Justinian I

Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Iustinianus (Greek:, Phlābios Petros Sabbatios Ioustiniānos AD 483 –565), known in English as Justinian I or Justinian the Great, was the second member of the Justinian Dynasty to rule the Eastern Roman Empire. He ascended to the throne in 527 and ruled until his death. During his reign, Justinian undertook efforts to revitalize the Empire, including reconquering territory, a focus on Byzantine culture, and the rewriting of Roman Civil Law. While his plans yielded mixed results, Justinian nonethless left an impressive mark on the Empire and history.

Justinian I in Justinian
Justinian I was the namesake of the latter Justinian II. When the second Justinian was four, his father informed him of the origin of his name. Justinian II was initially jealous, and then confident that he would eclipse his namesake in posterity. When his father heard this, he laughed harder and louder than his son had ever heard.