Ancient 355 Week 11 Lecture Notes: Justinian

Announcements

• Upcoming storm warning; hope to finish before it hits.
• Quiz deadlines extended to Wednesday midnight due to work challenges among students.
• Course evaluations are open in Canvas; feedback appreciated for course improvement.
• No lecture on Monday next week due to King's birthday celebration.
• Last full lecture on Tuesday next week; Thursday workshops to prepare for exams.
• Tomorrow's lecture is compressed due to a missed lecture.

Overview of Justinian

• Importance: Considered one of the most important late Roman emperors.
• Controversy: Views vary widely on his legacy, from fantastic to terrible.
• Notable Attempts: Tried to reclaim Western provinces from barbarian control—partially succeeded but failed to retain them permanently.
• End of an Era: His failure marks a potential endpoint of the later Roman Empire and transition to Byzantium.

Justinian's Rise to Power

• Predecessor: Emperor Anastasius left no heirs; Justin, a provincial and former head of imperial bodyguard, chosen as successor.
• Background: Justin comes from humble origins but had military loyalty.
• Nephew: Justinian, groomed as successor, heavily involved in policy-making, becomes co-emperor in 527.

Theodora

• Background: Controversial figure, possibly an actress and prostitute according to sources.
• Marriage: Required special law to marry Justinian, indicating a strong personal bond.
• Role: Seen as a powerful influence and co-ruler, often praised or criticized in historical sources.

Challenges During Justinian's Reign

• War with Persia: Ongoing conflict requiring military attention.
• Nika Riots (532): Major uprising in Constantinople; Theodora's intervention credited with saving Justinian's rule.

Military Campaigns

• North Africa: Successful reclamation from the Vandals, seen as a religious duty against Arian rulers.
• Italy: Attempted conquest met with stronger resistance, significant struggle and costly, only partial success.

Religious and Legal Reforms

• Religious Policies: Sought religious unity, issued laws against various religious groups and heresies, unsuccessful in resolving major doctrinal disputes.
• Legal Contributions: Justinian Code (Codex Justinian), Digest, and Institutes established long-lasting legal foundations.

Evaluation of Justinian's Reign

• Mixed Legacy: Views range from positive impact to failure due to overstretched resources and religious discord.
• Historical Impact: Attempted to restore Roman glory but faced challenges; legacy remains significant in law and architecture.
• Personal View: Seen as a failed idealist striving against significant obstacles, unable to foresee the long-term outcomes of his policies.

Summary: Justinian's reign marked a pivotal period in late Roman history, characterized by ambitious territorial and religious goals, mixed military success, and significant legal and architectural achievements. His legacy remains debated, reflecting the complexities of his time and the challenges of restoring Rome's former greatness.