1. Justinian (r. 527-565) Tried to reconquer Roman lands to the west –succeeded by 553, but Rome was ruined –lost the territory again after Justinian died Ordered 10 Greek & Latin scholars to compile & simplify laws (528-534) –Corpus Juris Civilis (Code of Justinian) = used as guide by West European law for justice, property, marriage, & divorce

2. Undertook massive building program in Constantinople –known as “The City” –2 requirements for citizenship: 1. Membership in the Christian church 2. Ability to speak Greek –Hagia Sophia (Hay-ee-uh soh-fee-uh) = great cathedral & symbol of the Christian city –Hippodrome = same function as the Roman Colosseum

3. –University = emphasized arts of writing & speaking well in Latin & Greek copied great works of Ancient writers boys & girls tutored at home, but only boys went to university