Final answer:
Empress Theodora was instrumental in advancing women's rights, while Emperor Justinian made significant contributions to law with Justinian's Code and to Byzantine architecture with the construction of the Hagia Sophia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contributions of Theodora to Women's Rights
Empress Theodora greatly contributed to women's rights in the Byzantine Empire. Coming from humble origins, she was influential in passing laws to free prostitutes from sexual slavery, expanding the legal rights and protections for women, and protecting children from infanticide. Theodora's strong presence in the empire is symbolized through art, like the mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, which emphasizes her status and Christian devotion.
Justinian's Contributions to Law and Architecture
Emperor Justinian made remarkable contributions to law and architecture in the Byzantine Empire. His legal reforms culminated in the creation of Justinian's Code, a collection of laws that became a foundational legal corpus for many modern European legal systems. Architecturally, Justinian commissioned the construction of the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel of its time and a symbol of his pious dedication to Christianity and his imperial influence.