Who's Emperor Justinian?
by Sam Green
Q1. Hey, what's up with Justinian's wife, Theodora?
Q2. Why was Justinian unpopular?
Q3. What amazing fun things took place in the hippodrome?
Q4. Oh no, what did Justinian do at the hippodrome?
Q5. Why did Justinian quickly move to rebuild Constantinople?
Q6. What was the monumental architecture built in Constantinople?
Q7. What's unique about this building?
Q8. How did Justinian ultimately cause the downfall of Byzantium?
A1. Theodora used to be what we would today call a "stripper". She was also known for her large sex life and being a taboo character. As to counteract her tainted past, he promoted her to co-empress, virtually clearing her record.
A2. Justinian was very interested in erecting architectural feats. To do this, he needed large amounts of money; furthermore, he also attempted to control or end pagan celebration, study of ancient philosophy, gambling, prostitution, adultery, homosexuality, Christian beliefs that did not agree with his own, and Judaism.
A3. Originally a place constructed for chariot racing, it became a center for public life. It was a combo of sports stadium, public events stadium, imperial propaganda pulpit, etc. In 532 C.E., a massive riot took place against Justinian, leaving one third of the city in ruins.
A4. He lies to the rebel forces, saying they are going to have a diplomatic meet in the hippodrome, as to compromise. When they all arrive, he locks the doors, and a massacre is unleashed upon the rebels by the imperial troops.
A5. Justinian wished to rebuild the image of what was once the greatest empire around. If he went and rebuilt Constantinople, he could sculpt it to be what he wanted it to be; therefore, he jumped at the opportunity and rebuilt the fallen city. On top of that, with the rebuilding of the city it would make it appear to the public that all was right and he was fully in charge.
A6. The greatest architectural piece was the Church of Holy Wisdom, or Hagia Sophia.
A7. First off, the architects who designed it had no previous construction experience. More than anything, the were professors who honestly had no business doing what they were doing. There were two requirements for the building: it had to be finished as soon as possible, and it had to be unlike anything else in the world. The cathedral would possess the largest dome ever built, 100 feet across. The dome appears as if it is hovering in mid-air.
A8. Justinian rendered the empire broke through his construction projects and constant military campaigning.
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