Did Justinian Restore the Roman Empire or Ruin It? Professor Peter Sarris on the Emperor Justinian and His Legacy
Nov 23, 2023
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Professor Peter Sarris, an expert historian on Emperor Justinian and his legacy, discusses Justinian's limitations and challenges, contrasting perspectives on the plague, Justinian's origins and understanding of Roman identity, his approach to intervention and military success.
Professor Peter Sarris offers a comprehensive account of Emperor Justinian's impact in law, religion, and administration.
Professor Peter Sarris wrote a book on Justinian during the lockdown, drawing on his extensive knowledge and research.
Justinian's reign saw successful achievements in law, religion, and the Christianization of the Roman Empire, despite external factors contributing to its decline.
Deep dives
Justinian's Fascinating and Impactful Reign
Justinian, the Emperor of the late Roman Empire, played a significant role in shaping the world around him. His reign marked a transition between a united Roman Empire and the eventual separation of its eastern and western halves. Professor Peter Cyrus offers a comprehensive and definitive account of Justinian's life in his book. Through his extensive research, Cyrus sheds light on Justinian's impact and influence in various areas, including law, religion, and administration. Justinian's reign was characterized by his energetic lawmaking, fascination with religion, strong determination for reforms, and unwavering commitment to the Christianization of the Roman empire.
Understanding Justinian's Motivation to Write a Book
Professor Peter Cyrus explains that his motivation to write a book on Justinian stemmed from the approaching 1500th anniversary of Justinian's accession to the throne. Cyrus had been considering writing for a broader readership and seized the opportunity during a period of lockdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew on his extensive knowledge and research on Justinian while focusing on his own resources and past decades of thinking. Thus, the book became Cyrus's lockdown project which he thoroughly enjoyed undertaking.
Revealing Justinian's Personality and Focus
Professor Peter Cyrus delves into Justinian's personality and highlights various traits that shaped his reign. He notes Justinian's strong emotional commitment to people and ideas, evident in his romantic streak and fascination with religion. Justinian displayed a keen interest in law and administration, which led to an explosion of lawmaking during his reign. Cyrus emphasizes Justinian's own sense of providential mission and dedication to the Christianization of the Roman empire, as well as his determination to reform and reshape legal and administrative structures.
The Limitations of an Individual Ruler's Influence
Professor Peter Cyrus discusses the limitations of an individual ruler's influence, refuting the notion that Justinian alone was responsible for the subsequent collapse of the Eastern Roman Empire. Cyrus argues that external factors beyond Justinian's control, such as climate change, the Justinianic plague, and transformations in power dynamics along the empire's frontiers, ultimately contributed to the empire's decline. While Justinian's reign faced challenges, Cyrus highlights his successful accomplishments in areas such as law, religion, and the recasting of the Roman Empire as a Christianized state.
Justinian's Understanding of Power and Political Machinations
Professor Peter Cyrus analyzes Justinian's understanding of power and his ability to navigate political dynamics. Cyrus highlights Justinian's recognition of pressure points within political systems and his adeptness at pulling the right levers to achieve his goals. Justinian's close alliance with his wife and their joint political influence is emphasized. Additionally, Cyrus notes Justinian's deliberate avoidance of naming an obvious successor, understanding that doing so would invite opposition and destabilize his rule. This showcases Justinian's keen grasp of political dynamics within the court and beyond.
Justinian is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful historical figures of the past 2,000 years. Professor Peter Sarris, a longtime favorite historian of mine, has written an oustanding new account of the man himself, his times, and his legacy, entitled Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint, available now.
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