Justinian: The Last Roman Emperor

by George Philip Baker

Justinian (482-565 A.D.), who ruled the Roman Empire from his capital in Constantinople, was, along with his wife Empress Theodora, one of the most scandalous monarchs in history. During his reign, Justinian oversaw the construction of the Hagia Sophia, one of the wonders of the ancient world, and he strove to maintain Rome's territories. Yet despite the heights reached under his rule, the time was one of revolts, intrigues, and brutality to his subjects. Baker's biography takes a redemptive view of Justinian and his wife, both of whom were vilified by the chronicler Procopius, he for his despotism and she for her endless sexual escapades. Baker points out that Justinian also codified Roman law and brought other modern solutions to the problems that had plagued his empire for years. Baker also describes the battles of Justinian's famous general Belisarius, who waged successful wars against the Vandals, Goths, and Persians on behalf of his emperor.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Roman History, Ancient History

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jace Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging look at Belis- I mean Justinian's life!

I jest but only a little. The fact is, most of what we know about Justinian's life comes from the historian Procopius who spent a large portion of his life documenting the conquests of Eastern-Roman General Belisarius.

That does show in this book. Quite a bit of what we read here deals with these two figures and oftentimes Justinian ends up taking a back seat.

No matter, there is still plenty of information about the man for which this book is named contained within it. I can forgive Baker for ending up focusing on Belisarius for a bit. He is a figure worth our focus as well after all.

My only real nitpick is that Baker does a bit of speculation. Not unheard of in books like these, but it does feel a bit like he didn't really feel the need to distinguish between what we "know" and what he guessed at. Most notably when it comes to Justinian's motives for recalling Belisarius and forcing him into retirement. I happen to agree with his hypothesis for why this occurred. I simply wish he had better articulated that the real reasons are murky and unknown.

[Josephine Cavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not too much of a history person, but my introductory history course required this read for a book report, and I genuinely loved the book. It made me think about how human Justinian really was, different from how he is described in the textbooks. I worried this was going to be difficult to read, but Baker made it fairly easy. It was a great book.

[Cy Toplis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t feel like I’ve learnt lots about Justinian himself, but more about belisarius, Theodora, Antonia, a variety of men named John and the other court characters.

Interesting to read about gothic Italy the world changing from the one state ancient Roman world to the medieval kingly Europe and how law and power changed and were perceived.

An easy read and start into Byzantium/eastern Rome.

[Elliot Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, somewhat theatrical rendition of the life of Justinian, with particular focus on his wars.

[Kārlis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it as an overview of Justinian time in power but it lacked the more in depth analysis of the time and the peaople that more modern works have.

[Альберто Лорэдо · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less inspired than his previous biographies and a little outdated although still the same vibrant prose

[Nur · Rating 3 out of 5]

history never lies