Theodora's reprehensible life and her humble origin - she came from a family of professional actors - posed legal and social obstacles in her marriage with Justinian, which were overcome through a special law issued by Justin I. Theodora's conduct and way of life radically changed when she became empress. She was a woman of great charm and dynamism, as acknowledged even by her enemies. She stood by Justinian and helped him in achieving his goals. Her role was often decisive. For instance, well known is her mediation to the emperor for a better treatment of Monophysite Eastern provinces. Before marrying Justinian, she had spent a part of her life in Alexandria, where she had been on friendly terms with members of Monophysite circles. Her perspicacity made clear to her the great potential of the Eastern provinces, and that they should not be cut off from the main body of the Byzantine Empire. Her portrait survives in the Ravenna mosaics along with Justinian's.

General Velissarius, Narses, John of Cappadocia, Trivonianus and Anthemius are the most distinguished of Justinian's close associates.

Considered a genius in military tactics, Velissarius was a strong personality and introduced many innovations in military training.

Narses was also a close associate of the emperor. He was assigned the reorganization of Italy and demonstrated both military and diplomatic abilities and a skill in human resources management. He was Theodora's protégé throughout his life.

John of Cappadocia was a man of unexceptional education, but clever and of many talents. He introduced many reforms in the administrative and financial sectors, but found a strong opponent in the face of Theodora, who succeeded to remove him.

Trivonianus, a learned legislator, became known as the main person behind Justinian's legislative reform.

Anthemius, a mathematician and a mechanic, was Justinian's advisor on architectural issues.