Heroes

Constantine rebuilt the city of Constantinople and made it the capital of the eastern empire. He allowed Christianity to be practiced freely and helped it spread throughout the empire. Because of Constantine, Constantinople became a powerful city and an important center of Christian faith.

Constantine rebuilt the city of Constantinople and made it the capital of the eastern empire. He allowed Christianity to be practiced freely and helped it spread throughout the empire. Because of Constantine, Constantinople became a powerful city and an important center of Christian faith.

Hundreds of years later, another famous emperor named Justinian I tried to make the empire strong again. Justinian wanted to reunite the old Roman Empire, so he sent armies to retake lost lands. He also worked to improve laws and order. Justinian collected Roman laws into one clear set of rules, which later helped shape laws in Europe.

Justinian did not rule alone. His wife, Theodora, was one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She was brave and intelligent and gave Justinian strong advice. During dangerous times, Theodora helped convince him not to flee, saving the empire from collapse. She also worked to protect women’s rights and help the poor.

Together, Constantine, Justinian, and Theodora helped make the Byzantine Empire strong, organized, and influential. Their leadership shaped the empire for centuries.