Justinian I
Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire
Justinian depicted on one of the famous mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna
Reign	9 August 527 - 13 or 14 November 565
Full name	Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus
Born	c. 482
	Tauresium, province of Illyricum
Died	13 or 14 November 565
	Constantinople
Predecessor	Justin I
Successor	Justin II
Consort	Theodora
Dynasty	Justinian Dynasty

Justinian I or Justinian the Great (Latin: Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus, Greek: Φλάβιος Πέτρος Σαββάτιος Ιουστινιανός; 482/483 – November 13 or November 14, 565) was Eastern Roman Emperor from 527 until his death, and second member of the Justinian Dynasty, after his uncle Justin I. He is considered a saint amongst Eastern Orthodox Christians. He has also sometimes been considered the "Last Roman".^[1] Justinian may refer to: Justinian I (483-565), Byzantine Emperor; noted for his codification of Law. ... This is a list of Byzantine Emperors. ... Byzantine redirects here. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1576x2074, 440 KB) Description: Title: de: Chormosaiken in San Vitale in Ravenna, Szene: Kaiser Justinian und Bischof Maximilianus und sein Hof, Detail: Büste des Justinian Technique: de: Mosaik Dimensions: Country of origin: de: Italien Current location (city): de: Ravenna Current... The Basilica of San Vitale The Basilica of San Vitale is the most famous monument of Ravenna, Italy and is one of the most important examples of Byzantine Art and architecture in western Europe. ... Province of Ravenna Ravenna is a city and comune in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. ... is the 221st day of the year (222nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... (Redirected from 13 November) November 13 is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 48 days remaining. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 22 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. ... Events Qi Gao Di, ruler of the Chinese Qi Dynasty Byzantine emperor Zeno I issues the Henotikon, an attempt to reconcile the differences between the supporters of Orthodoxy and Monophysitism. ... Taor (Macedonian: Таор; Greek: Tαυρίσιο) is a small village near Skopje, in the Republic of Macedonia. ... This article is about an ancient civilization in southeastern Europe; see also Illyria (software), Illyria (character in the TV series Angel). ... (Redirected from 13 November) November 13 is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 48 days remaining. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 22 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. ... This article is about the city before the Fall of Constantinople (1453). ... Flavius Iustinus Augustus. ... Flavius Iustinus Iunior Augustus Flavius Iustinus Iunior Augustus or Justin The Divine (c. ... Theodora, detail of a Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... Events Qi Gao Di, ruler of the Chinese Qi Dynasty Byzantine emperor Zeno I issues the Henotikon, an attempt to reconcile the differences between the supporters of Orthodoxy and Monophysitism. ... Events March 13 - Pope Felix III succeeds Pope Simplicius The general Illus and Verina, mother-in-law of Byzantine emperor Zeno I, attempt to overthrow Zeno and place a general named Leontius on the throne. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 22 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. ... This is a list of the Roman Emperors with the dates they ruled the Roman Empire. ... This article is about the year. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Flavius Iustinus Augustus. ... Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... The Last of the Romans is a term that has been applied to various people: Gaius Asinius Pollio, one of the last great orators and writers of the Roman Republic, is sometimes referred to as such. ...

Justinian's rule constitutes a distinct epoch in the history of the Byzantine Empire, the impact of his administration extending far beyond the boundaries of his time and his empire. Justinian's reign is marked by the ambitious but ultimately failed renovatio imperii, "restoration of the empire".^[2] This ambition was expressed in the partial recovery of the territories of the Western Roman Empire, including the city of Rome itself; a still more resonant aspect of his legacy was the uniform rewriting of Roman law, the Corpus Juris Civilis, which is still the basis of civil law in many modern states. His reign also marked a blossoming of Byzantine culture, and his building program yielded masterpieces such as the church of Hagia Sophia, which was to be the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for many centuries. The devastating Plague of Justinian in the early 540's, however, marked the end of an age of splendor; after that, the empire entered a period of decline which would not be reversed until the 9th century. Justinian is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is also commemorated by the Lutheran Church.^[3] Byzantine redirects here. ... Motto Senatus Populusque Romanus The Western Roman Empire in 395. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... Justinian I depicted on a mosaic in the church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is the modern name[1] for a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ... For other uses of civil law, see civil law. ... For other uses, see Hagia Sophia (disambiguation). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Coptic Orthodox Pope · Roman Catholic Pope Archbishop of Canterbury · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Faith... The Plague of Justinian (541-542) is the first known pandemic on record, and it also marks the first firmly recorded pattern of bubonic plague. ... For other uses, see Saint (disambiguation). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Coptic Orthodox Pope · Roman Catholic Pope Archbishop of Canterbury · Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      Faith... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ...

Procopius provides our primary source for the history of Justinian's reign. The Syriac chronicle of John of Ephesus, which does not survive, was used as a source for later chronicles, contributing many additional details of value. Both historians became very bitter towards Justinian and his empress, Theodora. Procopius also wrote the Anekdota (the so-called Secret History), which reports on various scandals at Justinian's court. Other sources include the histories of Agathias, Menander Protector, John Malalas, the Paschal Chronicle, the chronicles of Marcellinus Comes and Victor of Tunnuna. Procopius of Caesarea (in Greek Προκόπιος, c. ... Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... John of Ephesus (or of Asia) (c. ... Theodora, detail of a Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. ... Procopius of Caesarea (in Greek Προκόπιος, c. ... Agathias (c. ... Menander Protector (Greek for one of the imperial bodyguards), Byzantine historian, was born in Constantinople in the middle of the 6th century AD. The little that is known of his life is contained in the account of himself quoted by Suidas. ... John Malalas (or Malelas) (Syriac for orator ) (c. ... Chronicon Paschale (the Paschal Chronicle, also Chronicum Alexandrinum or Constantinopolitanum, or Fasti Siculi ) is the conventional name of a 7th-century Byzantine universal chronicle of the world. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Victor of Tunnuna (d. ...

