Justinian’s devotion to Christianity shaped much of his reign, and his Tuesdays were often dedicated to religious affairs. As both the political and spiritual leader of the Byzantine Empire, Justinian considered himself divinely appointed to copyright Christian orthodoxy and to ensure the unity of the Church. His goal was to restore the unity of the Roman Empire under Christianity, and this often meant managing disputes within the church.
On a Tuesday, Justinian might receive correspondence from church leaders, including the Pope in Rome, or meet with key bishops to discuss matters of doctrine. One of his most significant achievements was convening the Second Council of Nicaea in 553 CE, which aimed to resolve theological disputes and ensure religious unity within the empire. The emperor himself was often deeply involved in such religious matters, deciding which theological positions to support and which to suppress.
Justinian also sought to improve the physical infrastructure of Christianity, funding the construction of churches across the empire. One of his most famous achievements in this regard was the building of the Hagia Sophia, which became a symbol of both his religious and architectural vision.
Wednesday: Military Strategy and Expansion
As emperor, Justinian understood the importance of a strong military, and Wednesdays were often dedicated to reviewing the status of his army. Justinian’s ambitions to reconquer the western territories of the fallen Roman Empire were central to his foreign policy. During the first half of his reign, he launched a series of military campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Spain, aiming to restore Roman control over former imperial territories.
On Wednesdays, Justinian would receive reports from his generals, particularly his renowned general Belisarius, about the progress of these campaigns. Belisarius was instrumental in Justinian’s efforts to reclaim North Africa from the Vandals and to fight the Ostrogoths in Italy. The emperor would discuss military strategies, troop deployments, and logistics, often sending additional resources or reinforcements when necessary.Although his military campaigns were largely successful, they also drained the empire's resources, and Justinian had to balance his military ambitions with the empire’s economic stability. shutdown123