Investigating Primary Sources What Kind of Ruler Was Justinian I? Page 106-109
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the significant accomplishments of Justinian that Procopius praised?

  • The reconstruction of the Hagia Sophia (correct)
  • Abolishing slavery
  • Expanding the empire through peaceful treaties
  • The establishment of a democracy

    • Procopius consistently praised Justinian in all of his writings.

    False (B)

    What influence did Empress Theodora have during Justinian's reign?

    She influenced his decisions with her advice and persuasion.

    Justinian's legal reforms are gathered in a collection known as ______.

    <p>Justinian's Code</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the works of Procopius with their focus:

    <p>The Secret History = Criticism of Justinian's rule Wars = Accounts of military campaigns Buildings = Praise for architectural achievements Theodora = Influence on Justinian's reign</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Justinian's Code considered historically significant?

    <p>It served as a foundation for modern legal systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Justinian's main goals as described by Procopius?

    <p>To consolidate and expand the empire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What title is Justinian I most commonly known by?

    <p>Justinian the Great (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Justinian I ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major architectural achievement is Justinian I known for?

    <p>Hagia Sophia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Justinian I helped create a legal code known as the __________.

    <p>Codex Justinianus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following territories did Justinian I successfully regain during his reign?

    <p>Italy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Justinian I was universally praised and had no critics.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Justinian I play in the restoration of the Byzantine Empire's beauty?

    <p>He rebuilt Constantinople and supported the creation of art and architecture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following achievements or characteristics with Justinian I's contributions:

    <p>Expansion of Empire = Regained territories in Italy, Spain, and North Africa Legal Codes = Codex Justinianus as foundational law Architecture = Construction of Hagia Sophia Cultural Support = Patronized artists and rebuilt public spaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Who was Justinian I?

    Justinian I ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565, during a period of great turmoil and rebuilding.

    How did Justinian expand the Byzantine Empire?

    He was known for expanding the Byzantine Empire to its greatest size in history. He regained lost territories in Italy, Spain, and North Africa.

    What did Justinian do for Constantinople?

    Justinian rebuilt Constantinople with new harbors, bridges, aqueducts, public buildings, and churches.

    What is the Hagia Sophia?

    The Hagia Sophia, a magnificent church with a breathtaking dome and marble art, is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Justinian built it.

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    How did Justinian support art?

    Justinian commissioned artists to create beautiful paintings and carvings, contributing to the empire's artistic legacy.

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    What is the Justinian Code?

    Justinian assigned a committee of ten lawyers to review the existing laws and create a new comprehensive legal code, known as the Justinian Code.

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    How was the Justinian Code organized?

    The Justinian Code (Codex Justinianus) was divided into four books, and it's the foundation of modern legal systems in many nations.

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    What is the Institutes of Justinian?

    The Institutes of Justinian is one of the four books of the Justinian Code, a textbook for law students and lawyers.

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    What was Justinian's Code?

    Justinian's Code was a collection of Roman laws that was reorganized and simplified, making it easier for people to understand. It formed the basis for many legal systems throughout Europe and influenced legal systems even today.

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    Why was Justinian's Code important?

    Justinian's Code was very important because it codified Roman law into a clear and consistent system, making it easier to enforce and apply justice.

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    Why is Justinian's Code historically significant?

    Justinian's code was important because it helped to preserve and transmit ancient Roman law, influencing legal systems in Europe and beyond, making it a cornerstone of Western legal history.

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    Who was Procopius?

    Procopius was a historian who wrote about Justinian's wars and building projects, and provides valuable insights into his reign through different perspectives.

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    What is 'The Secret History'?

    Procopius wrote a book called 'The Secret History' that criticizes Justinian's rule, revealing a different side to the emperor.

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    Why is Procopius's writing valuable?

    Procopius provides valuable primary sources, giving us a direct glimpse into Justinian's reign and the way he was perceived by his contemporaries

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    Who was Empress Theodora?

    Empress Theodora was Justinian's wife, and according to historians, she had a significant influence on his rule and decisions

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    Study Notes

    Justinian I: A Complex Ruler

    • Justinian I (527-565 CE) ruled the Byzantine Empire, a time of significant upheaval. His reign was marked by both praise and criticism.
    • He expanded the empire to its greatest extent by reclaiming territories lost in the Western Roman Empire, including parts of Italy, Spain, and North Africa.
    • Justinian oversaw the rebuilding of Constantinople, including new infrastructure like harbors, bridges, aqueducts, and public buildings (e.g., Hagia Sophia).
    • He commissioned artistic endeavors such as paintings and sculptures. A notable achievement was the creation of the Codex Justinianus, a collection of legal codes that became a cornerstone of law in numerous nations.
    • This code consolidated and updated previous Roman laws; aiming to streamline and improve upon outdated laws and add new ones.
    • Despite his achievements, Justinian faced accusations of tyranny.

    Primary Sources on Justinian

    • Procopius, a military advisor and historian, wrote extensively about Justinian's reign. Early works praised Justinian's accomplishments, particularly regarding architecture, military success and law.
    • Procopius's Secret History, written later in his life and published posthumously, presents a sharp contrast, criticizing Justinian's policies and methods as tyrannical.
    • The Secret History criticizes Justinian's ambition, alleged cruelty and control of the people and the empire.
    • The book also contained criticisms of Empress Theodora.
    • The Secret History suggests that Justinian's focus was on personal gain and power, not the welfare of the people.
    • The differing perspectives in Procopius's works highlight the conflicting viewpoints of the time regarding Justinian's rule.

    Justinian and Empress Theodora

    • Visual depictions (e.g. portraits) of Justinian and Theodora showcase their relationship.
    • Theodora exerted significant influence on Justinian's decisions.
    • Some accounts suggest Justinian's accomplishments diminished after Theodora's death.
    • These images reveal aspects of their personalities and relationship that written accounts might not.

    Evaluating Justinian's Legacy

    • Determining Justinian's true character requires analyzing multiple sources and acknowledging the bias of each.
    • Procopius' changing perspective, from praise to condemnation, provides valuable insight, but the objectivity of his account should be scrutinized.
    • Beyond written accounts, additional sources, like art, architecture, and historical records from the time, would provide a richer understanding of Justinian's legacy.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on Justinian I, the Byzantine Emperor known for his significant contributions and controversial rule. This quiz covers his expansion of the empire, the transformation of Constantinople, and the creation of the Codex Justinianus. Explore both his achievements and the criticisms he faced during his reign.

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