Justinian I
...overlooked when speaking of Justinian. For instance,
Justinian was a great architect. Many times
we overlook the little characteristics of Justinian and we
focus on the code of Justinian. Justinian
was born a barbarian, probably born of Slavic parents in
Illyia. We know nothing of his early years
except that his uncle adopted him. His uncle was Justin I,
the emperor of Constantinople. Then in
527 A.D., Justin made Justinian a co-ruler. Four months
later, when Justin died, Justinian became
the sole emperor. This was the beginning of Justinian's
famous rule, which lasted from 527 A.D.
through 565 A.D. (The Reign of Justinian). The reign of
Justinian was significant in many ways.
First of all, it marked the final end of the Roman Empire. It
was the establishment of the New
Byzantine empire. It was also the beginning of Western
Europe's unique position within the
civilization of the old world. The religion of Islam spread
and the Franks rose to power (The Reign
of Justinian). Among other things, Justinian's rule saw a
flourishment in the areas of architecture, the
arts, and literature. It was a time of re-building for the
empire. Justinian pursued an ambitious
dream of restoring the old Roman Empire. In fact, Justinian
led the Byzantine army in many wars to
regain this land. These wars destroyed much of the great
architecture that Justinian himself had
created. More than any other series of events before of since
that time. Justinian was successful in
driving out the Ostrogoths from Italy, and the Vandals from
Africa. During the western wars
Justinian bought peace with the Persians, weakened the
empire, and oppressed his subjects
(Justinian)....
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