Question

Which Byzantine emperor built a strong continuity with the old Roman Empire, and how did he do it?

Answer 1

The Byzantine emperor who reinforced the continuity with the Roman Empire was Justinian, whose reign from 527 to 565 was marked by codifying Roman law, constructing iconic architecture like Hagia Sophia, and attempting to unite the empire under Christian orthodoxy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Byzantine emperor who built a strong continuity with the old Roman Empire was Justinian, who ruled from 527 to 565. To reinforce the connection with Rome's past glory, Justinian undertook several significant initiatives. As the last Roman emperor to speak Latin as his native language, he embodied the cultural transition from Rome to Byzantium. He made his mark by restructuring the government to align with Christian principles, launching ambitious construction projects, including the renowned Hagia Sophia, and issuing the Corpus Juris Civilis or Justinian's Code, which codified Roman law and influenced European legal systems for centuries. He also attempted to impose religious uniformity and to address heretical movements, demonstrating the intertwining of secular and religious authority in the Byzantine Empire. His reign marked the height of Byzantine power and culture, linking the empire to its Roman roots.

Justinian's vision included a revival of Roman imperial aspirations, which entailed a series of military campaigns aimed at reclaiming lost Roman territories. Alongside his remarkable political and religious achievements, he was also known for his marriage to Theodora, a powerful and influential empress. Together, they shaped the Byzantine Empire in ways that reverberated through history, firmly rooting Byzantine governance and culture in the rich soil of Roman traditions.

Answer 2

Justinian, ruling from 527 to 565, reinforced the continuity with the old Roman Empire through significant Byzantine architecture like the Hagia Sophia, by unifying the roles of spiritual and secular leader, and by attempting to enforce Christian orthodoxy throughout the empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

Byzantine Emperor and Continuity with the Old Roman Empire

The Byzantine emperor who built a strong continuity with the old Roman Empire was Justinian. He reigned from 527 to 565 and was the last to speak Latin as a native language. Justinian worked to continue the Roman tradition by doing the following:

• He made major contributions to Byzantine architecture, most notable among them being the construction of the Hagia Sophia, which is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture to this day.
• Justinian also solidified the role of the emperor as the spiritual leader of the Christian church and the secular ruler of the empire through his actions and policies.
• His efforts to enforce religious uniformity across the empire and to combat heretical sects demonstrated his desire to maintain the Christian identity that had become central in the late Roman Empire.

Moreover, Justinian's legal reforms, which included the compilation known as Corpus Juris Civilis, reflected his intent to systematize Roman law and thus preserve the legal heritage of Rome.