Justinian I

Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus or Justinian I (May 11, 483–November 13/14, 565), was Eastern Roman Emperor from August 1, 527 until his death. One of the most important rulers of Late Antiquity, he is best remembered for his reform of the legal code through the commission of Tribonian, and the military expansion of imperial territory that was achieved during his reign, primarily through the campaigns of Belisarius. He is also known as "The last Roman Emperor." He is considered a saint in the Orthodox Church, commemorated on November 14.

Life

Justinian was born in a small village called Tauresina (Taor) in Illyricum (near Skopje), in the Balkan peninsula, probably on May 11, 483 to Vigilantia, the sister of the highly esteemed General Justin, who rose from the ranks of the army to become emperor. His uncle adopted him and ensured the boy's education. Justinian was superbly well educated, in jurisprudence, theology and Roman history. His military career featured rapid advancement, and a great future opened up for him when, in 518, Justin became emperor. Justinian was appointed consul in 521, and later as commander of the army of the east. He was functioning as virtual regent long before Justin made him associate emperor on April 1, 527.

Related Topics:
Tauresina - Taor - Illyricum - Skopje - Balkan peninsula - May 11 - Vigilantia - Justin - Army - Jurisprudence - Theology - 518 - Consul - 521 - April 1 - 527

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Four months later, Justinian became the sole sovereign, upon Justin's death, at the mature age of 40. His administration had world-wide impact, constituting a distinct epoch in the history of the Byzantine Empire and the Orthodox Church. He was a man of unusual capacity for work (sometimes called the "Emperor Who Never Sleeps"), and possessed a temperate, affable, and lively character; but was also unscrupulous and crafty when it served him. He was the last emperor to attempt to restore the Roman Empire to the territories it enjoyed under Theodosius I.

Related Topics:
Byzantine Empire - Orthodox Church - Roman Empire - Theodosius I

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Justinian viewed himself as the new Constantine. He believed in a Mediterranean wide Christian order politically, religiously and economically, united and ruled from Constantinople under a single Christian emperor. To this end he directed his great wars and his colossal activity in reconquering the western provinces from the Germanic tribes.

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He surrounded himself with men and women of extraordinary talent, "new men" culled not from the aristocratic ranks, but those based on merit. In 523 he married Theodora, who was by profession a courtesan about 20 years his junior. Justinian would have in earlier times been unable to marry her because of her class, but he had passed a law allowing intermarriage between social classes. Theodora would become very influential in the politics of the Empire, and later emperors would follow Justinian's precedent and marry outside of the aristocratic class. The marriage was a source of scandal, but Theodora would prove to be very intelligent, street smart, a good judge of character and Justinian's greatest supporter.

Related Topics:
523 - Theodora - Courtesan - Aristocratic

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Other talented individuals included Tribonian, his legal adviser; his finance ministers John of Cappadocia and Peter Barsymes, who managed to collect taxes more efficiently than any before thus funding Justinian's wars; and finally, his talented generals Belisarius and Narses.

Related Topics:
Tribonian - John of Cappadocia - Peter Barsymes - Belisarius - Narses

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Procopius provides our primary source for the history of Justinian's reign, although the chronicle of John of Ephesus (which survives as the basis for many later chronicles) contributes many valuable details. Both historians became very bitter towards Justinian and Theodora. Aside from his main history, Procopius also wrote the Secret History, which reports on various scandals at Justinian's court.

Related Topics:
Procopius - John of Ephesus - Secret History

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Theodora died in 548; Justinian outlived her for almost twenty years, and died on November 13 or 14, 565.

Related Topics:
548 - November 13 - 14

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