Who was Justinian I and what were his major accomplishments?

Justinian I was the Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 527 to 565 AD. He is known for his major accomplishments in various areas.

One of his major accomplishments was the codification of Roman law. He commissioned a group of legal experts to compile and organize the existing Roman laws into a single legal code known as the Corpus Juris Civilis or the Justinian Code. This code became the foundation of legal systems in many European countries and had a significant influence on the development of modern legal principles.

Justinian I also focused on expanding the Byzantine Empire. He launched military campaigns to reclaim territories that had been lost to invaders, including parts of Italy and North Africa. His most notable military achievement was the reconquest of the city of Rome, which had been under Ostrogothic rule. This campaign helped to restore the Byzantine Empire's influence in the Western Mediterranean.

In addition to his military and legal accomplishments, Justinian I also made significant contributions to architecture and culture. He initiated a massive building program that included the construction of the Hagia Sophia, a grand cathedral in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). The Hagia Sophia became an architectural marvel and a symbol of Byzantine power and influence.

Overall, Justinian I was a significant figure in Byzantine history, known for his legal reforms, military conquests, and architectural achievements.