The Emperor Justinian had a long and influential reign, from AD 527 to
565, in which he dominated the sixth-century. This was an important
period in the transition between the classical and Byzantine worlds, and
one which saw significant territorial changes and religious
developments. Many of Justinian's other reforms, such as those in the
governance of the empire and his codification of its laws, also had a
long-lasting influence.
The first section of this book outlines the current questions we are
asking about Justinian today. Five chapters explore his rise to power
and the role of the colourful Theodora, foreign policy on the eastern
frontier and the recovery of the western provinces, religious policy and
governance of the empire. The sixth chapter considers the role of
culture and society in the sixth century.
Justinian's reign is documented through a wide range of contemporary
written sources, as well as numismatic and epigraphic evidence and
images of the imperial couple. The second section contains over eighty
examples of these records, including English translations of the sources
and images of coins and other objects.