Ruler / statesman · Patristic
Justinian I
c. 482–565 · Byzantine symphony of Church and empire
Commemorated as a saint in the Byzantine calendar (14 November) with his wife Theodora; not venerated in the Latin Church.
Emperor of the Romans who codified Roman law in the Corpus Iuris Civilis, built Hagia Sophia, reconquered Italy and Africa, closed the Platonic Academy, legislated the “symphony” of priesthood and empire, condemned Origenism and the Three Chapters at the Second Council of Constantinople (553), wrote theology himself, and composed the hymn “Only-begotten Son” still sung in the Byzantine Liturgy.
Why he matters: His law code is the foundation of civil and canon law in Europe, his churches of Christian architecture, and his vision of a Christian empire governed by the Gospel defined Byzantium and, through it, Russia; his council remains the Fifth Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church.
Where to be careful
He imprisoned Pope Vigilius to force his assent, persecuted pagans, Jews, Samaritans and Monophysites with harsh laws, and his “caesaropapism” overrode the Church's freedom; his reign shows both the glory and the danger of the Christian state.
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each dispute the test covers.