Justinian's Code

The role of women in the Byzantine Empire is basically, to be wives, mothers, or concubines. This can be claimed to be true because in the Justinian's code, women are only addressed in these areas os social status. They are given no authority elsewhere and are strictly controlled to only be suited for such types of roles. In Justinian's code, women are only given power over marriage, because according to the set laws described, both parties must provide consent in order for the marriage to occur. Other than this one right, women are basically given no power or authority in any other aspects of the Byzantinae society. Whereas men are grated power over deciding who marries who, and control the fate of their chidden or grand children. Men even receive authority over property during a divorce.

Justinian's background matters when reading this document because anything mentioned in it could be a direct resultant of his background. He grew up was a peasant but because of his uncle, was able to live at higher standards later on in his life. Therefore, pieces of legislation that he has approved could be particularly beneficial to pendants rather than wealthy land owners.