Justinian

Justinian

1. Wife was Theodora

   • Shrewd politician
     • served as an advisor and co-ruler to Justinian
     • Fought for women's rights
   • Her family was not very wealthy
     • She was an actress (prostitute)
     • Her father was a bearkeeper

2. made Justinian's Code

   • developed in a commission created by Justinian
     • commission collected, revised and organized all the laws of ancient Rome
   • is a massive collection that includes laws passed by Roman assemblies, decreed by Roman emperors, legal writings of Roman judges, and a handbook for students
   • had an impact far beyond the Byzantine empire
     • Monarchs in Western Europe modeled their laws on its principles
       • helped them to strengthen and centralize their power
     • code also guided legal thinkers who began to create the international law we use today

3. Built the Hagia Sophia

   • translates to holy wisdom
   • located in Instanbul
   • remained intact, a prize for whoever controlled the city
     • started as a cathedral, , became a mosk and is currently a meseum
       • reflects the influences of Christianity and Islam

4. Was determined recover land that had been overrun by invaders

   • armies conquered North Africa, Italy, and the Southern Iberian Peninsula
     • fighting weekend their defense and their victories were only temporary