Empress Theodora And Elizabeth I: A Comparative Analysis

The informational articles “Empress Theodora” by The World Almanac and “Elizabeth I” by Milton Meltzer it talks about two rulers who brought their kingdoms to their highest points. Both Empress Theodora and Elizabeth I impacted their respective kingdoms by making many changes during their reigns that improved conditions for their citizens.
First, Empress Theodora was a person of great importance to her empire. For example, she helped build, “hostels to shelter the homeless,” (Almanac 7). This shows Theodora was not only concerned with the upper classes. This allows her to improve living conditions for her people. In addition, she helped improve equality for women, “Divorced women were granted rights such as the ability to remain guardians of

their children,” (Almanac 5). This proves that Theodora improved her society for women. This helps women gain status and power to make decisions in society . In conclusion, Theodora helps women and the lower classes during her reign as empress.
Secondly, Queen Elizabeth impacted her kingdom by expanding England and hoping religion would not prevent her people from living together peacefully. For example, “Merchants, bankers, the gentry, artisans, seamen, miners,-men and women of every class and conditions- felt themselves part of the national venture.” (Meltzer paragraph 24). This shows that with more merchants and artisans, more people would come to England to buy things from them. This helps expand England with some help from the queen. For instance, “When Elizabeth became queen upon Mary’s death, she said she hoped religion would not prevent her people from living together in peaceful unity.” (Meltzer paragraph 29). This proves that if she did let religion get in the way her kingdom would not grow or live in peace together. Also, this says that Queen Elizabeth cared about her kingdom and her kingdom did grow and she left an impact on them. In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth expanded England and hoped religion would not be a problem.
As well, citizens thought both rulers were incredible women who brought their kingdoms to their highest point.

For example, “They added new aqueducts to provide clean drinking water.” (Almanac paragraph 7). This shows that her people liked her because they did not destroy the city after it was rebuilt. This proves that under her rule citizens got fresh drinking water and better advantages. For instance, “Eager to demonstrate that she too had the sacred power of royalty.” (Meltzer paragraph 47). This shows that people thought she was like a god and her touch would heal everything. It also shows that even though she was royal she still would heal the sick with her touch and her citizens thought highly of her. Both rulers were incredible and their people thought they brought them to their highest point.
Finally, Both Empress Theodora and Elizabeth I impacted their respective kingdoms by making many changes during their reigns that improved conditions for their citizens. Empress Theodora impacted their kingdoms by improving living conditions and the society for women. Queen Elizabeth expanded England and hoped religion would not be a problem. Even though both rulers had challenges, they faced it with courage and

perseverance.