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Byzantine Empire under the Justinian dynasty

Byzantine Empire
Imperium Romanum
Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων
518–602
The enlargement of the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Justinian I from 527 (in red) to 565 (in orange).
Capital Constantinople
Languages Latin, Greek
Government
Emperor
 •  518-527 Justin I
 •  527-565 Justinian I
 •  565-578 Justin II
 •  578-582 Tiberius II
 •  582-602 Maurice
History
 •  accession of Justin I 10 June 518
 •  deposition of Maurice 27 November 602
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Byzantium under the Leonid Dynasty
Byzantine Empire under the Heraclian dynasty

The Byzantine Empire had its first golden age under the Justinian Dynasty, which began in 518 AD with the Accession of Justin I. Under the Justinian Dynasty, particularly the reign of Justinian I, the Empire reached its largest territorial point, reincorporating North Africa, southern Illyria, southern Spain, and Italy into the Empire. The Justinian Dynasty ended in 602 with the deposition of Maurice and the ascension of his successor, Phocas.

The Justinian Dynasty began with the accession of its namesake Justin I to the throne. Justin I was born in a small village, Bederiana, in the 450s AD. Like many country youths, he went to Constantinople and enlisted in the army, where, due to his physical abilities, he became a part of the Excubitors, the palace guards. He fought in the Isaurian and Persian wars, and rose through the ranks to become the commander of the Excubitors, which was a very influential position. In this time, he also achieved the rank of senator. After the death of the Emperor Anastasius, who had left no clear heir, there was much dispute as to who would become emperor. To decide who would ascend the throne, a grand meeting was called in the hippodrome. The Byzantine Senate, meanwhile, gathered in the great hall of the palace. As the senate wanted to avoid outside involvement and influence, they were pressed to quickly select a candidate; however, they could not agree. Several candidates were nominated, but were rejected for various reasons. After much arguing, the senate chose to nominate Justin; and he was crowned by the Patriarch of Constantinople John of Cappadocia on 10 July.


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