Final answer:
Theodora, once an entertainer, rose to become a powerful Empress alongside Justinian, contributing to legal reforms and the expansion of women's rights. Despite a low social standing and scandalous accusations by historian Procopius, she exerted considerable influence and held a strong partnership with Justinian.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Background of Empress Theodora
Theodora emerged from a background of humble beginnings, believed to have been an entertainer before rising to her position beside Justinian as Empress. Her family's social position was low, with some sources suggesting that she may have been involved in professions that were considered scandalous, such as prostitution.
According to Procopius, an historian of the time, Theodora's past was depicted as scandalous, which was used to implicate Justinian as an unfit ruler, suggesting their rise to power involved deceit and manipulation. However, despite her background, Theodora became a powerful and influential co-ruler, contributing to significant legal reforms, the expansion of women's rights, and several building projects in Constantinople.
Her assertiveness and political acumen were seen during a massive riot against Justinian's rule, where she played a decisive role in preventing a potential abdication. Theodora and Justinian's marriage was a political alliance that turned into a partnership of mutual respect and intellectual kinship, somewhat rare for their time.