Justinian was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire, from 527 to 565. He was born in 483, at Tauresium, Dardania, and died on 565 in Constantinople. He is known for forming the “second Rome” or Byzantine Empire, which he had always been obsessed on doing. Justinian had made many efforts and experienced contributions that had its effect on him and the future. Things such as the influence of his uncle and his early education, the strong relationship with his wife, Theodora, and creating a set of laws. These all formed the type of person that he was and helped him in some way keep his empire intact.
Greatly involved in education at his early years, Justinian was well educated, guided and favored by his uncle, and this greatly influenced his own future and the decisions he would make. His uncle, Justin I, greatly cared for and aided Justinian, and had “adopted” him. His education had started when his uncle brought him into Constantinople. Justinian’s original name was Flavius Petrus Sabbatius, though when under his uncle, his name was changed to Justinian. At Constantinople, Justinian received an education of Greek and Latin literature and language, law, theology, and history. He had a special interest in theology and Roman history in his times of learning. This flux of knowledge would stick and influence him for the rest of his life. Justinian then would get involved in a career field of the military. This was follow of his uncle’s footsteps, and interests. After the death of Anastasius, Justin became the emperor of the Roman Empire. Justinian had his own army of troops at his command, and a good education, and was an advisor for Justin, making him the perfect candidate on becoming Justin’s successor. So then finally, Justin had officially made him Caesar in 525, and co-emperor in 527, when he had married his partner, Theodora.
Theodora was the empress of the Byzantine Empire, and Justinian’s most influential advisor. In 527, Justinian became the emperor of the Byzantine Empire, ruling with Theodora. Theodora had very strong opinions and views on women’s rights, religion, and professions such as being an actor or dancer. Theodora had the power to give women rights by convincing Justinian to pass and adjust laws for the benefit of women. Such as a women’s right to divorce, or even own property, and also changes in law for poor retired actors. Along with this, she also convinced Justinian to allow religious tolerance for Monophysite beliefs, which Justinian had very different beliefs on. Their relationship and partnership was very strong, and they truly loved each other. During the Nika rebellion, thousands of people were protesting and revolting against Justinian, and wanted to overthrow his rule. Justinian had a very bad grip on this situation and men were debating and decided that he should flee. Theodora thought otherwise and stood up and told them all a speech. This speech silenced the men and eliminated the idea of fleeing, encouraging Justinian to stand up to this situation. So it was decided that all the rebels were to be killed and over 30,000 rebels were killed. With her strong voice and opinions and love for Justinian, Theodora had a great effect on him and influenced him to doing great things.
Justinian created a code of laws known as “Justinian’s Code”, which consisted of “the Code”, “the Digest”, “the Institutes”, and “the Novellae”. This was basically Roman law infused with Byzantine laws, and was the main code of laws for the Byzantine Empire. The Code was a collection of Roman laws, the Digest was a collection of summaries for legal writings on the law, the Institutes were a textbook explaining how to use the law, and the Novellae were new updated laws added. This code presented and showed the preservation of Roman culture, which Justinian had greatly cared to keep. Women’s rights were added and improved by the advision of Theodora. Also the profession of acting were acknowledged by the law thanks to Theodora as well. Religion was acknowledged as well with Judaism being viewed as contradicting to orthodox, though having faith in Judaism was protected and allowed. Justinian greatly favored building projects, so a building program was created by him and many great buildings that once fell have been rebuilt and glorified, such as the Hagia Sophia. With this great large code of laws, there were some loopholes, as some classes of people didn’t follow the law, and the law failed to take care of the issue. Though, Byzantine law would eventually spread and influence other nation’s laws outside its border overtime, including Western Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Later in time, Justinian’s advision from his uncle and his education would lead him to creating the Byzantine Empire and many aspects on it. His interest in theology and Roman history would create his obsession in preserving Roman culture, and the Christian Orthodox religion in his empire. Also his experience in the military and education would help him lead his empire and make decisions, as well as help collect and create his code of laws. Justinian’s wife’s, Theodora, part to play in this all allowed him to continue being emperor. With her by his side, Justinian made a better life for women at the time. Women were allowed to get divorced, own property, and also men were not allowed to kill their wife, if the wife had committed adultery. He also helped the lives of the less fortunate by adjusting the law in people who had the profession of acting and dancing formerly, being able to marry people who are usually of high rank than they are. She also stood up for herself, preventing the fall of Justinian’s reign as emperor, encouraging to fight back to the rebels of the Nika Rebellion, which he took account for and did so. His brave wife would influence and become an example and model woman for people in the future to admire and become. One of Justinian’s greatest achievements have always been his code of laws. This was a great example of the preservation of Roman culture, allowing it to flourish and be remembered in the future. His code has influenced many regions, including the English. By influencing the English laws, the English laws would eventually influence American laws, concluding that Justinian’s code can be seen in some parts of American law. His approval of allowing other religions such as Judaism in his empire would allow religions to spread and keep intact. Other legal reforms were building projects that Justinian had great interest in. Fallen buildings were rebuilt and glorified, such as the Hagia Sophia, which became later on an important church in Christianity, then a mosque into a museum. Roman culture was also shown in the buildings he constructed, showing yet another way he preserved it. All of these people who helped Justinian and all the things he has done in his path has created the man he was in Constantinople, being the emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Having Byzantine culture and ideas spread out of its borders and into vastly different regions around the world.