Question

How did the Byzantine Empire’s territory change during the reign of Justinian I?

It remained the same but was made more defensible through the construction of walls.
Territory was lost until Justinian’s wall was constructed around the capital.
Territory was gained in the East but lost in the West.
The empire grew to the largest extent it would ever see.

Answer 1

During the reign of Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire experienced both territorial gains and losses. It expanded to its largest extent, but gradually lost many territories after Justinian's death. Ultimately, the empire focused on smaller core areas for defense.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the reign of Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire's territory changed significantly. At its largest extent, it encompassed the Balkans, Egypt, parts of North Africa, Anatolia, the Levant, Italy, and the southern Iberian Peninsula. However, after Justinian's death, the empire gradually lost many of these territories to Germanic invasions in the west and the Persians in the east. The empire eventually focused on the smaller core areas of the Balkans and Anatolia as more easily defensible borders.