaics with whitewash, and added four minarets to the exterior. In 1922, with the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the nation of Turkey, the building was turned into a museum.

Answer: silkworms

Justinian contacted the Chinese emperor to suggest the possibility of a cultural exchange. The delegation of monks he sent was bribed to smuggle some silkworm eggs in a hollow bamboo cane back to Constantinople. This established the basis for a flourishing silk industry that was controlled by the government.