How did Empress Theodora have the GREATEST impact on the Byzantine Empire? She traveled to other empires as an ambassador to make foreign alliances and to show off Byzantine wealth. She persuaded Emperor Justinian to change the law so a person could marry someone from a lower social class. She convinced Emperor Justinian to stand firm against the Nika rioters and use his power and influence to suppress the rebellion. She encouraged Byzantine advisors to authorize the use of treasury funds to build Orthodox churches to solidify religious uniformity.