Emperor Justinian the Great or the Foolish

The most powerful and well known Byzantine Emperor was Justinian. His many accomplishments include building the Hagia Sophia, organizing the law code, and reconquering some parts of the old Western Roman Empire. However, Justinian was not only the greatest Byzantine Emperor he was also the worst, causing the beginning of the decline of the Byzantine Empire. This was done through poor decisions and his campaign to reconquer the west.

When Justinian ruled Byzantium (527-565 CE) he ruled the most powerful Empire in the Mediterranean, with vast amounts of mineral wealth and treasure. Justinian, believing he was the heir to the Roman Empire, wanted to reconquer the west. His opportunity came when, to protect the faith, set out to take over the Arian Christians who were considered to be heretics. The Arian Christians included the Vandals and the Ostrogoths. The Vandals were persecuting members of the Roman Church, therefore, as protector of the faith Justinian had cause for war.

Justinian first set out to retake North Africa from the Vandals. This was not difficult, due to the weakness of the Vandals in numbers and ability. The Conquest of the Vandals only took six months ending in 533 CE. Next Justinian set his eyes on Italy. Although he was able to wrestle Italy away from the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines were not able to hold it. Three years after his death in 565 CE a new group of barbarians, the Lombards, took over Italy. Why was Justinian not able to hold the reconquered territory? The most important reason was many of the Romans who lived in these areas did not support Byzantium, some even fought against them. Also in Italy the only reason why the Byzantium army survived was the strength of their navy. Their numbers were too few and many had to be recalled to protect the Empire against the Persians.

The most important reason why Justinian caused the beginning of the decline of the Byzantine Empire was before the reconquest Justinian paid the Persians for peace. With large sums of money going to the Persians and more money and manpower going to the reconquest, Byzantium declined in power. Due to the lack of money economy slowed down and the increased taxes caused the people of Empire to lose allegiance to Constantinople. All of these led to the slow decay and carving up of the once powerful Empire.