The Fall of Rome Podcast cover image

The Fall of Rome Podcast

29: Tides of History: Justinian the Great and the Reconquest of the Western Empire

Mar 6, 2018
Justinian, one of the defining figures of the Roman Empire, marks the boundary between Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Topics include his ambitious reform program, reconquest of lost provinces, military conquests, building projects, codification of Roman law, challenges faced during his reign, his rise to power, marriage to Theodora, renewal and restoration through Renovatio, holding conquered provinces, Gothic administration in Italy, and the reconquest of the Western Empire.
46:25

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Justinian's reign marked the transition from the Roman past to the Byzantine future, implementing both a return to Roman traditions and introducing new ideas and innovations.
  • Natural disasters and external conflicts posed challenges to Justinian's rule, impacting his ability to maintain control and stability.

Deep dives

Justinian's Reign and Accomplishments

Justinian, the last great Roman Emperor, ruled from 527 to 565. During his reign, his armies successfully reconquered North Africa, Italy, and part of Spain, restoring direct rule of the Western Roman Empire. He embarked on ambitious building projects, including the renowned Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Justinian also codified Roman law for the first time in over a millennium, creating the Corpus Juris Civilis, which still shapes Western legal practices today.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode