Justinian I - World History Encyclopedia

Justinian I: Overview

• Reign: 527 to 565 CE as emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

• Death: 482 CE in Tauresium, Illyria.

• Background: Son of Vigilantia, nephew of Emperor Justin I; became consul in 521 CE.

• Legacy: Regarded as one of the greatest and most controversial Byzantine emperors.

Major Achievements

Military Campaigns

• Focus: Retake Italy, Sicily, and Africa.

• Iberian War (526 - 532 CE): Combat with the Sassanian Empire; resulted in a truce after the death of Shah Kavadh I.

• Reconquest of Africa (533 - 534 CE):

  • Target: Vandal control of Carthage (since 439 CE).

  • Initial anti-Vandal revolt in Tripolitania with support from Cyrenaica.

  • Led by General Belisarius; military success concluded with the surrender of Vandal King Gelimer in 534 CE.

Reconquest of Italy

• Gothic Control: The Goths ruled Italy and Sicily since 476 CE, following Odoacer's recognition of Constantinople’s authority.

• Justinian's Strategy:

  • Following African successes, aimed to reclaim Italian territories.

  • In 535 CE, Belisarius swiftly captured Sicily.

• Gothic War:

  • Ongoing conflicts from 535 to 554 CE; marked by victories and defeats.

  • Rise of Totila as Gothic leader leading to Roman setbacks (e.g., capture of Naples, Rome's fluctuating control).

• Final Victory: In 553 CE, General Narses defeats Totila, restoring Roman control over Italy.

Architectural and Legal Reforms

• Hagia Sophia: Rebuilt by Justinian after 532 CE, symbolizing Byzantine architectural achievement.

• Construction Initiative: Development of churches, forts, and infrastructure throughout the empire.

• Corpus Juris Civilis (529 - 534 CE): Major codification of Roman law, bringing together laws from earlier periods, foundational for legal systems.

Social and Political Challenges

• Popularity: Faced significant opposition; revolts indicated discontent.

• Nika Riots (532 CE): Civil unrest leading to extensive violence and destruction in Constantinople, resulting in significant loss of life.

• Samaritan Revolts (529 & 559 CE): Challenges in Palestine highlighting imperial strain.

Insights from Procopius

• Biographical Works: Procopius authored three notable pieces assessing Justinian's reign:

  • De Bellis: Chronicles military campaigns.

  • De Aedificiis: Detailed accounts of architectural projects.

  • Anecdota (Secret History): A satirical yet critical view of imperial life that reflects Procopius's disillusionment with Justinian's regime.

Conclusion

• Cultural Influence: Justinian's reign marks a transition towards emperors focusing on faith alongside political and military leadership.

• Historical Significance: His efforts shaped Byzantium's legal and cultural landscape, securing his reputation in history.