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.