Final answer:
The Byzantine emperor who attempted to restore the Roman Empire was Justinian I. He sought to reconquer the Western territories from the Ostrogoths and Vandals and enforced Christian orthodoxy throughout the empire, leaving a legacy of impressive Byzantine architecture and religious influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ambitious Byzantine emperor who attempted to restore the Roman Empire was Justinian I. He ruled from 527 to 565, and his reign was marked by significant military, architectural, and religious efforts. Among his military campaigns, his efforts to reconquer the Western part of the ancient Roman Empire from the Germanic kings were particularly notable.
He sent his general Belisarius to Italy, aiming to reclaim the lands from the Ostrogoths, and also focused on areas influenced by the Vandals in North Africa. Despite facing challenges on the eastern front with frequent Persian conflicts, Justinian sought to re-establish the former glory of the Roman state through these conquests.
Justinian I also held a deeply ingrained desire to enforce Christian orthodoxy throughout his empire, influencing both religious and political realms of Byzantine society. His sponsorship of masterpieces like the Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to his commitment to Christianity and the visual splendor of his reign.
Additionally, he aimed to create a legacy embodied by the blend of the secular power of the emperor with the spiritual leadership of Christian doctrine—a tradition which carried on throughout Byzantine history.
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