Justinian I

Justinian I Justinian had a very significant role in world history. There are many things that are overlooked when speaking of Justinian. For instance,

Justinian was a great architect. Many times we overlook the little characteristics of Justinian and we focus on the code of Justinian. Justinian was born a barbarian, probably born of Slavic parents in

Illyia. We know nothing of his early years except that his uncle adopted him. His uncle was Justin I, the emperor of Constantinople. Then in

527 A.D., Justin made Justinian a co-ruler. Four months later, when Justin died, Justinian became the sole emperor. This was the beginning of Justinian’s famous rule, which lasted from 527 A.D. through 565 A.D. (The Reign of Justinian). The reign of

Justinian was significant in many ways.

First of all, it marked the final end of the Roman Empire. It was the establishment of the New

Byzantine empire. It was also the beginning of Western

Europe’s unique position within the civilization of the old world. The religion of Islam spread and the Franks rose to power (The Reign of Justinian). Among other things, Justinian’s rule saw a flourishment in the areas of architecture, the arts, and literature. It was a time of re-building for the empire. Justinian pursued an ambitious dream of restoring the old Roman Empire. In fact, Justinian led the Byzantine army in many wars to regain this land. These wars destroyed much of the great architecture that Justinian himself had created. More than any other series of events before of since that time. Justinian was successful in driving out the Ostrogoths from Italy, and the Vandals from

Africa. During the western wars

Justinian bought peace with the Persians, weakened the empire, and oppressed his subjects

(Justinian).

Justinian tried to restore the empire to match the size that it was at the time of the Roman Empire.

These immense military efforts did all but exhaust the empire’s treasury. He even had to pay Persia for peace just so that he could have a free hand in the west.

However, even after Justinian’s immense efforts, after his death, most of Italy, Southern

Spain, and Africa were once again recaptured, leaving only Justinian’s dream of restoring the empire to the glory it once knew. His dream had failed (The Empire at the time of Justinian). The westerners didn’t want to return to some of the old Roman ways such as Roman taxation,...

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...e of the capital city, a number of distinguished literary figures of Justinian’s time popped up. Their works were largely influenced by the great Greek philosopher such as Aristotle and

Plato. It is said that if Justinian had sided with the

Christians when dealing with the Classical Greek teachings, he would be cutting a major part of his heritage.

The people, most of which, were not prepared for such an action (The Empire at the time of

Justinian). Even though his dream of restoration had failed, he didn’t fail in all areas. many of the areas such as art, literature, architecture, and the famed Code of Justinian, are still around today. Parts of the code are found in laws of different countries. Justinian’s reign would prove to be beneficial not only to his empire, but to the world as we know it today. Justinian was a very important ruler who did much to influence history. Bibliography

Empire at the time of Justinian, The- www.greece.org/Romiosini/constple.html Justinian- www.ukans.edu/kansas/medieval/108/lectures/justinian.html Justinian’s Code- www.wwlia.org/history.htm#529

Reign of Justinian, The - www.ukans.org/kansas/medieval/108/justinian.html *All authors are unknown*