Justinian Character Analysis in Paradiso

Dante encounters the soul of the emperor Justinian in the heavenly sphere of Mercury. Justinian was the emperor of the Roman Empire, based at Constantinople, in the sixth century C.E. Though he had military triumphs under his general, Belisarius, Justinian is best known for undertaking a comprehensive codification of Roman law, which was subsequently received as the basis for law in Europe. Because Justinian successfully held together the fragmenting Empire in his own day, Dante sees him as a symbol of hope for the restoration of the Holy Roman Empire in his day. For Dante, the justice practiced in the Roman Empire is an earthly counterpart to divine justice.

Justinian Character Timeline in Paradiso

The timeline below shows where the character Justinian appears in Paradiso. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The soul Dante meets in the sphere of Mercury introduces himself as the emperor Justinian. Justinian describes his earthly work of reforming the law code of the Roman Empire. He... (full context)

Justinian surveys the history of Rome from ancient times through the time of Christ and, a... (full context)

Vision, Knowledge, and the Pursuit of God Theme Icon

Justinian and other souls whirl out of sight, singing. Dante has a question for Beatrice, but,... (full context)