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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.
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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.
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