Who was the wife of Emperor Justinian I?

The wife of Emperor Justinian I was Theodora, who became empress when Justinian took the throne in 527.

Theodora rose from comparatively humble beginnings to become one of the most influential women in Byzantine history. Justinian valued her political judgment, and a law passed in 524 helped make their marriage possible despite restrictions on senators marrying former actresses. As empress, she received the title Augusta and participated in imperial decision-making.

She is especially remembered for her role during the Nika riots of 532. When Justinian considered fleeing Constantinople, Theodora reportedly urged him to remain and confront the rebellion, helping preserve his rule. She also supported legislation concerning women's property, marriage, and protection from sexual exploitation, although historians debate the exact extent of her reforms.

Theodora died in 548, before Justinian, and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Her portrait appears beside Justinian's in the famous sixth-century mosaics at San Vitale in Ravenna. She is sometimes confused with later Byzantine empresses named Theodora, including the wife of Emperor Theophilos.