When Justinian and Theodora came to power in the summer of 527, there were plenty of issues facing the empire. Although Constantinople had survived the barbarian crisis that had engulfed the west, resisting attacks by Huns and Goths and although the imperial finances were still fairly robust, during the first decade of Justinian’s reign he would be forced to fight major wars on two fronts, put down a domestic rebellion that threatened to topple him altogether, and rebuild major parts of his capital city. However, on his accession Justinian thought the most pressing matter facing him was legal
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