4.8 Was the Byzantine Empire better or worse off under the rule of Justinian?
Do Now: What influences whether or not you believe what someone says to you?
Introduction When the Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, the eastern half of the empire, called the Byzantine Empire, remained strong. The most famous emperor of the Byzantine Empire was Justinian, who ruled from 527 to 565 CE. Like other Byzantine rulers, Justinian was an autocrat, a single ruler with complete authority. Despite his fame, there is much controversy among historians over Justinian as a ruler. Read the documents below and decide for yourself. Answer the questions that follow each document to help you come to your conclusion about what kind of ruler Justinian was. Please make sure to put your answers in your own words.
Document 1
The following description of Justinian is from the book Buildings by Procopius, who was Justinian’s official court historian.
1. What two contributions of Justinian are listed in this passage?
2. Procopius was the official court historian who worked for Justinian. Do you think that this may have influenced Procopius’ view? Why?
3. Is this document a positive or negative view of Justinian?
Document 2
This description of Justinian was also written by his court historian, Procopius, in the Secret History. The Secret History was not published until after Justinian died.
1. How is Justinian described in this passage?
2. The Secret History was not published until after Justinian died. Do you think that this is a reliable source?
3. Is this document a positive or negative view of Justinian?
Document 3
The following description of Justinian compares him to earlier Roman emperors. It was written by a government official living in the Byzantine Empire.
1. How does this passage explain Justinian’s power?
2. The description in this passage was written by a Byzantine government official. Do you think that his position in the government may have influenced his view? Why?
3. Is this document a positive or negative view of Justinian?
Document 4
This passage is a description of the famous Hagia Sophia church by Paul the Silentiary*, who worked in the palace of the emperor Justinian. The church was built while Justinian was in power in 537 CE.
* Silentieary means “one appointed to keep silence and order in court; also one sworn not to divulge secrets of state.”
1. What are some features of the church described in this passage?
2. Paul the Silentiary worked in the palace of the emperor. Do you think that this description is accurate?
3. Is this document a positive or negative view of Justinian?
Homework: Justinian: Good or Bad for the Byzantine Empire?
Do you think that the Byzantine Empire was better off or worse off with Justinian as emperor?
On a separate piece of paper, write a minimum of one paragraph response to this question. Include facts and details to support your response.