Byzantine Empire

Justinian I (527–565 CE)

• His reign was defined by the ambitious renovatio imperii (restoration of the Empire)

• He expanded imperial territory, sponsored major building projects such as the Hagia Sophia, and organized Roman law into a lasting legal collection.

Corpus Juris Civilis

• Codex: A collection of imperial legislation and statutes.

• Digest (Pandects): A massive compilation of legal opinions from classical jurists, considered the most important part for legal scholarship.

• Institutes: An official textbook for law students introducing basic legal principles.

• Novels (Novellae): New laws issued by Justinian after the initial compilation.

• Has helped form the foundation for the majority of the world.

• It systematized centuries of Roman law into a coherent body that eliminated inconsistencies and streamlined legal proceedings

Theodora (c. 500–548 CE)

• Justinian I's wife and empress of the Byzantine Empire

• During the Nika Revolt of 532 CE, she urged Justinian not to flee Constantinople, helping him maintain his rule.

• She supported certain protections for women, including measures concerning marriage, prostitution, and the treatment of women in vulnerable circumstances.

Iconoclasm (roughly 726–843 CE, with a break in between)

• The controversy over icons depicting Jesus Christ, Mary, and saints should be used in Christian worship

• The controversy divided Byzantine society and involved emperors, church leaders, monks, and ordinary Christians. Empress Irene played a major role in restoring the veneration of icons in 787 CE.

Fourth Crusade (1202–1204 CE)

• The Fourth Crusade was a military expedition originally intended to help Christians regain control of Jerusalem and other territories in the Holy Land.

• Instead, the Latin crusaders attacked and captured Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, in 1204.

• Crusaders looted Constantinople, damaging churches, palaces, and other treasures.

• This lead to the severe weakining of the Byzantime Empire.

Anna Comnena (1083–c. 1153 CE)

• A Byzantine princess, scholar, and historian. She was the daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.

• The Alexiad describes wars, diplomacy, court politics, and the arrival of Western European crusaders.

• Became one of the most important female historians of the Middle Ages, working in a society where historical writing was dominated by men.

• Helped historians understand Byzantine politics, warfare, culture, and society during the 11th and 12th centuries

Empress Irene of Athens (c. 752–803 CE)

• End of Iconoclasm: She convened the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, which restored the veneration of icons and temporarily ended the First Iconoclasm period.

• Usurpation of Power: After initially ruling as regent, she ordered the blinding of her son Constantine VI in 797 to secure the throne for herself, a move that alienated the military and aristocracy.

Procopius (c. 500–c. 565 CE)

• A Byzantine historian who lived during the reign of Justinian I and wrote important accounts of the empire's wars, buildings, and political life.

• The Wars: Describes Justinian's military campaigns and conflicts with other peoples and empires.

• Buildings: Describes construction projects sponsored by Justinian, including churches and fortifications.

• The Secret History: Offers a sharply critical portrayal of Justinian, Theodora, and other imperial figures.