Byzantine Emperor. He was born into a peasant family in Illyricum, modern Serbia. As a teen, fled to Constantinople where he joined the army, eventually rising to the rank of general and commander of the palace guard of the Emperor Anastasius I. This important position enabled him to become Anastasius' successor as Emperor in AD 518. Aware of his inexperience in political matters, he appointed several advisors, including his nephew, the future Emperor Justinian. In AD 525 he repealed a law forbidding senators from marrying women from the lower classes, a move which eventually lead to the break down of class distinctions at the Imperial court. His final years saw attacks by the Persians and his health began to fail as a result. At his death he left Justinian as his successor. The town of Anazarbus was re-named Justinopolis in his honour.
Byzantine Emperor. He was born into a peasant family in Illyricum, modern Serbia. As a teen, fled to Constantinople where he joined the army, eventually rising to the rank of general and commander of the palace guard of the Emperor Anastasius I. This important position enabled him to become Anastasius' successor as Emperor in AD 518. Aware of his inexperience in political matters, he appointed several advisors, including his nephew, the future Emperor Justinian. In AD 525 he repealed a law forbidding senators from marrying women from the lower classes, a move which eventually lead to the break down of class distinctions at the Imperial court. His final years saw attacks by the Persians and his health began to fail as a result. At his death he left Justinian as his successor. The town of Anazarbus was re-named Justinopolis in his honour.
Bio by: js
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