1. Justinian I
Andrew Dougherty

2. Achievements
Outstanding ruler of the Byzantine Empire in the sixth century C.E.
Rebuilt Constantinople
Systematized Roman legal code
Extended Roman architecture
Hagia Sophia
Briefly recaptured old parts of the Roman Empire in northern Africa and in Italy

3. A Story Concerning Justinian
The Hagia Sophia had been destroyed
No one in the city expected Justinian to tear down the remains, and then rebuild a whole new church
But, “None of them could restrain their Autocrat from his mad venture of that year.” (Harold Lamb 112)

4. Story Continued
Justinian set about rebuilding the church with a new design never before used
The church would be massive and include a dome
“The new Hagia Sophia, in Justinian’s mind, would be the religious dedication of his new city…” (Harold Lamb 112)

5. Symbolism
Justinian building a massive church is very similar to Justinian’s character
Justinian was somber, autocratic, and prone to grandiose ideas
Building a huge church would be grandiose and the centerpiece of a new civilization just as Justinian was prone to grand ideas and was the centerpiece of Byzantium when he ruled

6. Symbolism Also, Justinian was described as moronic in character
Many thought that the effort of rebuilding a new church was a foolish idea
Justinian, being a moron, sought the crazy or moronic idea of rebuilding the church

7. Theme of the Post Classical Period
The formation of powerful civilizations as a result of religious unity…
The Byzantine Empire – Christianity
Kievan Rus’ - Christianity
The Abbasid Empire – Islam
India – Hinduism

8. Justinian’s Symbolism in the Post Classical Period
Just as Justinian symbolized rebuilding the Hagia Sophia, he also was an example of the broad theme of the post classical period
Justinian was the cornerstone of the Byzantine Empire. His policies and Christian religion unified the Byzantine Empire until it was destroyed by force.

9. Bibliography Book… Internet…
Constantinople Birth of an Empire by Harold Lamb
Internet…