Justinian DBQ essays

Justinian DBQ essays Emperor Justinian revived the Byzantine empire through his military triumphs, legal work, ecclesiastical polity and architectural activity and creating the Justinian Code. He was the sixth century emperor, and the only one who established an aristocracy by choosing men of humble birth as his closest advisors; for he wanted to work with honest and true people. His inner craving caused him to aggressively expand the empire and restore the Byzantine Empire to the prosperity comparable to the original Roman Empire. Justinians conquests expanded Byzantine to expand the empire all across the Mediterranean. His armies invaded the Vandal, Ostrogothic, and Visigothic kingdoms in turn, and, in a series of bitter wars, he reconquered much of the Mediterranean lands of the West (Document 6). Justinians campaigns extended territory to its largest size ever for the Byzantine Empire. Justinian also created many new cities to revive Byzantine (Document 1). These cities together had high upkeeps and problems with the government of these areas became very difficult and unorganized. Justinian was also an incredible architect; many of the most amazing buildings in Byzantine were build in hi time. He built the Hagia Sophia Church of the Holy Wisdom a church that is still standing today in Constantinople. Citizens of the Byzantine were awestruck by its immense size and amazing detail. Procopious describes the Hagia Sophia as the epitome of God, and the work of God. (Document 4). Justinians motivation for the building of the Hagia Sophia may have arisen from his desire to use religion to unite his citizens. Aristotle in fact had the greatest influence on this religious aspect. Aristotles model of the universe, presented the new idea of a monotheistic god. Although, Aristotles science concepts were never correct, his influence on religion was profound. The people believed Aristotle, and never questioned his fals...