Justinian I is traditionally known as Justinian the Great. he was a Byzantine ( East Roman ) emperor from 525 to 565. He was always choosing efficient but unpopular advisors. His most trusted advisor was his wife Theodora.
Theodora was one of the most influential and powerful of the Byzantine empresses. Some sources mention her as not only the emperor`s advisor but also a leader during the Nika riots in 532.
Historian Procopius was very bitter towards the empress Theodora in his "Secret history".