jan 1, 521 - 521 C.E. Justinian I Gains Consulship

Description:

The attached image is of a panel of a diptych announcing the consulship of Justinian I. It is an ivory panel with inscriptions and wax decorations. Its dimensions are 13 15/16 x 5 7/8 x 3/8 in, and was made in Constantinople. It was part of a pair of panels, made as an invitation to the great public games usually hosted by new consuls.

This was part of Justinian's path to becoming one of the greatest emperors of Eastern Rome, and being called Justinian the Great. He had a very ambitious reign, conquering many other cities and peoples. He greatly expanded Byzantine culture through his expansive building program, which led to the construction of many cultural buildings, including the Hagia Sophia. This program also contributed much to the city's infrastructure.

Justinian gaining consulship and furthering his political career directly led to the expansion of what was once Byzantium, and further established it as a more powerful and influential city.

Sources:

Primary:
“Panel of a Diptych Announcing the Consulship of Justinian.” Metmuseum.org, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464489

Secondary:
“Justinian I.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Justinian-I.

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: