Justinian Empire
By Joy Kalu and Emily Benes-Hodges 7th
The Early Life of Justinian
Justinian was the son of a Slavic peasant. He lived and spent the majority of his time with his uncle, named Justin. He was educated in Constantinople. In 521, Justinian became consul. He became his uncle’s colleague in the empire. Justinian's uncle, Justin I, died the same year he did, in 565. His reign can be said to have restored the Roman Empire back to its original state.
Justinian's Life
Justinian's Rule
Justinian became emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in 527. His goal was to reestablish the Roman Empire and the entire Mediterranean World. In 552, he restored the roman empire in the Mediterranean.
Map of the Justinian Empire Territory
What makes Justinian important?
After the death of Justinian, the Lombards conquered much of Italy and other areas of his empire were lost. But even with him gone, he was remebered for doing many things that greatly impacted the world to this day. His most important contribution was his codification of Roman law. He created a code of law called, The Body of Civil Law because he wanted to simplify the legal material that the Eastern Roman Empire had inherited. The Code of Roman laws was the basis of Imperial Law in the Eastern Roman Empire until it’s end in 1453. The Code of Roman laws was also used in the West and was the basis for much of the legal system of Europe.
Pictures
Justinian and the men of his consul.
Justinian and his wife Theodora.
A sculpture of Justinian.
More Info of the Justinian Empire
Essential Questions
- What was the effect of Justinian's rule on the Roman Empire?
- Why did Justinian's Body of Civil Law become the basis of laws of Europe?