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Emperor Justinian — Reading Comprehension

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This passage explores the reign of Justinian the Great, emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 CE, and his many contributions to world history. Students will learn about Justinian's ambitious building projects, including the Hagia Sophia, his military campaigns to reclaim lost Roman lands, and the creation of the Justinian Code—a legal system that influenced European law for centuries. The passage also highlights the important role played by his wife, Theodora, and examines key cause-and-effect relationships, evidence from historical sources, and the significance of Justinian's actions in shaping the Middle Ages. The passage is accompanied by comprehension activities, writing prompts, graphic organizers, a glossary, a Spanish translation, and a relevant public domain image. This resource aligns with history standards CA HSS 7.1, 7.2, and CCSS RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.3, offering an engaging and rigorous history reading passage with read aloud audio and Spanish translation.

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Emperor Justinian and Members of His Court MET LC 25 100 1a-e s01 — "Emperor Justinian and Members of His Court" / Wikimedia Commons.

Justinian the Great was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 CE. His reign marked a turning point in the history of Europe and the Mediterranean world. Justinian is remembered for his ambitious reforms, his efforts to restore the Roman Empire, and the vital role his wife, Theodora, played in government affairs.

One of Justinian’s most lasting achievements was the creation of the Justinian Code, a collection of laws that organized centuries of Roman legal texts. With the help of legal scholars like Tribonian, Justinian ordered the gathering and refining of existing laws in 529 CE. The new code made laws clearer, more consistent, and easier to enforce across his empire. According to primary sources, such as Procopius, the Justinian Code influenced legal systems in Europe long after Justinian’s death.

Justinian also led major military campaigns to recover lands lost to invading groups after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Under generals like Belisarius, Byzantine armies conquered North Africa from the Vandals in 533 CE, retook Italy from the Ostrogoths, and even reclaimed parts of Spain. These victories were significant, but they also drained the empire’s resources and left some regions difficult to govern.

In Constantinople, Justinian launched building projects to strengthen and beautify his capital. His most famous project was the construction of the Hagia Sophia, a vast church with a massive dome completed in 537 CE. The Hagia Sophia was not only a religious center but also a symbol of the emperor’s power and the city’s importance. Archaeological evidence, such as mosaics and inscriptions, shows the scale and grandeur of these projects. These buildings helped make Constantinople a center of culture and trade during the Middle Ages.

Theodora, Justinian’s wife, played an important role in his reign. She advised Justinian on matters of law and policy, especially during times of crisis like the Nika Riots in 532 CE. According to Procopius, Theodora’s courage convinced Justinian to stay and restore order instead of fleeing the city. Her actions showed the significance of women in Byzantine government, even if their roles were often hidden from official records.

Justinian’s reign was significant because it blended Roman traditions with new Christian and Byzantine ideas. His legal code influenced the development of modern law, while his building projects and military campaigns changed the empire’s geography and culture. Through the actions of Justinian and Theodora, the Byzantine Empire became a bridge between the ancient and medieval worlds.

This period connects to broader themes in world history, such as the development of legal systems, the role of leadership, and the impact of geography on civilizations.

Interesting Fact: Justinian survived the deadly plague of 542 CE, which killed millions in his empire and weakened Byzantine power for years.

When did Justinian rule the Byzantine Empire?

527-565 CE476-509 CE600-650 CE400-450 CE

Who helped Justinian write the law code?

TribonianCaesarAugustusJustinian II

What was Justinian's most famous building project?

Hagia SophiaColosseumParthenonPantheon

Why was the Justinian Code important?

It organized Roman lawsIt was a military planIt was a mapIt was a poem

How did Theodora help during the Nika Riots?

Convinced Justinian to stayLed the armyWrote the Justinian CodeBuilt the Hagia Sophia

What effect did military campaigns have?