Final answer:
Justinian's Code's foundation rested on the consolidation of laws empowered by the emperor and aligned with orthodox Christianity. Emperor Justinian aimed to create a unified legal code to reinforce Roman unity, maintaining Latin language and emphasizing his dual role as a secular and spiritual leader through Caesaropapism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The foundation of Justinian's Code was characterized by the consolidation of laws stemming from both the emperor's authority and the overarching Christian beliefs of the era. Emperor Justinian, ruling from 527 to 565, was a fervent Christian and held that it was his sacred duty as leader of the greatest Christian empire in the world to enforce religious uniformity and orthodox Christianity among his subjects. His dedication to creating a harmonious and uniform legal system led to the compilation of the Corpus Juris Civilis, which distilled Roman law into a cohesive body of civil law.
Furthermore, Justinian's goal to unify Roman law as an element of Roman unity called for a systematic review and codification of existing laws, eliminating contradictions and reaffirming those necessary for enforcement. The Code of Justinian not only regulated imperial edicts but also preserved the Latin language in the legal system, providing continuity with the empire's past.
Ultimately, the two principles that formed the foundation for Justinian's Code were the authority from which all laws emanate, which was the emperor himself, and the embedded Christian values that permeated the empire's governance. The Code of Justinian also reflected Caesaropapism, where the emperor was both the head of the state and the church, leaving little room for religious tolerance.