In the previous article, we spoke of the tenure of Leo’s family in the east Roman Empire, namely, Leo the Great, Leo II his grandson, and finally Zeno his son-in-law who was succeeded by Anastasius I.
Anastasius I (491-518 A.D.)
He was born in Dyrrachium which was affiliated to the Balkans. He joined the military, occupied several positions until he became one of the palace soldiers. Some historians maintain that he used to silence the mob beside the palace, which is why he was called, “the silencer”!
When Emperor Zeno died, he had already been highly favored, which made Adraine, Zeno’s widow marry him, preferring him to Longinus, her brother-in-law. In fact, she persuaded the senate to make him rule the country. At the beginning, he was loved and respected for his piety, kindness, justice, and diligence. Yet, no sooner had ascended throne, than his disposition changed: he became so unjust that his subjects hated him and wished he had gone.
His tenure was full of wars and religious conflicts. He wanted to depose the patriarch of Antioch. Also, riots and seditions spread, especially in Europe. Vitalian almost overthrew him, having marched with his troops to Constantinople. He almost defeated the imperial army. Meanwhile, his subjects were getting ready for a rebellion, which compelled him to treat them kindly and reduce taxes. Also, he stopped governorships sale, which calmed down the people, though they continued to hate him until his death.
During his tenure, Anastasius I engaged in the Isuarian war which broke out south Asia Minor (492-497). It was waged against Longinus, Zeno’s brother. He also engaged in the Anastasian war against the Persians (502-505). Also, he refortified the eastern borders of the Empire and built Daras fortress against the Persian Nisibis, as well Durrës Castle on the Adriatic.
Some historians recount how he nominated his successor from his three nephews: he placed a message under the couch of one of three chairs and brought them along, believing that whoever sat on that chair would be heir apparent. Yet, two sat on the same chair where was placed! Then, he decided that the first person to enter his room early in the morning would be heir apparent. That person was Justin the chief of his guards, which is why Justin became his successor.
Justin I (518-527 A.D.)
He was born southern Serbia and was a shepherd. He fled from the barbaric invasion, seeking refuge in Constantinople where he joined the military. He was promoted several times until he became comes Excorbium during the reign of Anastasius I. After the emperor’s death, he took over through deceit. However, he surrounded himself with trustworthy councilors. When he settled down, he spread justice and put an end to the schisms which were ignited during his predecessor’s tenure. He also cared for the country’s and subjects’ safety. He made his nephew Justinian his partner who was also fair and the people loved him.
During his tenure, some sects used to pay money to the Persian king. The Emperor, however, was supposed to rule and protect those people. No sooner had he attained this, than he violated the treaty with the Persians and war broke out. Justin was succeeded by his nephew Justinian.
Concerning Egypt, she never enjoyed any advantages, save for some quietude after getting rid of seditions. During Justin’s tenure, Pope Dioscorus departed. The patriarch of Jerusalem, Elijah, had sent the emperor lots of gifts and money and wrote to him a message, declaring that he had accepted the Melchite creed which the Pope had rejected. Justin was about to accept the patriarch’s message, had it not been for the Melchite patriarch Severus’ coming and telling him that Pope Dioscorus’ creed was the correct one. So, he sent a message to the entirety of the Empire demanding the acceptance of the faith of the Pope of Alexandria. Yet, the patriarch of Antioch rebelled. So, the Emperor banished him and appointed another one in his stead. As for Elijah, he assembled the monks and abbots to excommunicate the Emperor and his followers. Hence, Justinian banished him. In effect, the Melchite patriarchs and bishops excommunicated the Emperor who did not care.
Justinian Caesar I (527-565 A.D.)
He succeeded Justin. He was born in Macedon. During his tenure, he strove to retrieve the greatness of the east Roman Empire and restore her lost provinces in the west. He is one of the important emperors. Probably, he was the last one to have Latin first language. His tenure was called that of the “restoration of the empire”. He was also known as “the last Roman” and “the emperor who never sleeps” on account of his diligent efforts.
No sooner had he settled down, than sedition spread owing to his choosing unpopular councilors who were efficient, though. This sedition could have cost him his throne. Also, the senate compelled him to oust some of his ministers and replace them with some senators. At that time, riots and demonstrations spread. So, Justinian thought of fleeing from the capital. However, he retracted and decided to use coercion in order to overcome those riots. At that time, 30 thousand civilians were killed during horse race. Moreover, due to the severe destruction of the capital, he decided to establish new buildings of which the most significant was the Hagia Sofia Cathedral.
Then, political feuds broke out. So, Justinian sent his armies to overcome the Goths in Italy and the Vandals in Africa. He also led an army to fight the Persians and emerged victorious, which increased his authority.
The Persians
The Persians raised the Roman Fortress of Daras, which is why the Emperor sent troops to the east. The armies fought and the Romans prevailed. However, the Persian troops marched to Armenia which was divided between the Romans and the Persians. In addition, it was close to the Levant which was under the Romans. The Romans marched to Antioch where the two armies fought; however, the Romans did not attain that many victories, which is why they besieged Antioch for a long time. During that siege, the Persian king was killed. He was succeeded by his son. So, Justinian demanded reconciliation against leaving Antioch, which the Persian king accepted. Yet, the Persian king violated this convention and war broke between the Romans and the Persians who were advancing toward the Levant.
The Goths and Vandals
No sooner had the Romans and Persians reconciled, than Justinian started mobilizing his army to overcome the Vandals in Africa. The war lasted for a year, and the Romans emerged victorious. They imprisoned the Vandal king. Then, the Romans marched to Italy to fight the Goths and invade the country. They emerged victorious as well. Then, they conquered Spain which was also annexed to the Empire.
Justinian showed deep interest in judicial reform, which is why he assigned sages the reviewing and editing of the laws. Likewise, he worked on religious reform, lending special care to Christianity for which he was pretty zealous.
Justinian loved Egypt exceedingly and strove for her prosperity, which made him conduct commercial agreements with the king of Ethiopia to bring about trade to Alexandria. At that time, Alexandria was under an unjust pagarch who laid heavy fines and taxes on the people, banishing whoever did not succumb. Also, Justinian appointed a patriarch who was rejected by the Egyptians. So, he burnt Alexandria… Stories will never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
