Difference between revisions of "Justinian"
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[[Image:Justinian.jpg|right|thumb|Emperor Justinian (center)|250px]] | [[Image:Justinian.jpg|right|thumb|Emperor Justinian (center)|250px]] | ||
| − | '''Justinian I''' (ca. 482-565) was | + | '''Justinian I''' (ca. 482-565) was an emperor of the Eastern Roman (or [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]]) Empire, considered by modern scholars to have overseen the most brilliant of its periods. He ruled from April 527 until his death 38 years later. Justinian was preceded by his uncle [[Justin I]] and succeeded by [[Justin II]]. He was the husband of the famous Empress [[Theodora]]. |
He is best known for his military succeses, as he regained most of the territory of the old [[Roman Empire]] in [[Africa]] and [[Italy]]. He also is famous for the writing of [[Justinian Code|Justinian's Code]], the law code that is the basis of modern [[law]]. | He is best known for his military succeses, as he regained most of the territory of the old [[Roman Empire]] in [[Africa]] and [[Italy]]. He also is famous for the writing of [[Justinian Code|Justinian's Code]], the law code that is the basis of modern [[law]]. | ||
Revision as of 22:28, May 21, 2007
Justinian I (ca. 482-565) was an emperor of the Eastern Roman (or Byzantine) Empire, considered by modern scholars to have overseen the most brilliant of its periods. He ruled from April 527 until his death 38 years later. Justinian was preceded by his uncle Justin I and succeeded by Justin II. He was the husband of the famous Empress Theodora.
He is best known for his military succeses, as he regained most of the territory of the old Roman Empire in Africa and Italy. He also is famous for the writing of Justinian's Code, the law code that is the basis of modern law.
Justinian is a saint of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He was a Christian emperor, yet he encouraged the persecution of Jews, even creating a ghetto in Constantinople. He also backed the orthodox clergy in denouncing other Christians as heretics. He constructed the Hagia Sophia, which was one of the most magnificent and beautiful buildings ever, until the Muslims turned it into a mosque.
A much different view of Justinian and wife is given in Procopius' A Secret History, which portrays him in a very negative light.
References
Holmes, George. The Oxford Hisory of Medieval Europe. Oxford: University Press, 1988.