1. Ambitious Builder and Restorer: Justinian is renowned for his extensive building projects, including the iconic Hagia Sophia, which remains a magnificent architectural marvel to this day. His ambitious construction projects aimed to restore the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire and left a lasting legacy on Byzantine art and architecture.
2. Codification of Roman Law: Justinian's most notable achievement in the legal realm was the codification of Roman law into the "Corpus Juris Civilis" (Body of Civil Law). This comprehensive collection of Roman legal principles and doctrines had a profound influence on Western legal systems and served as a foundation for legal development in Europe for centuries.
3. Suppression of Paganism and Heretical Beliefs: Justinian was a devout Christian and actively sought to suppress paganism and heretical beliefs within the empire. He implemented various measures to enforce religious orthodoxy, including the closure of pagan schools and temples and the persecution of those who held dissenting religious views.
4. Territorial Reconquests: Justinian pursued an aggressive military policy with the aim of reconquering lost territories of the Roman Empire. He successfully regained portions of North Africa, Italy, and parts of Spain from various Germanic tribes. However, some of these reconquered territories were eventually lost again due to subsequent conflicts.
5. Patronage of Arts and Learning: Justinian was a patron of the arts and supported scholars, artists, and philosophers. His court was a hub of intellectual activity, where renowned figures such as the historian Procopius and the philosopher Damascius flourished. Justinian's patronage contributed to the preservation of classical Greek and Roman knowledge during a time of cultural transition.
6. Mixed Reception of Later Policies: While Justinian's early reign was marked by significant accomplishments, some of his later policies faced criticism. His ambitious military conquests strained the empire's resources and led to increased taxation, which caused discontent among the population. Additionally, his autocratic ruling style and persecution of religious dissenters invited opposition and resentment.
Overall, Emperor Justinian's reign was characterized by a blend of grand achievements in construction, law, and territorial expansion, as well as controversies related to religious policies and economic strains. His legacy continues to be debated and influential in the study of Byzantine history and its impact on the development of Europe.