Byzantium and Justinian I (527 - 565 CE)

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I was listening to a series of videos (9 altogether) about Justinian and his rule of Byzantium, 1 April 527 – 14 November 565

It looks like someone rolled the whole series into one 7 hr-21 min video



There are references to plague in the region, which affected the armies, and particularly the major trading centers of all the major empires.

Justinian's rule overlaps with the significant climate event of 536 (ostensibly a huge volcanic eruption that greatly affected agriculture in the N Hemisphere.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/536-ad-the-worst-year-in-history.1007021/

Parts of Justinian's period can be divided into:

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justinian_I (lengthy article)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Empire

During the war with the Sassanid Empire, in 530, there was a battle of Dara in what is now the Mardin Province in S Turkey on the border with Syria
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Dara
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardin_Province
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dara_(Mesopotamia) - back in the day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_of_Justinian
The three great occurrences of bubonic plague, which may have played a role in the depopulation of some areas in the Neolithic period (~3000 BCE). "Research in 2018 found evidence of Yersinia pestis in an ancient Swedish tomb, which may have been associated with the "Neolithic decline" around 3000 BCE, in which European populations fell significantly."
Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death#Previous_plague_epidemics

https://jmvh.org/article/the-history-of-plague-part-1-the-three-great-pandemics/

I remember getting bits and pieces when studying ancient and world history, but not a lot of the details (it was mostly names and dates, and snippets of events), which ostensibly would be covered in a university course in Ancient History - and probably one devoted to the Byzantine empire.
 
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Astronuc said:
I was listening to a series of videos (9 altogether) about Justinian and his rule of Byzantium, 1 April 527 – 14 November 565

It is also a podcast in case you get hooked. It is currently on episode 278. I love it.
https://thehistoryofbyzantium.com/

Part of the reason we know so much about Justinian is the historian Prokopius. His “History of the Wars” is a positive portrayal. His “Secret History” not so much.
https://www.amazon.com/Wars-Justinian-Hackett-Classics/dp/162466170X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Related-Hackett-Classics/dp/1603841806/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The episode on the plague is to die for. Episode 27- The Walking Dead
 
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FAQ: Byzantium and Justinian I (527 - 565 CE)

What was the significance of Justinian I's reign in Byzantine history?

Justinian I's reign is significant as it marked a period of ambitious reforms and territorial expansion for the Byzantine Empire. He sought to restore the Roman Empire's former glory through military conquests, legal reforms, and architectural achievements, including the construction of the Hagia Sophia. His codification of Roman law, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, laid the foundation for legal systems in many modern states.

What were the major accomplishments of Justinian I?

Justinian I's major accomplishments include the reconquest of lost territories in the West, such as parts of Italy and North Africa, the establishment of the Justinian Code which streamlined and codified Roman law, and the monumental architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which remains a symbol of Byzantine architecture and engineering.

How did Justinian I deal with the Nika Riots?

The Nika Riots in 532 CE were a significant uprising against Justinian I, sparked by discontent with his administration. Justinian initially considered fleeing but ultimately decided to suppress the riots. He ordered the military to attack the rioters in the Hippodrome, resulting in a brutal crackdown that killed thousands and effectively restored his authority, allowing him to continue his reforms.

What role did religion play during Justinian I's reign?

Religion played a central role in Justinian I's reign, as he sought to unify the empire under Orthodox Christianity. He was a staunch supporter of the church and worked to suppress heretical movements, such as the Monophysites. His reign also saw the construction of numerous churches and the promotion of Christianity as a means to strengthen the empire's cohesion and identity.

What were the challenges faced by Justinian I during his reign?

Justinian I faced several challenges during his reign, including military conflicts with the Persians and the Goths, internal strife such as the Nika Riots, and the devastating outbreak of the Plague of Justinian, which significantly impacted the population and economy. Additionally, he dealt with the complexities of governing a diverse empire with various cultures and religions, which required careful political and social management.

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