Byzantine Emperor: Emperor Justinian

Emperor Justinian

Period: 527 to 565

Emperor Justinian ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 AD until his death in 565 AD

His goal for the Empire

528

When Justinian took over his goal was to unite the Empire physically, metally and spiritually.

justinian's code

534

To unify the people Justinian understood that he would need to make a legal code, so he created the Justinian Legal Codex. This codex was a universal code of laws his followers must abide by. This would create reform for all o his judiciary systems.

defeat of North Africa

534

The victory of North Arica allowed Justinian to push control of his empire into the atlantic.

Justinian Plague

542

This catostrophic plague killed over a 100 million people during the reign of Justinian . This plague was signiicant because it stalled the victory over Italy.

War with Italy

545

Justinian invaded Italy because he saw a chance to unite the East and the West under his rule. The riches of Italy would also make a welcome addition to his empire. But what was supposed to be an easy victory, turned into a long drawn out war that lasted decades. By the time he managed to conquer Italy in the 550s, it was a mere shadow of its former self. Read on to learn the impact of Justinian’s war on Italy.

War with Persia

548

This battle occured because the Persians defaulted on the "truce of Eternal peace".Justinian joined forces with Lazica. Although a clear cut victory was never viewed, Justinian was still able to put together a fifty year peace treaty The persians left Lazica and trade excemptions were created.Helping spread the Byzantine Empire.