Justinian I: the story on HearLore

Justinian I

Justinian was born in Tauresium, Dardania, probably in 482. He came from a peasant family thought to have been of either Thraco-Roman or Illyro-Roman origin. His mother was Vigilantia, the sister of Justin. Justin, who was commander of one of the imperial guard units called the Excubitors before he became emperor, adopted Justinian and brought him to Constantinople. This adoption ensured the boy received an education in jurisprudence, theology, and Roman history. When Emperor Anastasius died in 518, Justin was proclaimed the new emperor with significant help from Justinian. Justinian showed great ambition and functioned as virtual regent long before his uncle made him associate emperor. In 520, following the assassination of general Vitalian, Justinian was appointed consul and commander of the army of the east. He remained Justin's close confidant until 525 when he was granted the titles of nobilissimus and caesar. On the 1st of April 527, he was crowned co-emperor and became sole ruler after Justin's death on the 1st of August 527.

The Nika Riots And Theodora's Stand

In January 532, partisans of the chariot racing factions in Constantinople united against Justinian in a revolt known as the Nika riots. They forced him to dismiss Tribonian and two other ministers before attempting to overthrow him and replace him with senator Hypatius. While the crowd rioted in the streets, Justinian considered fleeing the capital by sea but decided to stay on the prompting of his wife Theodora who refused to leave. She had been an actress some twenty years his junior and her class previously barred their marriage, though Justin I had passed a law lifting these restrictions. In the next two days, Justinian ordered the brutal suppression of the riots by generals Belisarius and Mundus. Procopius relates that 30,000 unarmed civilians were killed in the Hippodrome. The rioters destroyed governmental buildings, state archives, hospices, hospitals, and charitable institutions. Patients at the Hospice of Samson were all killed during the riots. Fires caused by the rioters reached as far as the Baths of Zeuxippus which contained famous statues and monuments. This destruction provided Justinian with an opportunity to carry out his building program including the architectural innovation of the domed Hagia Sophia.

When was Justinian I born and where did he come from?

Justinian I was born in Tauresium, Dardania, probably in 482. He came from a peasant family thought to have been of either Thraco-Roman or Illyro-Roman origin.

What happened during the Nika riots in January 532?

Partisans of the chariot racing factions united against Justinian I in a revolt known as the Nika riots. Procopius relates that 30,000 unarmed civilians were killed in the Hippodrome while fires reached as far as the Baths of Zeuxippus.

How did Belisarius conquer the Vandal Kingdom in 533?

Belisarius sailed to Africa with a fleet of 92 dromons escorting 500 transports carrying an army of about 15,000 men. They landed at Caput Vada in modern Tunisia and defeated the Vandals at Ad Decimum on the 14th of September 533 and Tricamarum in December.

Which laws formed the basis of Latin jurisprudence under Justinian I?

The Codex issued on the 7th of April 529 was followed by the Digest or Pandects in 533 and the Institutes explaining legal principles. The Novellae collection appeared in Greek and this body of legislation forms the basis of Latin jurisprudence including ecclesiastical Canon Law.

When was the Hagia Sophia completed and who supervised its construction?

Justinian I had the Hagia Sophia splendidly rebuilt under architectural supervision of Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. On the 26th of December 537 he stated it was complete and referenced Solomon having been outdone.

Justinian I

The Nika Riots And Theodora's Stand

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Common questions

When was Justinian I born and where did he come from?

What happened during the Nika riots in January 532?

How did Belisarius conquer the Vandal Kingdom in 533?

Which laws formed the basis of Latin jurisprudence under Justinian I?

When was the Hagia Sophia completed and who supervised its construction?

Belisarius And The Western Campaigns

Tribonian And The Codification Of Law

Orthodoxy And Religious Persecution

The Hagia Sophia And Cultural Renaissance

Plague And Economic Strain