Byzantine Empire justinian

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Byzantine flourishes under Justinian's Rule

Justinian came to rule in 527 and lead the empire, with his wife Theodora, until 565. Under his rule, the empire reached its peak. One of his greatest triumphs was rebuilding the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom" and this was a massive church that reflects both Christian and Islamic faiths. one of his most important contributions, even more so than the Hagia Sophia was his "Body of Civil Law", better know as Justinian's code. It was a collection of Roman laws that later served as a model for the Catholic Church and medieval monarchs. It also became a guide to legal thinkers who began to put together international laws that we use today. Justinian ruled as an autocrat and had power over the church. He combined both political power and spiritual authority unlike the feudal monarchs in Western Europe. His control was aided by his wife, Theodora, who served as advisor and co-ruler to justinian. She even pursued her own policies. She grew up very poor and was forced to become an actor, or prostitute. When she married Justinian, she changed laws to help protect poor women, like herself, so that they were not forced to become prostitutes like she was. The byzantine empire preserved a healthy money economy and built one of the strongest military forces in the world. they used soldiers, ships, and sailors to protect the empire, and fortifications to protect the capital. They also also had a secret weapon known as Greek fire that would ignite on contact when thrown at an enemy. This was a majorly effective weapon and terrified their enemies for centuries.

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