[Verginius Rufus]

Justinian regained Italy, North Africa, and a small part of Spain. Whether it was worth the treasure expended is debatable. North Africa probably was since it was regained quickly, but Italy was ruined by a long drawn-out war. Bits of Italy remained under the emperor in Constantinople until 1071, and one of the 7th-century emperors died in Syracuse.

That Theodora was a courtesan in her earlier career could be a fabrication of her enemies (who were numerous). Procopius' Secret History is a great read even if it isn't altogether reliable. Think of Justinian and Theodora as Bill and Hillary, but with a lot more Arkancides.

[kabumpo]

I recommend ”Count Belisarius”, a novel by Robert Graves about that era.