* Military Conquests: Justinian commissioned a series of military campaigns aimed at restoring the empire to its former glory and reconquering lost territories. Under his leadership, Byzantine forces regained large parts of North Africa, Italy, and former territories of the Western Roman Empire. His most famous conquest was the Byzantine recapture of Rome from the Ostrogoths in 536 CE, which temporarily restored imperial control over the city.
* Building Projects: Justinian was an ambitious builder, responsible for constructing or restoring numerous architectural works throughout the empire. The most famous of these was the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, which was considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and engineering at the time. He also built and restored churches, palaces, and fortifications across the empire, leaving a lasting legacy of his rule.
* Legal Reforms: Justinian initiated a comprehensive codification of Roman law known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, which is considered one of the most enduring achievements in legal history. This collection of legal texts became the foundation of the Byzantine legal system, influenced subsequent legal systems around the world, and is still studied today as an important source of Roman law.
* Cultural Achievements: Justinian actively promoted arts and culture during his reign. He established a university in Constantinople, supported scholarly endeavors, and sponsored intellectual discussions. Justinian's reign marked a period of cultural flourishing in various fields, including philosophy, literature, and art.
* Religious Policies: Justinian was known for his devotion to Christianity and often promoted religious unity within the empire. He made efforts to reconcile theological differences and suppress various religious sects. However, his policies towards certain heretical groups, such as the Monophysites, led to religious conflicts and divisions within the empire.
Overall, Justinian's reign was a period of significant military, architectural, legal, cultural, and religious accomplishments, making him one of the most important figures in Byzantine history and leaving a profound impact on the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.