Definition

Proper noun: - Historical figure: A Byzantine emperor (reigned 527–565 AD) renowned for his ambitious campaigns to reconquer former Western Roman territories, his monumental codification of Roman law, and his extensive building programs, including the construction of the Hagia Sophia.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Justinian the Great commissioned the construction of the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
  • The legal reforms initiated by Justinian the Great formed the basis for civil law in many modern nations.
  • Historians study the reign of Justinian the Great as a pivotal period in late antiquity.

Advanced Usage

• "The Age of Justinian the Great": Refers to the 6th-century period characterized by military expansion, legal reform, and cultural flourishing in the Byzantine Empire.
  • The historian wrote a book about art and architecture during the Age of Justinian the Great.

Variants and Related Words

• Justinian I: The more formal historical designation, synonymous with Justinian the Great.
  • The legal code of Justinian I is a foundational text.
• Justinianic (adj): Pertaining to the emperor, his reign, or his works.
  • The Justinianic plague had devastating effects on the empire's population.
• Justinian Code / Corpus Juris Civilis: The comprehensive codification of Roman law ordered by the emperor.
  • The principles of the Justinian Code influenced legal systems across Europe.

Synonyms

• Justinian I: The primary synonym.
• The Emperor Justinian: A formal alternative.

Related Phrases

• "Justinian's reconquest": Refers to the military campaigns led by his generals, Belisarius and Narses, to reclaim territories in Italy, North Africa, and parts of Spain.
  • Justinian's reconquest of Italy was long and costly.
• "Justinian's plague": Refers to the pandemic of bubonic plague that struck the Byzantine Empire during his reign.
  • The empire's economy was weakened by Justinian's plague.

Noun

1. Byzantine emperor who held the eastern frontier of his empire against the Persians; codified Roman law in 529; his general Belisarius regained North Africa and Spain (483-565)