Life

Justinian was born into a Latin-speaking^[4] peasant family in a small village called Tauresium (near Justiniana Prima, which he founded later), in what is today the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, around 482.^[5][6] He was born as Petrus Sabbatius; the cognomen Justinianus, which he later took, is indicative of adoption by his uncle Justin.^[7] His mother was Vigilantia, the sister of Justin, who was in the imperial guard (the Excubitors) before he became emperor.^[8] Justin adopted Justinian, brought him to Constantinople, and ensured the boy's education.^[8] As a result, Justinian was well educated in jurisprudence, theology and Roman history.^[8] Justinian served for some time with the Excubitors but the details of his early career are unknown.^[8] Taor (Macedonian: Таор; Greek: Tαυρίσιο); Albanian: Tanor is a small village near Skopje. ... Justiniana Prima (Serbian: Caričin grad) was an Byzantine city located in today southern Serbia near todays Leskovac. ... Events Qi Gao Di, ruler of the Chinese Qi Dynasty Byzantine emperor Zeno I issues the Henotikon, an attempt to reconcile the differences between the supporters of Orthodoxy and Monophysitism. ... Flavius Iustinus Augustus. ... For the jurisprudence of courts, see Case law. ... Theology finds its scholars pursuing the understanding of and providing reasoned discourse of religion, spirituality and God or the gods. ...

When Emperor Anastasius died in 518, Justin was proclaimed the new emperor, with significant help from Justinian.^[8] During Justin's reign (518-527), Justinian was the emperor's close confidant. Justinian showed a lot of ambition, and it has been thought that he was functioning as virtual regent long before Justin made him associate emperor on April 1, 527, although there is no conclusive evidence for this.^[9] As Justin became senile near the end of his reign, Justinian became the de facto ruler.^[8] Justinian was appointed consul in 521, and later commander of the army of the east.^[8][10]. Upon Justin I's death on August 1, 527, Justinian became the sole sovereign.^[8] Look up Anastasius in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... This article is about the Roman rank. ... Events Future Byzantine emperor Justinian becomes consul. ... Flavius Iustinus Augustus. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ...

The Barberini Ivory, which is thought to portray either Justinian or Anastasius I.

As a ruler, Justinian showed great energy. He was known as "the Emperor who never sleeps" on account of his work habits. Nevertheless, he seems to have been amenable and easy to approach.^[11] Justinian's family came from a lowly and provincial background, and therefore he had no power base in the traditional aristocracy of Constantinople. Instead, he surrounded himself with men and women of extraordinary talent, whom he selected not on the basis of aristocratic origin, but on the basis of merit. Around 525 he married Theodora, who was by profession a courtesan about 20 years his junior. Justinian would have, in earlier times, been unable to marry her because of her class, but his uncle Emperor Justin I had passed a law allowing intermarriage between social classes.^[12] Theodora would become very influential in the politics of the Empire, and later emperors would follow Justinian's precedent in marrying outside the aristocratic class. The marriage caused a scandal, but Theodora would prove to be very intelligent, "street smart", a good judge of character and Justinian's greatest supporter. Other talented individuals included Tribonian, his legal adviser; his finance ministers John the Cappadocian and Peter Barsymes, who managed to collect taxes more efficiently than any before, thereby funding Justinian's wars; and finally, his talented general Belisarius. Also Justinian inherited 400,000 pounds of gold in the treasury from Anastasius I and Justin I.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1859x2249, 2903 KB) Description: Barberini diptych. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1859x2249, 2903 KB) Description: Barberini diptych. ... Barberini Ivory on display at the Louvre. ... Events Bernicia settled by the Angles Ethiopia conquers Yemen The Daisan river, a tributary of the Euphrates, floods Edessa and within a couple of hours fills the entire city except for the highest parts. ... Theodora, detail of a Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. ... A courtesan in mid-16th century usage was a high-class prostitute or mistress, especially one associated with rich, powerful, or upper-class men who provided luxuries and status in exchange for her services. ... Aristocracy is a form of government in which rulership is in the hands of an upper class known as aristocrats. ... Tribonian (c. ... John the Cappadocian was a prefect in the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian I. John was appointed to lead the first commission on Justinians new legal code, the Corpus Juris Civilis, and became Justinians chief legal advisor. ... // Flavius Belisarius (505(?) – 565) was one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most acclaimed generals in history. ... Pope Anastasius I -- Pope from 399-401 Anastasius I of the Byzantine Empire -- (c. ... Flavius Iustinus Augustus. ...

Justinian's rule was not universally popular; early in his reign he almost lost his throne during the Nika riots, and a conspiracy against the emperor's life by dissatisfied businessmen was discovered as late as 562.^[13] The Nika riots (Greek: Στάση του Νίκα), or Nika revolt, took place over the course of a week in Constantinople in 532. ... For the area code 562 see Area Code 562 Events Nan Xiao Ming Di succeeds Nan Liang Xuan Di as ruler of the Chinese Nan Liang Dynasty. ...

Justinian was struck by the plague in the early 540's, but recovered. Theodora died, perhaps of cancer, in 548, at a relatively young age, and Justinian outlived her by almost twenty years. Justinian, who had always had a keen interest in theological matters and actively participated in debates on Christian doctrine,^[14] became even more devoted to religion during the later years of his life. When he died, on the night of November 13-November 14, 565, he left no children. He was succeeded by Justin II, the son of his sister Vigilantia, who was married to Sophia, the niece of Empress Theodora. Justinian's body was entombed in a specially built mausoleum in the Church of the Holy Apostles. The Plague of Justinian (541-542) is the first known pandemic on record, and it also marks the first firmly recorded pattern of bubonic plague. ... Events Belisarius is relieved of command over the Byzantine forces in Italy and replaced with Narses. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 22 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. ... Flavius Iustinus Iunior Augustus Flavius Iustinus Iunior Augustus or Justin The Divine (c. ... The Church of the Holy Apostles (Greek: Aghioi Apostoloi), also known as the Imperial Polyandreion, was a Christian basilica built in Constantinople (then the capital of the Byzantine Empire) in 550 AD. It was second only to the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) among the great churches of...

Legislative activities

Justinian achieved lasting fame through his judicial reforms, particularly through the complete revision of all Roman law, something that had not previously been attempted. The total of Justinian's legislature is known today as the Corpus juris civilis. It consists of the Codex Justinianus, the Digesta or Pandectae, the Institutiones, and the Novellae. Using the term Roman law in a broader sense, one may say that Roman law is not only the legal system of ancient Rome but the law that was applied throughout most of Europe until the end of the 18th century. ... Justinian I depicted on a mosaic in the church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is the modern name[1] for a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ... The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is a fundamental work in jurisprudence issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ... Pandects (Lat. ... Justinian I depicted on a mosaic in the church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is the modern name for a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ...

Early in his reign, Justinian appointed the quaestor Tribonian to oversee this task. The first draft of the Codex Justinianus, a codification of imperial constitutions from the 2nd century onward, was issued on April 7, 529. (The final version appeared in 534.) It was followed by the Digesta (or Pandectae), a compilation of older legal texts, in 533, and by the Institutiones, a textbook explaining the principles of law. The Novellae, a collection of new laws issued during Justinian's reign, supplements the Corpus. As opposed to the rest of the corpus, the Novellae appeared in Greek, the common language of the Eastern Empire; Latin, the traditional language of the Roman Empire, was only poorly understood by most citizens of the Eastern Empire. Quaestores were elected officials of the Roman Republic who supervised the treasury and financial affairs of the state, its armies and its officers. ... Tribonian (c. ... The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is a fundamental work in jurisprudence issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... For other uses, see number 529. ... Events January 1 - Decimus Theodorius Paulinus appointed consul, the last to hold this office in the West. ... Pandects (Lat. ... Events February 1 - John becomes Pope, succeeding Pope Boniface II, who had died in 532. ... Justinian I depicted on a mosaic in the church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy The Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law) is the modern name for a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Roman Empire (disambiguation). ...

The Corpus forms the basis of Latin jurisprudence (including ecclesiastical Canon Law) and, for historians, provides a valuable insight into the concerns and activities of the later Roman Empire. As a collection it gathers together the many sources in which the leges (laws) and the other rules were expressed or published: proper laws, senatorial consults (senatusconsulta), imperial decrees, case law, and jurists' opinions and interpretations (responsa prudentum). Canon Law is the ecclesiastical law of the Roman Catholic Church. ... The Roman Senate (Latin: Senatus) was the main governing council of both the Roman Republic, which started in 509 BC, and the Roman Empire. ... Case law (also known as decisional law) is that body of reported judicial opinions in countries that have common law legal systems that are published and thereby become precedent, i. ...

Tribonian's law code ensured the survival of Roman law. It formed the basis of later Byzantine law, as expressed in the Basilica of Basil I and Leo VI the Wise. The only western province where the Justinianic code was introduced was Italy (after the conquest, by the so-called Pragmatic Sanction of 554),^[15] from where it was to pass to Western Europe in the 12th century and become the basis of much European law code. It eventually passed to Eastern Europe where it appeared in Slavic editions, and it also passed on to Russia.^[16] It remains influential to this day. St. ... Basil, his son Constantine, and his second wife, emperess Eudoxia Ingerina. ... This follis by Leo VI bears the Byzantine Emperors official title, BASILEVS ROMEON, Emperor of the Romans; translation of text: Leo, by the grace of God, King of Romans Leo VI the Wise or the Philosopher (Greek: Λέων ΣΤ΄, Leōn VI, Armenian: [1]), (September 19, 866 – May 11, 912) was Byzantine... A pragmatic sanction is a sovereigns solemn decree on a matter of primary importance and has the force of fundamental law. ... Events The Byzantine general Narses reconquers all of Italy. ... A current understanding of Western Europe. ... Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ...

Nika riots

Main article: Nika riots

Justinian's habit of choosing efficient, but unpopular advisors nearly cost him his throne early in his reign. In January 532, partisans of the chariot racing factions in Constantinople, normally divided among themselves, united against Justinian in a revolt that has become known as the Nika riots. They forced him to dismiss Tribonian and two of his other ministers, and then attempted to overthrow Justinian himself and replace him by the senator Hypatius, who was a nephew of the late emperor Anastasius. While the crowd was rioting in the streets, Justinian considered fleeing the capital, but he remained in the city on the advice of Theodora. Shortly thereafter he ordered the brutal suppression of the riots by his generals Belisarius and Mundus. Procopius relates that 30,000^[17] unarmed civilians were killed in the Hippodrome. Justinian had Anastasius' nephews executed.^[18] The Nika riots (Greek: Στάση του Νίκα), or Nika revolt, took place over the course of a week in Constantinople in 532. ... For the card game, see 532 (Card Game). ... Chariot racing was one of the most popular ancient Greek and Roman sports. ... The Nika riots (Greek: Στάση του Νίκα), or Nika revolt, took place over the course of a week in Constantinople in 532. ... Tribonian (c. ... Hypatius was a Byzantine noble of imperial descent who was positioned as commander in the east in the days of Justin I, where he lost many important battles, and later became senator. ... Flavius Anastasius. ... Theodora, detail of a Byzantine mosaic in Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. ... // Flavius Belisarius (505(?) – 565) was one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most acclaimed generals in history. ... Mundus (died 536) was a Byzantine general during the reign of Justinian I. Nothing is known of his early life, except that he was originally a Hunnic mercenary. ...

The destruction that had taken place during the revolt provided Justinian with an opportunity to tie his name to a series of splendid new buildings, notably the domed Hagia Sophia. For other uses, see Hagia Sophia (disambiguation). ...

Military activities

One of the most spectacular features of Justinian's reign was the recovery of large stretches of land around the Western Mediterranean basin which had slipped out of imperial control in the 5th century.^[19] As a Christian Roman emperor, Justinian considered it his divine duty to restore the Roman Empire to its ancient boundaries. Although he never personally took part in military campaigns, he boasted of his successes in the prefaces to his laws and had them commemorated in art.^[20] The reconquests were in large part carried out by his general Belisarius.^[21] Combatants Eastern Roman Empire Iberia Persian Empire Commanders Belisarius Sittas Gregory Maurice Kavadh I Firouz Azarethes The Iberian War was fought from 526 to 532 between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persian Empire over the country of Iberia // Origin After the Anastasian War, a seven-year truce was agreed on... For other uses, see Dara (disambiguation). ... Combatants Sassanid Empire, Lakhmid Allies Byzantine Empire, Ghassanid Allies Commanders Kavadh I, al-Mundhir IV Belisarius Strength Unknown Unknown Casualties Unknown Unknown The Battle of Nisibis took place between the armies of the Eastern Roman Empire under the command of General Belisarius and Sassanid Persians under the leadership of Kavadh... The Battle of Callinicum took place between the armies of the Eastern Roman Empire under the command of General Belisarius and Persians under Azarethes on April 19, 531 AD. Belisarius had been skirmishing with the Persian forces after the Battle of Dara in an attempt to incite a rout, but... Combatants Eastern Roman Empire Vandals Commanders Belisarius Gelimer Strength 10,000 infantry 6,000 cavalry ca. ... Battle of Ad Decimum Conflict Wars of Justinian I Date September 13, 533 Place Near Carthage Result Roman victory The Battle of Ad Decimum took place on September 13, 533 between the armies of the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer and the eastern Roman Empire, under the command of general... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... See Gothic War (376-382) for the war on the Danube. ... Combatants Eastern Roman Empire Ostrogothic Kingdom Commanders Belisarius Witigis Strength <5,000 soldiers 5,600 reinforcements unknown number of conscripts ~45,000 men Wars of Justinian I Iberian War Dara - Nisibis - Callinicum Vandalic War Ad Decimum - Tricamarum Gothic War 1st Rome - Faventia - 2nd Rome - 3rd Rome - Taginae - Mons Lactarius - Volturnus... Combatants Ostrogoths Byzantine Empire Commanders Totila Strength 5,000 12,000 In the spring of 542, at the Battle of Faventia (modern Faenza), an Ostrogothic army scattered the larger Byzantine army in Italy and temporarily reversed the Byzantine conquest of Italy. ... Combatants Byzantine Empire Ostrogoths Commanders Narses Totila† Strength 20,000 unknown infantry 2,000 horsemen Casualties unknown 6,000 At the battle of Taginae (also known as the battle of Busta Gallorum) in July of 552, the Byzantine Empire under General Narses broke the power of the Ostrogoths in Italy... Combatants Byzantine Empire Ostrogothic Kingdom Commanders Narses Teia The Battle of Mons Lactarius (also known as Battle of the Vesuvius) took place in 553 during the Gothic War waged on behalf of Justinian I against the Ostrogoths in Italy. ... Combatants Byzantine Empire Franks, Alemanni Commanders Narses For the battle of the Italian Risorgimento, see Battle of the Volturnus (1860) The Battle of the Volturnus was fought in 554 between an army of the Eastern Roman Empire and a combined force of Franks and Alemanni. ... Capital Carthage Historical era Late Antiquity  - conquest of Vandal Kingdom 534  - Moorish revolt defeated 548  - reorganization into Exarchate 584 The Praetorian prefecture of Africa (Latin: Praefectura praetorio Africae) was a major administrative division of the Eastern Roman Empire, established after the reconquest of northwestern Africa from the Vandals in 533... The Lazic War, or Egrisi Great War as it is known in Georgian historiography, refers to the twenty-year war between Byzantium and Iran Sassanid Empire for controlling the western Georgian Kingdom of Egrisi/ Lazica in 542-562. ... Europe in 450 The 5th century is the period from 401 to 500 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian Era. ... For other uses, see Roman Empire (disambiguation). ... // Flavius Belisarius (505(?) – 565) was one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most acclaimed generals in history. ...

From his uncle, Justinian inherited ongoing hostilities with the Sassanid Empire.^[22] In 530 a Persian army was defeated at Daraa, but the next year saw the defeat of Roman forces under Belisarius near Callinicum. When king Kavadh I of Persia died (September 531), Justinian concluded an "Eternal Peace" (which cost him 11,000 pounds of gold)^[23] with his successor Khosrau I (532). Having thus secured his eastern frontier, Justinian turned his attention to the West, where Arian Germanic kingdoms had been established in the territories of the former Western Roman Empire. The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty (Persian: []) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian Empire (226–651). ... Battle of Daras: Belisarius and Hermogenes defeat the Persians in a major battle which blunts a Persian offensive into Roman Mesopotamia. ... Combatants Byzantine Empire, Heruli, Huns Sassanid Persians Commanders Belisarius, Hermogenes, John Firouz, Baresmanes† Strength 25,000 50,000 Casualties Unknown Over 5,000 The Battle of Daraa was fought between the Sassanids and the Byzantine Empire in 530. ... The Battle of Callinicum took place between the armies of the Eastern Roman Empire under the command of General Belisarius and Persians under Azarethes on April 19, 531 AD. Belisarius had been skirmishing with the Persian forces after the Battle of Dara in an attempt to incite a rout, but... Kavadh I also known as Qobad I (449–531), son of Peroz I of Persia (457–484), was a Sassanid King from 488 to 531. ... Events End of the reign of Northern Wei Chang Guang Wang, ruler of the Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. ... A coin of Khosrau I. Khosrau I, (Chosroes I in classical sources, most commonly known in Persian as Anooshiravan also spelled Anushirvan, Persian: انوشيروان meaning the immortal soul), also known as Anooshiravan the Just (انوشیروان عادل, Anooshiravan-e-ādel) (ruled 531–579), was the favourite son and successor of Kavadh I (488–531... For the card game, see 532 (Card Game). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      This article... Motto Senatus Populusque Romanus The Western Roman Empire in 395. ...

Conquest of North Africa, 533–534

Main article: Vandalic War

The first of the western kingdoms Justinian attacked was that of the Vandals in North Africa. King Hilderic, who had maintained good relations with Justinian and the North African Catholic clergy, had been overthrown by his cousin Gelimer in 530. Imprisoned, the deposed king appealed to Justinian. Combatants Eastern Roman Empire Vandals Commanders Belisarius Gelimer Strength 10,000 infantry 6,000 cavalry ca. ... Vandal and Vandali redirect here. ...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... Hilderic, King of the Vandals and Alans (c. ... Gelimer (480-553), King of the Vandals and Alans from 530 to 534, was the last ruler of the North African Kingdom of the Vandals. ... Battle of Daras: Belisarius and Hermogenes defeat the Persians in a major battle which blunts a Persian offensive into Roman Mesopotamia. ...

In 533, Belisarius with a fleet of 92 dromons escorting 500 transports, landed at Caput Vada (modern Ras Kaboudia) in modern Tunisia with an army of about 15,000 men, as well as a number of barbarian troops. They defeated the Vandals, who were caught completely off-guard, at Ad Decimum on 14 September 533 and Tricamarum in December; Belisarius took Carthage. King Gelimer fled to Mount Pappua in Numidia, but surrendered the next spring. He was taken to Constantinople, where he was paraded in a triumph. Sardinia and Corsica, the Balearic Islands, and the stronghold Septem near Gibraltar were recovered in the same campaign.^[24] Events February 1 - John becomes Pope, succeeding Pope Boniface II, who had died in 532. ... // Flavius Belisarius (505(?) – 565) was one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most acclaimed generals in history. ... Battle of Ad Decimum Conflict Wars of Justinian I Date September 13, 533 Place Near Carthage Result Roman victory The Battle of Ad Decimum took place on September 13, 533 between the armies of the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer and the eastern Roman Empire, under the command of general... is the 257th day of the year (258th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events February 1 - John becomes Pope, succeeding Pope Boniface II, who had died in 532. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Roman Carthage with former military harbor Carthage (Greek: , Latin: , from the Phoenician meaning new town; Arabic: ) refers both to an ancient city in Tunisia and to the civilization that developed within the citys sphere of influence. ... Gelimer (480-553), King of the Vandals and Alans from 530 to 534, was the last ruler of the North African Kingdom of the Vandals. ... Numidia was an ancient Berber kingdom in North Africa that later alternated between a Roman province and a Roman client state, and is no longer in existence today. ... A Roman Triumph was a civil ceremony and religious rite of ancient Rome, held to publicly honour the military commander (dux) of a notably successful foreign war or campaign and to display the glories of Roman victory. ... For the place in the United States, see Sardinia, Ohio. ... For other uses, see Corsica (disambiguation). ... Capital Palma de Mallorca Official language(s) Spanish and Catalan Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked 17th  4,992 km²  1. ... Ceuta is a Spanish exclave in North Africa, located on the northernmost tip of Morocco, on the Mediterranean coast near the Straits of Gibraltar. ...

An African prefecture was established in April 534,^[25] but it would teeter on the brink of collapse during the next 15 years, amidst warfare with the Moors and military mutinies. The area was not completely pacified until 548,^[26] but remained peaceful thereafter and enjoyed a measure of prosperity. The recovery of Africa cost the empire about 100,000 pounds of gold.^{[citation needed]} Capital Carthage Historical era Late Antiquity  - conquest of Vandal Kingdom 534  - Moorish revolt defeated 548  - reorganization into Exarchate 584 The Praetorian prefecture of Africa (Latin: Praefectura praetorio Africae) was a major administrative division of the Eastern Roman Empire, established after the reconquest of northwestern Africa from the Vandals in 533... Events January 1 - Decimus Theodorius Paulinus appointed consul, the last to hold this office in the West. ... For other uses, see moor. ... Events Belisarius is relieved of command over the Byzantine forces in Italy and replaced with Narses. ...

War in Italy, first phase, 535–540

Main article: Gothic War (535–554)

As in Africa, dynastic struggles in Ostrogothic Italy provided an opportunity for intervention. The young king Athalaric had died on 2 October 534, and a usurper, Theodahad, had imprisoned queen Amalasuntha, Theodoric's daughter and mother of Athalaric, on an island in Lake Bolsena, where he had her assassinated in 535. Thereupon Belisarius with 7,500 men^[27] invaded Sicily (535) and advanced into Italy, sacking Naples and capturing Rome on 9 December 536. By that time Theodahad had been deposed by the Ostrogothic army, who had elected Vitigis as their new king. He gathered a large army and besieged Rome from February 537 to March 538 without being able to retake the city. Justinian sent another general, Narses, to Italy, but tensions between Narses and Belisarius hampered the progress of the campaign. Milan was taken, but was soon recaptured and razed by the Ostrogoths. Justinian recalled Narses in 539. By then the military situation had turned in favour of the Romans, and in 540 Belisarius reached the Ostrogothic capital Ravenna. There he was offered the title of Western Roman Emperor by the Ostrogoths at the same time that envoys of Justinian were arriving to negotiate a peace which would leave the region north of the river Po in Gothic hands. Belisarius feigned to accept the offer, entered the city in May 540, and reclaimed it for the Empire.^[28] Then, having been recalled by Justinian, Belisarius returned to Constantinople, taking the captured Vitigis and his wife Matasuentha with him. See Gothic War (376-382) for the war on the Danube. ... Athalaric (516 - 2 October 534), king of the Ostrogoths in Italy, grandson of Theodoric the Great, became king on his grand-fathers death (526). ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 1 - Decimus Theodorius Paulinus appointed consul, the last to hold this office in the West. ... Theodahad (d. ... Amalasuntha (also known as Amalasuentha or Amalaswintha) (d. ... Theodoric was a first name frequently encountered in medieval European history. ... Lake Bolsena (Italian: Lago di Bolsena) is a crater lake of central Italy, of volcanic origin, which was formed 370,000 years ago following the collapse of a caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex [1]. Roman historic records indicate activity of the Vulsini volcano occurred as recently as 104 BC... Events Beginning of the Western Wei Dynasty in China. ... Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ... Events Beginning of the Western Wei Dynasty in China. ... Location of the city of Naples (red dot) within Italy. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events June 8 - St. ... Theodahad (d. ... This article deals with the continental Ostrogoths. ... Witiges or Vitiges (d. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... Events Pope Silverius deposed by Belisarius at the order of Justinian, who appoints as his successor Pope Vigilius. ... March 12 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving the city in the hands of the victorious Byzantine general, Belisarius. ... Narses (478-573) was, along with Belisarius, one of the two great generals in the service of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. during the so-called Reconquest that took place during the Justinians reign. ... Type Anti-tank Nationality Joint France/Germany Era Cold War, modern Launch platform Individual, Vehicle Target Vehicle, Fortification History Builder MBDA, Bharat Dynamics (under license) Date of design 70s Production period since 1972 Service duration since 1972 Operators 41 countries Variants MILAN 1, MILAN 2, MILAN 2T, MILAN 3, MILAN... Narses (478-573) was, along with Belisarius, one of the two great generals in the service of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. during the so-called Reconquest that took place during the Justinians reign. ... Events November 29 - Antioch struck by an earthquake. ... Events Byzantine general Belisarius conquers Milan and the Ostrogoth capital Ravenna. ... Province of Ravenna Ravenna is a city and comune in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. ... The Western Roman Empire is the name given to the western half of the Roman Empire after its division by Diocletian. ... PO may stand for: Pareto optimality Parole Officer Per os, Latin for by mouth or orally Perfect Orange a third wave ska based in Knoxville, TN from 2002-2005 Petty Officer, a Non-Commissioned Officer Rank in many Navies Pilkington Optronics, now Thales Optronics Pilot Officer, a junior commissioned rank... Events Byzantine general Belisarius conquers Milan and the Ostrogoth capital Ravenna. ... Witiges or Vitiges (d. ...

War with the Sassanid Empire, 540–562

Modern or early modern drawing of a medallion celebrating the reconquest of Africa, c. 535

Belisarius had been recalled in the face of renewed hostilities by the Persians. Following a revolt against Byzantium in Armenia in the late 530s and possibly motivated by the pleas of Ostrogothic ambassadors, king Khosrau I broke the "Eternal Peace" and invaded Roman territory in the spring of 540.^[29] He first sacked Beroea and then Antioch (allowing the garrison of 6,000 men to leave the city)^[30], besieged Daras, and then went on to attack the small but strategically significant satellite kingdom of Lazica near the Black Sea, exacting tribute from the towns he passed along his way. He forced Justinian I to pay him 5,000 pounds of gold, plus 500 pounds of gold more each year.^[31] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2580x1312, 507 KB) Drawing of a lost multiple solidi of Justinian figuring a lost equestrian statue of Justinian in Constantinople. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2580x1312, 507 KB) Drawing of a lost multiple solidi of Justinian figuring a lost equestrian statue of Justinian in Constantinople. ... The Sassanid Empire or Sassanian Dynasty (Persian: []) is the name used for the third Iranian dynasty and the second Persian Empire (226–651). ... Centuries: 5th century - 6th century - 7th century Decades: 480s - 490s - 500s - 510s - 520s - 530s - 540s - 550s - 560s - 570s - 580s Years: 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 Events and Trends Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, built (532-537) General Belisarius fights many campaigns defeating, among others, the Vandals... This article deals with the continental Ostrogoths. ... A coin of Khosrau I. Khosrau I, (Chosroes I in classical sources, most commonly known in Persian as Anooshiravan also spelled Anushirvan, Persian: انوشيروان meaning the immortal soul), also known as Anooshiravan the Just (انوشیروان عادل, Anooshiravan-e-ādel) (ruled 531–579), was the favourite son and successor of Kavadh I (488–531... Events Byzantine general Belisarius conquers Milan and the Ostrogoth capital Ravenna. ... Location of the governorate of Aleppo within Syria Aleppo (Arabic: [ḥalab], ) is a city in northern Syria, capital of the Aleppo Governorate. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Antakya. ... Dara (fortress, compare Dura-Europos) was a Byzantine fort in Syria. ... The Lazic War, or Egrisi Great War as it is known in Georgian historiography, refers to the twenty-year war between Byzantium and Iran Sassanid Empire for controlling the western Georgian Kingdom of Egrisi/ Lazica in 542-562. ... For other uses, see Black Sea (disambiguation). ...

Belisarius arrived in the East in 541, but, after some success, was again recalled to Constantinople in 542. The reasons for his withdrawal are not known, but it may have been instigated by rumours of disloyalty on behalf of the general reaching the court.^[32] The outbreak of the plague caused a lull in the fighting during the year 543. The following year Khosrau defeated a Byzantine army of 30,000 men^[33], but unsuccessfully besieged the major city of Edessa. Both parties made little headway, and in 545 a truce was agreed upon for the southern part of the Roman-Persian frontier. After that the Lazic War in the North continued for several years, until a second truce in 557, followed by a Fifty Years' Peace in 562. Under its terms, the Persians agreed to abandon Lazica in exchange for an annual tribute of 400 or 500 pounds of gold (30,000 solidi) to be paid by the Romans.^[34] Events January 1 - Flavius Basilius Junior appointed as consul in Constantinople, the last person to hold this office January 2 - Earthquake strikes Laodicea. ... Events The plague killed upwards of 100,000 in Constantinople and perhaps two million or more in the rest of the Byzantine Empire (possibly exaggerated). ... The Plague of Justinian (541-542) is the first known pandemic on record, and it also marks the first firmly recorded pattern of bubonic plague. ... Events The doctrine of apocatastasis is condemned by the Synod of Constantinople. ... The heritage of Roman Edessa survives today in these columns at the site of Urfa Castle, dominating the skyline of the modern city of Şanlı Urfa. ... For other uses, see 545 (disambiguation). ... The Lazic War, or Egrisi Great War as it is known in Georgian historiography, refers to the twenty-year war between Byzantium and Iran Sassanid Empire for controlling the western Georgian Kingdom of Egrisi/ Lazica in 542-562. ... Events Beginning of the Northern Zhou Dynasty in northern China. ... For the area code 562 see Area Code 562 Events Nan Xiao Ming Di succeeds Nan Liang Xuan Di as ruler of the Chinese Nan Liang Dynasty. ...

War in Italy, second phase, 541–552

While military efforts were directed to the East, the situation in Italy took a turn for the worse. Under their respective kings Ildibad and Eraric (both murdered in 541) and especially Totila, the Ostrogoths made quick gains. After a victory at Faenza in 542, they reconquered the major cities of Southern Italy and soon held almost the entire peninsula. Belisarius was sent back to Italy late in 544, but lacked sufficient troops. Making no headway, he was relieved of his command in 548. Belisarius succeeded in defeating a Gothic fleet with 200 ships. During this period the city of Rome changed hands three more times, first taken and depopulated by the Ostrogoths in December 546, then reconquered by the Byzantines in 547, and then again by the Goths in January 550. Totila also plundered Sicily and attacked the Greek coastlines. Finally, Justinian dispatched a force of approximately 35,000 men (2,000 men were detached and sent to invade southern Visigothic Spain) under the command of Narses^[35]. The Byzantine Roman army reached Ravenna in June 552, and defeated the Ostrogoths decisively within a month at the battle of Busta Gallorum in the Apennines, where Totila was slain. After a second battle at Mons Lactarius in October that year, the resistance of the Ostrogoths was finally broken. In 554, a large-scale Frankish invasion was defeated at Casilinum, and Italy secured for the Empire, even though it would take Narses several years to reduce the remaining Gothic strongholds. The recovery of Italy cost the empire about 300,000 pounds of gold.^[2] Ildibad (or Heldebadus) (d. ... Eraric (d. ... Events January 1 - Flavius Basilius Junior appointed as consul in Constantinople, the last person to hold this office January 2 - Earthquake strikes Laodicea. ... Totila, born in Treviso, was king of the Ostrogoths, chosen after the death of his uncle Ildibad, having engineered the assassination of Ildibads short-lived successor his cousin Eraric in 541. ... Faenza is an old Italian cathedral town, situated 50 km southeast of Bologna. ... Events The plague killed upwards of 100,000 in Constantinople and perhaps two million or more in the rest of the Byzantine Empire (possibly exaggerated). ... Events Belisarius is sent back to Italy to once more fight the Ostrogoths who have been making reconquests in the area. ... Events Belisarius is relieved of command over the Byzantine forces in Italy and replaced with Narses. ... This article is about the Germanic tribes. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... Events The Ostrogoths under Totila retake Rome from the Byzantine Empire. ... Events Ida founds the kingdom of Bernicia at Bamburgh (traditional date). ... Events By Place Byzantine Empire Silk reaches Constantinople (approximate date). ... Sicily ( in Italian and Sicilian) is an autonomous region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, with an area of 25,708 km² (9,926 sq. ... The Visigoths, originally Tervingi, or Vesi (the noble ones), one of the two main branches of the Goths (of which the Ostrogothi were the other), were one of the loosely-termed Germanic peoples that disturbed the late Roman Empire. ... Narses (478-573) was, along with Belisarius, one of the two great generals in the service of the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. during the so-called Reconquest that took place during the Justinians reign. ... Events July - Battle of Taginae: The Byzantine general Narses defeats and kills Totila, king of the Ostrogoths. ... At the battle of Taginae (also known as the Battle of Busta Gallorum) in July of 552, the Byzantine Empire under the eunuch Narses broke the power of the Ostrogoths in Italy, and brought the entire peninsula under the rule of Constantinople. ... The Apennine Mountains (Greek: Απεννινος; Latin: Appenninus--in both cases used in the singular; Italian: Appennini) is a mountain range stretching 1000 km from the north to the south of Italy along its east coast, traversing the entire peninsula, and forming, as it were, the backbone of the country. ... Combatants Byzantine Empire Ostrogothic Kingdom Commanders Narses Teia The Battle of Mons Lactarius (also known as Battle of the Vesuvius) took place in 553 during the Gothic War waged on behalf of Justinian I against the Ostrogoths in Italy. ... This article is about the Frankish people and society. ... Combatants Eastern Roman Empire, Heruli (Roman foederati) Franks, Alemanni Commanders Narses Butilinus Strength ca. ...

