Justinian’s Empire
Justinian’s Empire by Nick Holmes, published by Puttenham Press Limited on December 6, 2024, is a detailed exploration of the reign of Emperor Justinian. This edition spans 440 pages and is presented in English. The book delves into a pivotal era marked by military conquests led by General Belisarius, the establishment of a lasting law code, and monumental architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia. However, it also uncovers the complexities of Justinian’s rule, portraying him as a ruthless opportunist whose ambitions may have ultimately weakened the empire.
Readers will find a thorough examination of both the triumphs and challenges faced during Justinian’s reign. Drawing on contemporary sources, particularly the writings of chronicler Procopius, Holmes reveals the darker aspects of this historical period. The narrative raises critical questions about whether Justinian’s efforts to restore Rome’s greatness inadvertently set the stage for its decline. This book is the fourth volume in Holmes’ series on the Fall of the Roman Empire, which traces the empire’s trajectory from its earlier crises to its eventual collapse in the seventh century AD.
Official synopsis Publisher
IN THE REIGN OF JUSTINIAN, THE ROMANS FOUGHT BACK.
It was an age of glory. Justinian’s general, Belisarius, recovered North Africa and Italy from the barbarians. An impressive new law code was inaugurated that would endure to this day. Astonishing building projects, like the iconic Hagia Sophia, rivalled the great monuments of Old Rome.
But all that glitters is not gold. Drawing on the contemporary sources, especially those of the chronicler Procopius, Nick Holmes reveals a darker side to Justinian – a ruthless opportunist, whose costly conquests and misguided priorities drained the empire’s wealth and critically weakened its army.
Rather than restoring Rome’s greatness did he in fact pave the way for its catastrophic collapse less than a century after his death?
This is the fourth volume in Nick Holmes’ series on the Fall of the Roman Empire. The first three books trace the empire’s story from the ‘crisis of the third century’, through its reinvention by Constantine as a Christian state, and then onto the fall of its western half. A fifth volume will tell of its rapid demise in the seventh century AD, when the first Islamic Caliphate became the new superpower of western Eurasia.
Praise for Nick Holmes’ Books
‘A riveting account of Rome’s decline’ Kirkus Reviews
‘Clear, succinct and compelling’ AudioFile Magazine
‘Perhaps the best historical story-teller alive’ Amazon Reviewer
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