Monday, February 7, 2011

Rethinking Emperor Justinian

The Justinian Code of Law advanced the culture of the Byzantine Empire in many aspects - marriages, rights for women, wills & inheritance, protecting personal property, and harsh penalties for crimes. Although the code is considered the greatest thing Justinian did, it legalized religious intolerance. Consequently, the laws took away civil rights for Jews and prohibited them to many civil liberties such as marriage, education, and various traditions.

Considered one of the greatest emperors of the Byzantine Empire, did Justinian demonstrate trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and/or citizenship as a leader?