The Life of

Justinian
By Jordynn Williams and Tashira Bryant
Who is Justinian?

• Justinian is known as the emperor

of Eastern Rome from 527 to 565. He had
achievements in art, legal reform,
architecture and conquest. While
emperor, he created, “Justinian’s Code”.
This code was passed on to Western
Europe in the 12th century. He had many
accomplishments that made him known
as an icon. Even today, he is still known
in the community.
Early Life

• Justinian’s Mother, Vigilantia was the sister of the Excubitor. (Imperial

Bodyguard). Justin (Her brother) adopted his nephew and brought him to
Constantinople to guarantee his education. Justinian acted as a close confidant
and advisor. He became Consul in 521 CE and then the Commander of the Eastern
Army. He married a woman from a poor background named, Theodora. Justinian
married Theodora in 525 CE.
Empress Theodora Justinian’s Code Justinian’s Plague

Had an illegitimate a monumental Claimed lives of

daughter document in all of millions
Crowned during same western culture During 541-542CE
coronation as Justinian Clarified the accepted Arrived in
Her active role in the laws of the roman Constantinople in 542
empire was revealed empire CE
during the Nika Revolt 4 parts: The Codex, Continued for another
She was credited with The Digest, The 225 yrs.
persuading the Institutes, and Novels
emperor not to flee
the mob but fight.
Empress Theodora

• Theodora was empress of the Byzantine Empire and the wife of Emperor
Justinian. She is known as one of the most influential and powerful of the
Byzantine empresses. Theodora participated in Justinian's legal and spiritual
reforms, and her involvement in the increase of the rights of women was
empowering.
 Images of
Justinian and
of Justinian’s
code
Maps of the Byzantine empire
The end