Justinian

Emperor, Soldier, Saint

By: Peter Sarris

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

A definitive new biography of the Byzantine emperor Justinian

Justinian is a radical reassessment of an emperor and his times. In the sixth century CE, the emperor Justinian presided over nearly four decades of remarkable change, in an era of geopolitical threats, climate change, and plague. From the eastern Roman—or Byzantine—capital of Constantinople, Justinian’s armies reconquered lost territory in Africa, Italy, and Spain. But these military exploits, historian Peter Sarris shows, were just one part of a larger program of imperial renewal. From his dramatic overhaul of Roman law, to his lavish building projects, to his fierce persecution of dissenters from Orthodox Christianity, Justinian’s vigorous statecraft—and his energetic efforts at self-glorification—not only set the course of Byzantium but also laid the foundations for the world of the Middle Ages.

Even as Justinian sought to recapture Rome’s past greatness, he paved the way for what would follow. 

Critic reviews

“In this comprehensive account…Sarris brings his subject’s world to vivid life. The result is a clear-eyed view of a complex historical figure and his times.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A majestic, sparkling account of one of the most important rulers in history. Meticulously researched, beautifully written, filled with insights, this is modern history writing at its finest.”
—Peter Frankopan, New York Times-bestselling author of The Silk Roads

“Superb and gripping. Epic historical biography that brings the emperor to life with analysis and empathy and a work of scholarship filled with new ideas and revelations.”
—Simon Sebag Montefiore, New York Times-bestselling author of The World

“Effortlessly erudite, lucidly written, with a sharp eye for the telling detail, Peter Sarris has written the great biography of the greatest of the Byzantine emperors.”

—Rory Stewart, New York Times–bestselling author of The Places in Between

“Justinian’s long life mirrored that of ancient Rome itself: Both rose from lowly origins to supreme power, survived revolt and conquered rivals, crafted laws, and erected mighty monuments, only to be worn down by insurgents, invaders, and plagues. In a stunning tour de force, Peter Sarris brings one of history’s most momentous dramas back to life.”
—Walter Scheidel, author of The Great Leveler

“Justinian looms so large in the landscape of the ancient Mediterranean that it is almost impossible to take his measure. Yet Sarris has done so convincingly, offering a lucid and persuasive account of a ruler as invested in the mechanics of government as in waging wars of conquest. A remarkable achievement.”
—Kate Cooper, author of Queens of a Fallen World

“Sarris’s Justinian is magnificent. A vivid and authoritative biography of one of Rome’s most fascinating rulers, Justinian is also a vibrant portrait of an entire world—a resurgent Roman Empire suddenly devastated by tragedy.”
—Kyle Harper, author of The Fate of Rome

“Spectacularly good: a wonderfully colorful biography of the man who remade the Roman Empire. Sarris plunges us deep into a world of imperial conflict, religious paranoia, pandemics, and climate change while never losing sight of the extraordinary character at its heart. Based on decades of scholarship, this is the definitive history of the emperor and his times and a thrilling testament to the glories of Byzantium.”
—Dominic Sandbrook, cohost of The Rest is History

Excellent history

This is an excellent book about a pivotal historical person, one of the greatest roman emperors.

Good telling of Justinian's reign

A great book read by a great reader into what I can only assume was an Xbox Live microphone

Very granular tour of Justinian and his time

The immersion in the details of Justinian, the Roman Empire - and Justinian’s actions / impact - make this at once compelling and a bit tedious (due to the incredible amount of detail, and the array of ancient cultures / peoples who populated and made war a constant way of life during the time period covered).

Totally worthwhile.

Never heard of Justinian before, but that was a great book.

From orphan to emperor, a hero or tyrant. Great research. Thank goodness for well preserved Roman papyrus in Egyptian desert

Extremely well researched.

Very thorough book, well written. Recommend if you want to learn more about the 6th century world.