Other campaigns

In addition to the other conquests, the Eastern Empire established a presence in Visigothic Spain, when the usurper Athanagild requested assistance in his rebellion against king Agila. In 552, Justinian dispatched a force under the octogenarian Liberius, who had served under the Ostrogoth kings of Italy since the 490s. The Byzantines took Cartagena and other cities on the southeastern coast and founded the new province of Spania before being checked by their former ally Athanagild, who had by now become king. This campaign marked the apogee of Byzantine expansion. The Visigoths, originally Tervingi, or Vesi (the noble ones), one of the two main branches of the Goths (of which the Ostrogothi were the other), were one of the loosely-termed Germanic peoples that disturbed the late Roman Empire. ... Athanagild (d. ... Agila (Agil or Akhila) was king of the Visigoths in Hispania (549–554). ... Events July - Battle of Taginae: The Byzantine general Narses defeats and kills Totila, king of the Ostrogoths. ... Petrus Marcellinus Felix Liberius (ca. ... For other places with the same name, see Cartagena (disambiguation). ... The Byzantine Empire at its greatest extent under Justinian I. Justinians inherited empire in pink with his conquests, including Spania, in orange. ...

During Justinian's reign, the Balkans suffered from several incursions by the Turkic and Slavic peoples who lived north of the Danube. Here, Justinian resorted mainly to a combination of diplomacy and a system of defensive works. In 559 a particularly dangerous invasion of Sklavinoi and Kutrigurs under their khan Zabergan threatened Constantinople, but they were repulsed by the aged general Belisarius. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the various peoples speaking one of the Turkic languages. ... Distribution of Slavic people by language The Slavic peoples are a linguistic and ethnic branch of Indo-European peoples, living mainly in Europe, where they constitute roughly a third of the population. ... This article is about the Danube River. ... Events The Bulgars invade and raid Byzantine territory, but are driven back near Constantinople by Belisarius. ... Distribution of Slavic people by language The Slavic peoples are a linguistic and ethnic branch of Indo-European peoples, living mainly in Europe, where they constitute roughly a third of the population. ... Kutrigurs (Kotrags/Kotzagerek/Kazarig) were an Horde of equestrian nomads that wandered the Eurasian plains during the dark ages. ... This article is about the title. ... Zabergan was ruler of the Bolgar Kutrigurs between 550 & 582. ...

Results

The enlargement of the Byzantine Empire's territory between the rise to power of Justinian (red, 527) and his death (orange, 565)

Justinian's ambition to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory was only partly realised. In the West, the brilliant early military successes of the 530s were followed by years of stagnation. The dragging war with the Goths was a disaster for Italy, even though its long-lasting effects may have been less severe than is sometimes thought.^[36] The heavy taxes that the administration imposed upon its population were deeply resented. While the final victory in Italy and the conquest of the coast of southern Spain significantly enlarged the area over which Byzantium could project its power and influence, and while they must have contributed to the empire's prestige, most of the conquests proved ephemeral. The greater part of Italy would be lost to the invading Lombards three years after Justinian's death (568), and within a century and a half Africa and Spain were forever lost for the empire. Image File history File links Justinien_527-565. ... Image File history File links Justinien_527-565. ... Centuries: 5th century - 6th century - 7th century Decades: 480s - 490s - 500s - 510s - 520s - 530s - 540s - 550s - 560s - 570s - 580s Years: 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 Events and Trends Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, built (532-537) General Belisarius fights many campaigns defeating, among others, the Vandals... The Lombards (Latin Langobardi, whence comes the alternative name Longobards found in older English texts), were a Germanic people originally from Northern Europe that entered the late Roman Empire. ... Events April 1 - King Alboin leads the Lombards into Italy; refugees fleeing from them go on to found Venice. ...

Events of the later years of the reign showed that Constantinople itself was not safe from barbarian incursions from the north, and even the relatively benevolent historian Menander Protector felt the need to explain the emperor's failure to protect the capital from the weakness of his body in his old age.^[37] In his efforts to renew the old Roman Empire, Justinian dangerously stretched the resources of the Eastern Empire while failing to take into account the changed realities of 6th-century Europe.^[38] Paradoxically, Justinian's military successes probably contributed to the empire's subsequent decline.^[39] Menander Protector (Greek for one of the imperial bodyguards), Byzantine historian, was born in Constantinople in the middle of the 6th century AD. The little that is known of his life is contained in the account of himself quoted by Suidas. ...

Religious activities

Religious policy