Question

C o p y r ig h t©M c G r a w -H illE d u c a t io n . P e r m is s io n is g r a n t e dt or e p r o d u c ef o r c la s s r o o mu s e . NAME DATE CLASS Rome and the Rise of Christianity Guided Reading Cont. Justinian’s Rule 7. Evaluating Did Justinian have a positive or negative influence on the empire? Explain your answer. Listing Cite the contributions Justinian made to each of the categories listed in the chart. Justinian's Contributions 4. Law 5. Art 6. Military

Answer 1

Certainly! Here's a breakdown of Justinian's contributions categorized under law, art, and military, along with an evaluation of whether his influence on the empire was positive or negative.

Evaluating Justinian’s Influence on the Empire

Evaluation: Justinian had a largely positive influence on the Byzantine Empire, despite some challenges. His ambitious reforms modernized the empire and left a lasting legacy in various fields. However, his military campaigns stretched resources and led to significant loss of life, which shadowed some of his achievements.

Justinian's Contributions

| Category | Contributions | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | Law | - Codification of Roman Law (Corpus Juris Civilis) which streamlined and preserved Roman legal principles. <br> - Establishment of legal reforms that addressed social justice and improved the rights of women. <br> - Implementation of a unified legal code that became the foundation for many European legal systems. | | Art | - Commissioned the construction of the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of the empire’s wealth and cultural achievement. <br> - Promoted religious art, leading to the creation of mosaics that adorned churches and public buildings, which depicted religious figures and events. <br> - Fostered the development of an artistic style that emphasized grandeur and spirituality. | | Military | - Initiated military campaigns to reconquer lost territories of the Western Roman Empire, including parts of North Africa and Italy. <br> - Reformed the Byzantine military, enhancing its effectiveness and defenses, including the establishment of the Themes system (military districts). <br> - Expanded the empire’s borders, temporarily restoring Roman territories, but also straining financial and military resources. |

In summary, Justinian's reign brought about significant advancements in law, art, and military organization, which positively contributed to the legacy of the Byzantine Empire, despite some negative consequences from his militaristic ambitions.

Answer 2

Evaluating Did Justinian have a positive or negative influence on the empire? Explain your answer

Answer 3

Evaluating Justinian's Influence on the Empire:

Justinian is often regarded as one of the most significant emperors in Byzantine history, and his influence can be seen as both positive and negative, though many historians argue that his overall impact was more positive.

Positive Influence:

1. Legal Reforms: Justinian's most enduring achievement is the codification of Roman law, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, or the Body of Civil Law. This monumental work streamlined and organized existing laws and legal principles, making them more accessible. It laid the foundation for legal systems in many European countries and established principles of justice that are still relevant today.

2. Cultural and Architectural Achievements: Under Justinian, Byzantine art and architecture flourished. The construction of the Hagia Sophia is a prime example, showcasing advancements in engineering and design, and serving as a significant cultural and religious symbol. His patronage of the arts contributed to a vibrant cultural legacy that influenced future generations.

3. Strengthening the Empire: Justinian’s military campaigns aimed to reconquer lost territories of the Western Roman Empire, including parts of Italy and North Africa. While these campaigns were costly, they temporarily restored the empire's territorial integrity and influence, enhancing its power in the Mediterranean.

Negative Influence:

1. Economic Strain: The military campaigns were expensive and placed a heavy burden on the empire's finances. The need to fund these wars and pay for public works projects led to increased taxation, which caused discontent among the populace.

2. Social Unrest: Justinian's reign witnessed significant social unrest, including the Nika Riots in 532 AD, which erupted partly due to dissatisfaction with his policies and heavy taxation. Though he quelled the riots, the violence and loss of life highlighted the tensions within society during his rule.

3. Overextension of Resources: While his ambitions to reclaim the former glory of Rome were admirable, they overstretched the empire’s military and economic resources, leading to challenges in maintaining control over vast territories.

Conclusion: Overall, Justinian's influence on the Byzantine Empire was largely positive, particularly in terms of legal and cultural advancements. His enduring legacy is evident in many aspects of modern law and architecture. However, the economic and social repercussions of his military ambitions and the high costs of his grand projects serve as a reminder of the complexity of his reign. In essence, Justinian's achievements significantly shaped the course of Byzantine history, making him a pivotal figure in its evolution.