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.

©2023 Peter Sarris (P)2023 Basic Books

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

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

Encompassing modern analysis and easy listen

I learned about this book from the author’s interview with Patrick Wyman, and I am glad I decided to pick it up.

The author provides good critical analysis of the historical sources, while keeping the story clear and engaging. It is not saturated with unnecessary lists of events or dates, but rather weaves a story about the events of the 6th century through the lens of Justinian.

This is not just a rehash of old history, but a thesis on the limits of autocracy and imperial power, tested by the highly energetic and competent Justinian. The author brings together the modern research on climate change, it’s effects on food production, as well as disease patterns, to make a convincing point about the impact of superhuman events.

Mark Elstob’s narration is charmingly weird (as opposed to weirdly charming). It is very high falutin and places dramatic emphasis in perhaps inappropriate places. Nevertheless, I grew to like his style, and believe he was the right choice of narrator for this text. I will definitely look for more of his narration in the future, perhaps next Goldsworthy’s “Rome and Persia”.

In particular, his choice to narrate quotes of Procopius differently was endearing, and also made it clear that it was the ancient historian speaking without needing to say “and Procopius says” every time. The best narrators act out quotes as one might act out characters in fiction, in my opinion. Even if this does skew the perspective we have of the very real historical figure being quoted, it helps to humanize them a bit beyond the monotone text.

Overall this is an excellent audiobook for any historíophile.

Great

One of the strengths of this book is the way Sarris presents Justinian as a complex and multifaceted figure. He was a skilled strategist and a visionary ruler, but he was also ruthless and prone to bouts of paranoia. Sarris does not shy away from exploring these contradictions, making for a nuanced and balanced portrayal of the emperor.

The best biography of Justinian

The best biography of Justinian out there. This book goes into the good bad and ugly of Justinian as it ebbs and flows through his long rule. It is so detailed that it feels as if it is about an empire and not an emperor.

Excellent, engaging and informative

An excellent biography of a fascinating historical figure. Sarris has a total command of the historiographal material and uses it to weave an utterly compelling picture, drawing on everything from the standard literary accounts to papyrus records and archaeological sites. Easily the best single volume on one of Rome’s most important and interesting figures. The performance is also excellent, including pronunciation of some tricky Latin and Greek terminology. Highly recommended.