Beginning about the year 395 CE, the eastern part of the Roman Empire was called the Byzantine Empire. In 527, Justinian I became Byzantine emperor. The western portion of the Roman Empire had become weak and did not have much money. Invaders had conquered many parts of it. Power was moved from Rome to the east. The eastern capital was Constantinople. This city is current-day Istanbul, Turkey. The eastern Roman Empire was influenced by Greek culture, whereas the west had Roman influence. East and west were unified as the Roman Empire. People throughout were considered Roman citizens. The empire was officially Orthodox Christian. Justinian’s Rule
Justinian ruled from 527 to 565 CE. He is known for creating the Justinian Code. He collected various laws, edicts, and legal opinions. They were organized into a set of laws. This code was referred to centuries later in developing legal systems. All laws were made by the emperor. He also interpreted all laws. These laws were for the entire empire. There were reforms to control tax collection. Control of the emperor was tightened.

Justinian’s wife had much influence. She was not liked by many people. She was from a lower class and had been a circus performer. People felt she had too much power over her husband. She helped bring about reforms to protect women.

When Justinian became emperor, much of the Roman Empire had been conquered. Much of the west was controlled by Germanic kings. They practiced a different form of Christianity than in the rest of the empire. Orthodox Christians were mistreated in those regions. Many of their rights were taken away. Justinian was called upon to defend them. As emperor, this was his role. He wanted to reunite the Roman Empire. Through military action, he was able to take back much land. Parts of Africa, Italy, and Spain were reclaimed.