Justinian I
Essay Preview: Justinian I
Report this essay
Flavius Petrus Sabgatius Justinianus, better known as Justinian I the last emperor of Rome, was probably born somewhere around May 11, 483. He was born into poverty and was only a humble peasant. Justinians uncle Justin worked in the capitol city of Constantinople as a high-ranking general in the military. When he thought that Justinian was old enough he sent a letter to him bidding Justinian to come stay in Constantinople with his uncle. When he got to Constantinople he was no longer merely a peasant boy from Illyria, he was now relatively wealthy because of his uncles more than generous paychecks. Justinian was also a military man which also helped to build up his reputation. Justinian became Justins administrator in 518 A.D. and was then named as Justins successor.
Justinian fell in love with a circus performer named Theodora. At the time it was said that she had an illegitimate daughter and was basically a “girl for hire”. Many people frowned at the fact that Justinian fell in love with such a lowly bunch with, seemingly, no morals. However at the time there was a law in action that prevented him from marrying her. Justin changed these laws for his nephew shortly after his wife died. Justin married Theodora 523 A.D. Just four years later Emperor Justin died when his old war injury in his foot got worse. Justinian was now Emperor Justinian I and, of course, he had his wife Empress Theodora by his side. It is said that Theodora helped advise her husband in matters of politics after she became empress. Empress Theodora died of cancer June 28th, 548 A.D.
Justinian I has left behind a legacy of amazing deeds never repeated to the splendor he did to begin with. He ruled for 40 years as Emperor and during those years he made several changes to the then known society. Justinian I had the renowned jurist Trebonianus work for ten years to collect and systemize the existing Roman law.