Viewpoint Activity - Two Views of Justinian

What was Emperor Justinian's most important achievement during his reign?

• Expansion of the Byzantine Empire

• Reform of the law, known as Justinian’s Code

• Building the Hagia Sophia

• Establishing a new capital city

Which historian attacked Justinian’s character in his Secret History?

• John Malalas

• Procopius

• Folgore da San Gimignano

• Probus

According to Folgore da San Gimignano, how did Justinian handle public money?

• He saved it for future use

• He spent it without restraint

• He invested it in infrastructure

• He donated it to charity

What did the emperor Justinian do for the city of Antioch?

• He destroyed it

• He gave generously to the city

• He ignored it

• He moved the capital there

What was the reaction of the senate when Justinian forgave Probus?

• They were outraged

• They were indifferent

• They applauded the emperor

• They exiled Probus

According to Procopius, how did Emperor Justinian handle his oaths?

What does John Malalas think about Justinian’s treatment of Probus?

How does Procopius reveal his bias against Justinian? Cite examples from the excerpt to support your answer.