JUSTINIAN I.(527-565).Cyzikos.Follis.

Obv : D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG.
Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield; cross to right.

Rev : Large M between ANNO and XY; above, cross; A beneath; KYZ in exergue.
Sear 207.

Condition : The coin is in very good condition, with the design details, including the portrait and inscriptions, remaining clear and sharp. The patina has a smooth, dark greenish-brown hue, giving the coin a well-preserved and ancient appearance. The surface is relatively smooth, with only minimal signs of wear and corrosion, enhancing the overall clarity of the coin's features. The patina adds an attractive aged look while maintaining the integrity of the design elements.Extremely fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 11h.

Weight : 23.05 gr
Diameter : 38 mm

Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 527 to 565 CE. His reign is one of the most significant in Byzantine history, marked by efforts to restore the Roman Empire’s former glory, comprehensive legal reforms, military conquests, and monumental building projects. He is also remembered for his deep commitment to Christianity and his involvement in theological matters.

Justinian was born in 482 CE in the province of Illyricum, in what is now modern-day North Macedonia. He came from a humble background but was adopted by his uncle, Justin I, who eventually became emperor in 518 CE. Justinian received an excellent education and served as a close advisor to his uncle. In 527 CE, he succeeded Justin as emperor.

One of Justinian’s most enduring achievements was his legal reforms, which culminated in the creation of the *Corpus Juris Civilis* (Body of Civil Law). This legal code compiled centuries of Roman laws and became the foundation for legal systems in many parts of Europe. It was a monumental project that helped consolidate the Roman legal tradition and provided a lasting legacy of Roman jurisprudence.

Justinian also sought to restore the lost western territories of the Roman Empire, which had fallen to various barbarian kingdoms. His general Belisarius led successful military campaigns that recaptured North Africa from the Vandals, Italy from the Ostrogoths, and parts of Spain from the Visigoths. These conquests briefly expanded the Byzantine Empire’s borders, restoring some of the Roman Empire’s lost territories. However, these campaigns were costly and difficult to maintain, draining the empire’s resources.

Justinian’s reign was also notable for its ambitious building projects. The most famous of these is the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, an architectural masterpiece that became a symbol of Byzantine and Christian heritage. Completed in 537 CE, the Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world at the time and is renowned for its massive dome and innovative design.

In 532 CE, Justinian faced a serious challenge during the Nika Riots, which broke out in Constantinople due to political and social tensions. The riots nearly toppled Justinian, but he suppressed the rebellion with the help of his general Belisarius, resulting in the deaths of thousands of rioters. Afterward, Justinian focused on rebuilding the city and strengthening his rule.

Despite his successes, Justinian’s reign was not without difficulties. In 541 CE, the Plague of Justinian, a devastating pandemic, swept through the empire, killing a large portion of the population and severely weakening the economy. The plague marked a turning point in his reign, as the empire struggled to recover from the loss of manpower and resources.

Justinian was deeply committed to Christianity and played a central role in theological debates of the time. He worked to strengthen the Orthodox Church and suppress heretical movements, particularly Monophysitism, which held different views on the nature of Christ. His policies sought to unify the empire religiously, although this sometimes caused tension with certain Christian communities.

Justinian died in 565 CE, leaving behind a mixed legacy. He is remembered for his ambitious vision of a restored Roman Empire, his lasting legal reforms, and his architectural achievements, particularly the Hagia Sophia. However, his military campaigns strained the empire’s finances and contributed to its later challenges. Despite these difficulties, Justinian’s reign remains one of the most influential in Byzantine history, and his efforts to preserve and expand Roman traditions helped shape the future of both the Byzantine Empire and European civilization.