The history of the Roman Empire in the East, for more than
one hundred years after the death of Theodosius, is uneventful. His successors,
though unable to prevent the Germans from seizing Italy and the other western
provinces, managed to keep their own dominions intact. The eastern provinces
escaped the fate of those in the West, because they were more populous and
offered greater obstacles to the barbarian invaders, who followed the line of
least resistance. The gradual recovery of the empire in strength and warlike
energy prepared the way for a really eminent ruler—Justinian.
JUSTINIAN AND THEODORA
Justinian is described as a man of noble bearing, simple
in his habits, affable in speech, and easy of approach to all his subjects.
Historians have often drawn attention to his wonderful activity of mind and
power of steady industry. So great was his zeal for work that one of his
courtiers called him "the emperor who never sleeps." Possessed of
large ideas and inspired by the majesty of Rome, Justinian aimed to be a great
conqueror, a great lawgiver, and a great restorer of civilization. His success
in whatever he undertook must be ascribed in part to his wife, Theodora, whom
he associated with himself on the throne. Theodora, strong of mind and wise in
counsel, made a worthy helpmate for Justinian, who more than once declared that
in affairs of state he had consulted his "revered wife."
