Justinian's Reign: Accomplishments and Disasters
What were some of the major accomplishments of Justinian's reign?
- Extended the Byzantine Empire dramatically
- Reconquered the Italic Peninsula and Carthage
- Compiled all Roman law into the "Justinian Law Code"
What was a disastrous policy adopted by Justinian during his Western wars?
Accomplishments of Justinian's Reign:
Justinian's reign was marked by significant accomplishments that shaped the Byzantine Empire.
He extended the empire's borders dramatically, reconquering territories like the Italic Peninsula and Carthage.
Justinian also compiled all existing Roman laws into one unified legal code known as the "Justinian Law Code," a monumental achievement in legal history.
Disastrous Policy Adopted by Justinian:
One disastrous policy adopted by Justinian during his Western wars was buying peace with the Persians through regular payments of gold.
This policy drained Byzantine resources and allowed the Persians to strengthen their treasury while the Byzantines suffered losses.
Justinian's reign from 527-565 CE was a time of both remarkable accomplishments and devastating disasters. Despite facing challenges, Justinian left a lasting impact on the Byzantine Empire through his military conquests and legal reforms.
Accomplishments of Justinian's Reign
One of the major accomplishments of Justinian's reign was the significant expansion of the Byzantine Empire. Justinian extended the empire's borders dramatically through military conquests, reclaiming territories in the Western Mediterranean and North Africa.
Furthermore, under Justinian's rule, the brilliant general Belisarius led successful campaigns to reconquer the Italic Peninsula (except for Lombardy) and the former Roman colony of Carthage.
A noteworthy achievement was the compilation of all Roman laws into a comprehensive legal code known as the "Justinian Law Code." This legal codification systematized and preserved Roman legal principles for future generations.
Disasters of Justinian's Reign
Despite his accomplishments, Justinian's reign was marred by disastrous policies, such as the ill-advised decision to pay the Persians for peace during Western wars. This strategy weakened Byzantine resources and allowed the Persians to benefit at the empire's expense.
Additionally, towards the end of his reign, a devastating epidemic struck the Eastern provinces, causing a significant loss of population. This demographic decline would later facilitate the Muslim Arab conquest of key Byzantine territories.
With his wife's death and a growing apathy towards governance, Justinian's empire faced internal challenges and external threats. The Germanic tribes were able to reclaim lands previously reconquered by Belisarius due to a shortage of soldiers and resources.