Cambridge historian Peter Sarris discusses his book on Justinian the Great, detailing his rise to power, architectural wonders, and remaking of Roman law. The podcast explores Justinian's wife's influential role in legislation, his focus on Christianizing the Empire, and the scandalous secret history of his reign.
Justinian, the lowborn Byzantine emperor, transformed Roman law and rebuilt Constantinople.
Justinian's legal reforms have had a lasting impact on civil law jurisdictions across Europe.
Despite facing political intrigue and resistance, Justinian maintained power and left a controversial legacy.
Deep dives
Justinian's Rise to Power and Remarkable Life
Justinian, the 6th century Eastern Roman emperor, had a remarkable life that began as an impoverished peasant from the war-torn Balkans. He and his uncle, Emperor Justin, rose from soldiers to become emperors themselves. Justinian's life was filled with political intrigues, surviving plots, rewriting of Roman law, and the rebuilding of Constantinople after a major riot. He also launched invasions of Africa and Italy, reclaiming territories lost by the Western Roman Empire. Despite his accomplishments, Justinian was known for his dark side, being a theocrat, bigot, homophobe, and anti-Semite driven by his austere Christian piety. Hollywood has yet to make a blockbuster movie about his life and reign.
Justinian's Legacy in Law and Architecture
Justinian's influence extends to the present day, particularly in the field of law. He undertook a comprehensive codification of Roman law, creating the Justinian Code that condensed and reformed the inherited body of Roman law. His legal reforms have had a lasting impact on civil law jurisdictions and provided the basis for legal systems across Europe. Justinian's architectural achievements were also remarkable, with his most famous project being the rebuilding of Hagia Sophia, which suffered structural issues due to hasty construction but became an iconic symbol of Byzantine architecture. He competed with wealthy aristocrats who were gilding Constantinople with their own extravagant constructions, leaving a legacy of impressive buildings and monuments in the city.
Political Intrigues and Criticisms of Justinian
Throughout Justinian's reign, he faced political intrigue and resistance from various aristocratic factions in Constantinople. Powerful figures like Anika Yuleana challenged Justinian's claim to the throne and funded the construction of grand churches to emphasize their political presence. Justinian's antagonistic relationship with key members of the senatorial elite and his religiously intolerant policies further fueled opposition against him. Despite attempts on his life and conspiracies, Justinian maintained power and lived a long life, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy that continues to captivate historians and scholars.
The Riots in Constantinople
In Constantinople, riots erupt as a result of hostility towards Justinian's reign, with aristocratic families aiming to regain control. The mob, angered by the arrest of its leaders, attempts to stage a coup by storming the palace. Justinian considers fleeing but is persuaded by his wife, the Empress Theodora, not to give up their power. With the help of his military retainers, Justinian manages to suppress the rioters and regain control, preventing the loss of his power.
Justinian's Religious Zeal and Persecution
Justinian is deeply pious and driven by a mission to Christianize the Roman Empire. He engages in theological debates and plans to resolve division within the Imperial church. Justinian's religious beliefs shape his architectural projects, particularly the construction of the Hagia Sophia, and influence his legislation, which aims to improve the lives of women, the poor, and orphans. However, his religious zeal also leads to cruel and intolerant actions, including the persecution of minority groups, such as pagans and Jews.
Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay talks to Cambridge University historian Peter Sarris about his new book on Justinian the Great, the lowborn sixth century Byzantine emperor who remade Roman law, suppressed Christian heresies, built architectural wonders, and reconquered lost lands.
