Dbq Justinian Research Paper

Was Justinian really that much of a leader that he impacted life as we know it , or was he just someone who kept trying to bring back a civilization that was already too far gone? Some might say that without Justinian humanity would be a step further back than where we are at, others may argue evermore that Justinian was a two-faced liar who could not be trusted (Doc. 2). Contrary to many beliefs , Justinian created a new Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome that is very influential to many different cultures, more advanced and educated than Rome is, and more economically thriving than the Roman Empire.

The Byzantine Empire plays a major role in many different societies to this day. Some of the things that impact other civilizations from them include their religion and laws. According to Mr. Gray, Russia went so far as to adopt Orthodox Christianity which makes them view themselves as the

continuation of Byzantine culturally. Also, Justinian’s code helps shape the basis of much later laws (Byzantine PPT #7). Compared to the Roman Empire, Justinian’s Code requires Orthodox beliefs, while in Rome Christians were persecuted (Byzantine PPT #7, Ancient Rome PPT #26). Overall, without the guidance of Byzantine our legal system would not be as up to par as it is and Christianity would not be as diverse.
The Byzantine is by far one of the most well-read and progressive societies. Justinian is a great-builder who created countless cities; him being a great builder made it a trait he gave to his people (Doc.5 and Doc. 1). According to Mr. Gray, building their domain on top of an earthquake was a major part of their civilization which shows how they are more advanced than Rome because they were good engineers. The Byzantine also have very strategic ways of how they set up their building projects, they make sure they are near the sea because it makes it easy for them to make money and improve their economy while protecting their trade and blocking incoming trade if need be. (Doc.6). Also according to Mr. Gray, women have way more rights and were educated as well, they could divorce their husband, own property, and even be emperors or empresses. Lastly, without the Byzantine's forward way of thinking we wouldn't have earthquake-proof buildings and it would have taken women a longer time to gain the rights they deserve.
Byzantine can be known as a "Golden Age" which means according to Mr. Gray, that it was a high point in the society, no fighting, their economy is going strong, and it is overall a peaceful time. Starting from when Justinian built the new capitol, Constantine, which symbolized the decline of Rome( Byzantine PPT # 3) the empire kept going uphill. They were also notorious for making the most stable currency ( Byzantine PPT #12). Byzantine is built upon trade and is the center of world commerce( Byzantine PPT #12). Them having connections with the Islamic world is a key point also because that shows they were not fighting .( Byzantine PPT # 11). Their religion is very important during this time because it continues to grow bigger which lead other societies such as Russia to follow their beliefs. ( Byzantine PPT #23) To summarize, Byzantine is one of the most powerful forces during the Dark Age due to the expanding of it , religious influence, and trade habits.

Documentation of the life of slaves, peasants, and common people would change many people's outlooks on life . Slaves were the property of their masters and usually always got the short end of the stick (Doc.7). Their lives were in the hands of their master and anything they have is acquired for the master (Doc.7). A slave's perspective during that time would be important because it would show how the less fortunate were treated and if it was fair or not. According to Mr. Gray, peasants usually were seen as having a debt to society and burdens to the king, so they were sent off to fight usually, so their point of view would be needed to see how the war was for Byzantine when they did fight. Common people would be the most important outlook needed because in any minor dispute the government got involved ( Doc.8) which would show how the government mostly use a dictatorship and are heavily involved in what the people do.
There are many ways that Byzantine is similar to Rome .

Justinian rules very similarly to Roman leaders because he is known for saying he has God's will and is on God's level which is saying he is close to godliness (Doc. 3). Justinian rules better than the Romans however because he allows for diversity in their religion like the different beliefs between orthodox and catholic Christians ( Byzantine PPT #19-20) compared to the Romans who kill off Christians because according to Mr. Gray, they felt as if they should look up to the emperor and worship him instead of God. In Byzantine they believed once you enter the church it is a part of you and they chose not to interfere with your relationship with him ( Doc.4). Justinian's code is also similar to the Roman Empire 's because it is a synthesis of the twelve tables.(Byzantine PPT#7). Nevertheless, Justinian rules again because his law codes are preserved while Rome's are forgot about, and according to Mr.Gray, Justinian's laws are more simplified and understandable compared to the twelve tables. ( Byzantine PPT

#7).
The Byzantine Empire is without a doubt an empire that is one in it itself. Although they may have had some areas where they copied the Roman Empire like their law system and how they rule. The Byzantine Empire was different and special because they stress education which results in them doing better in other areas like trade,law,and skills like architecture. The Romans will always be known as another stepping stone for the Byzantine because all the Byzantine's do is get what the Romans failed and better it and make it well again. For example, Rome has the twelve tables that nobody remembers , then the Byzantine make Justinian's law based on the twelve tables and fix it up some then it becomes a legendary piece of work that is passed down from generation to generation. To recap , Byzantine was discovered because of the fall of Rome but it did not prosper and build itself up due to Rome, all the things the Byzantine do is on their own account and not because of the superiority Romans had over them.