Byzantine Empire Project

Justinian

1. Emperor during the Byzantine Empire's "Golden Age"

   • Ruled years 527 to 565
     • Determined to recover lands that were overrun by invaders
       • Left a more lasting monument in the structures of his capital

2. Rebuilt the church of Hagia Sophia

   • Did this for his great triumph to make Constantinople grander than ever
     • Seeing the church, the emperor recalled King Solomon's temple in Jerusalem
   • Means "Holy Wisdom"

3. Set up a commission to collect, revise, and organize all the laws of ancient Rome

   • Justinian's Code, "Body of Civil Law"
     • Included laws passed by Roman assemblies/decreed by Roman emperors, legal writings of Roman judges and a handbook for students
     • Reached Western Europe by the 1100s

4. Ruled as an autocrat, and was deemed Christ's co-ruler on Earth, since the Byzantine Emperor had power over the Church

   • Combined both political power and spiritual authority
     • His wife, Theodora, aided his control, serving as adviser and co-ruler to Justinian
   • "The emperor was equal to all men, but stood similar to God in authority of his rank"