1. Bellwork: September 15 th 1.The Roman empire split into the Western Empire and the Eastern Empire. Which empire would be represented by this picture? 2.Why? 3.What was the name of the Eastern Roman Empire?

2. Story Time This is the story about an emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Justinian… Justinian grew up in the capital city of the Byzantine empire. He was raised with all the knowledge and experiences most kids only dreamed about.

3. His uncle was the Emperor of one of the greatest and strongest empires in history. Justinian received all the privelages of a wealthy boy in addition to your uncle having supreme power in the empire. As Justinian grew up, he began to meet more members of Byzantine society. These people were different from Justinian, as they were not nearly as wealthy. They were the poorer, lower class. Justinian though, did not feel they were very different from himself.

4. In fact, one young lady in particular caught Justinian’s eye. Her name was Theodora and he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. When he would try to talk to her, he would get nervous, stutter over his speech, and often feel like he was embarrassing himself. Nevertheless, he continued to try and make conversation with her. They spent more and more time together.

5. Members of the wealthier class, however, began to look down on Justinian. It was against the law to marry someone of the lower class. Why spend time with a girl that you can never marry? Justinian became depressed and shared his problem with his uncle, the emperor. Upon hearing of Justinian’s problem, Emperor Justin felt sorry for his nephew. The Emperor consulted with his advisors and changed the law.

6. The new law said Justinian could in fact, marry Theodora!! The couple was elated! They were soon married and the Emperor Justin invited Justinian to be his Chief Advisor. The couple lived happily together as Justinian learned his new role. Theodora loved being a member of royalty and quickly began enjoying all the pleasures of her new position.

7. Eventually, the Emperor Justin died and left the throne to his nephew and Chief Advisor, Justinian. Theodora was ecstatic! She was now the wife of the most powerful man in the empire! Now, her voice could finally be heard!! She had seen the injustices of this empire, and now she had the power to get it fixed!!

8. It wasn’t long though, when the “honeymoon” was over. Citizens grew upset with Justinian and began to rebel. Advisors urged Justinian to flee to the capital and save his life…however, his wife refused. Theodora was not leaving and told him not to leave. “Stay here and put down the rebellion or die trying!!” She said.

9. Justinian did stay in the capital and put down the rebellion. He eventually became the greatest emperor of the Byzantine empire. He is best known for reorganizing the laws of the empire. They were numerous, redundant, and confusing. His lasting impact was the Justinian Code. The Justinian Code were the simple, easy or understand laws of the Byzantine Empire. These laws have become the basis for most legal systems in the modern world.

10. Emperor Justinian Textbook pg 66-67 Read the Graphic Novel. Create a playing card for Justinian.

11. Byzantine Emperor Justinian” Justinian: Comp book page 18. Title: “Byzantine Emperor Justinian” Justinian: –the greatest emperor of the Byzantine empire –best known for reorganizing the laws of the empire. They were numerous, redundant, and confusing. –His lasting impact was the Justinian Code. –The Justinian Code were the simple, easy to understand laws of the Byzantine Empire –These have become the basis for most legal systems in the world.