What effect did Empress Theodora and ban on iconoclasm have on the Byzantine Empire?

Empress Theodora's influence and the ban on iconoclasm significantly strengthened the Byzantine Empire's religious unity and cultural identity. By supporting the veneration of icons, Theodora helped restore the authority of the church and reinforced ties between the state and the Orthodox Christian faith. This shift fostered a sense of stability and cohesion within the empire, contributing to its cultural and artistic flourishing during the 9th century. Ultimately, her policies helped to solidify the Byzantine Empire's legacy in both spiritual and artistic realms.