Who Was Justinian? | FIVE FUN FACTS

Summary

This video explores five fascinating facts about Justinian the Great, a pivotal figure in Byzantine history. It covers his rise to power, the creation of the Justinian Code that reformed Byzantine law, his influential wife Empress Theodora, the construction of the iconic Hagia Sophia, and his efforts to reconquer parts of the fallen Western Roman Empire. Hosted by James, the video highlights Justinian’s legacy, including his enduring impact on law, architecture, and the Byzantine Empire's territorial ambitions.

Takeaways

• 👑 Justinian the Great was born Petrus Sabbatius around 482 AD and became the second emperor of the Justinian dynasty.
• 📜 Justinian is known for his legal reforms, including the famous Code of Justinian, which reorganized Byzantine law into four parts: Codex, Digest, Institutes, and Novels.
• 👸 Justinian's wife, Empress Theodora, played a significant political role, helping him maintain power during the Nika riots of 532 AD.
• 🏛️ The Hagia Sophia, built under Justinian's reign, was one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Byzantine Empire and stood as the world's largest cathedral for nearly a millennium.
• ⚔️ Justinian sought to restore the Roman Empire through military conquests, reclaiming parts of the Western Roman Empire, including Africa and Italy.
• 📚 The Digest section of Justinian's Code focused on court rulings, aiming to remove contradictions in past judicial decisions.
• 🏰 Justinian became co-emperor with his uncle, Justin I, in 527 AD before becoming the sole ruler later that year.
• 🎭 Theodora came from a lower-class background, which made their marriage groundbreaking for crossing social classes at the time.
• ⛪ Though the Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, it was preserved and turned into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.
• 🛡️ Justinian's conquests, led by General Belisarius, proved the resilience of the Byzantine Empire, even if many territories were eventually lost after his death.

Q & A

Who was Justinian the Great and where was he born?

Justinian the Great was a Byzantine emperor born as Petrus Sabbatius around 482 AD, likely in the region of Thrace or Illyria.

How did Justinian become emperor?

Justinian became emperor after his uncle, Justin I, who had adopted him and made him co-emperor in April 527. When Justin died later that year, Justinian became the sole emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

What is the Code of Justinian and why is it significant?

The Code of Justinian, also known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, was a comprehensive reform of Byzantine law. It clarified legal opinions and addressed issues like marriage, taxation, and imperial powers. It had a lasting influence on European legal systems.

What were the four parts of the Code of Justinian?

The four parts of the Code of Justinian were: 1) Codex, which cleaned up old laws, 2) Digest, which reviewed past court rulings, 3) Institutes, a legal textbook for students, and 4) Novels, which were new laws created by Justinian.

Who was Theodora, and what was her role in Justinian's reign?

Theodora was Justinian’s wife and the Empress of the Byzantine Empire. She played an active role in politics and court affairs, and is especially remembered for persuading Justinian to remain in Constantinople during the Nika riots in 532, saving his reign.

What was the significance of the Nika riots in Justinian's reign?

The Nika riots were a significant uprising in 532, where rival factions nearly overthrew Justinian. Theodora’s courage in urging Justinian to stay led to the suppression of the revolt, ensuring Justinian’s continued rule.

What is the Hagia Sophia, and why is it important in Justinian’s legacy?

The Hagia Sophia, or Church of Holy Wisdom, was constructed under Justinian’s reign between 532 and 537 AD. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1,000 years and remains one of the most iconic architectural achievements of the Byzantine Empire.

What happened to the Hagia Sophia after the fall of Constantinople?

After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Later, under the Republic of Turkey, it was secularized and turned into a museum, with many of its Christian artworks restored.

What was Justinian’s goal in the reconquest of Rome?

Justinian sought to restore the glory of the Roman Empire by reconquering lost territories. His general, Belisarius, led campaigns to reclaim parts of the Western Roman Empire, including North Africa and Italy, bringing Rome back under Byzantine control for a brief period.

Did Justinian personally lead military campaigns during his reign?

No, Justinian did not personally lead military campaigns. He focused on domestic issues while his general, Belisarius, carried out the reconquests in North Africa and Italy on his behalf.