Justinian gains power through his uncle Justin, who yielded to him his throne after his death, while Theodora comes to power through her beauty and profession as an actress. Although it was forbidden to marry an emperor with an actress, Justinian succeeded in abolishing that law, making her his wife. Both remained in power due to a phrase she exclaimed during a riot of political parties in the empire, where she said she preferred to die more like an empress, struggling to stay on her throne and not living isolated and fearing for her life. This speech was enough to receive support, since through it, Theodora managed to save the reign of her husband Justinian.
