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Ustin IIByzantine emperor in 565-578.
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
Biography of Justin II
Justin II was the Byzantine emperor from 565 to 578. He was the son of Justinian's sister and held the position of kouropalates, the chief of the palace guard. After his uncle's death, he ascended to the throne and appeared in royal attire at the hippodrome, surprising everyone with the news of the old emperor's death and his own election.
Early Reign and Character
In the early days of his reign, Justin II displayed a disorderly lifestyle, indulging in luxury and shameful pleasures. He had a strong inclination towards acquiring others' property and was known for selling positions and even sacred degrees. He was characterized by two vices: arrogance and cowardice.
Foreign Affairs
From the beginning, Justin II adopted an arrogant attitude in foreign affairs. He immediately ceased paying tribute to barbarians, which had been established by previous emperors. According to the historian John, soon after Justinian's death, numerous Avars arrived in Constantinople to collect their customary gifts and leave. However, Justin II, grieving over the amount the Avars took from the empire, denied their request and threatened them. This led to their capture and imprisonment for six months. Eventually, they sent a new embassy, and a peace treaty was established, resulting in a few years of friendship between the Avars and the empire.
Military Losses
Sadly, this ambiguous success proved to be the only one during Justin II's reign. Italy, which was hard-won from the Goths in the previous reign, was lost in the early years of Justin's rule. In 569, the Lombards invaded the Italian peninsula and quickly seized control of most of the country. By 573, the Romans only retained Romagna, the coast from Rimini to Ancona, Rome, and the lower part of the peninsula. The empire lacked the strength to resist this new invasion.
War with Persia
Furthermore, due to Justin's recklessness, the Romans were soon engulfed in a much more dangerous war. He refused to pay the Persians the tribute of 500 pounds of gold established by Justinian and interfered in Armenian affairs. This led to a war that became the source of all calamities for both the Romans and the Persians. At first, the Romans had some success, but after Justin replaced the popular general Marcanus, the Persians launched a counteroffensive and seized Dara in 574. Disturbed by the rapid onslaught of misfortunes and later plagued by madness, Justin decided to negotiate a truce with the Persians. As his illness worsened, leading to the loss of his legs, he appointed his co-ruler. Following the advice of his wife Sophia, he adopted and declared Tiberius, the commander of the imperial bodyguards, as Caesar. From then until his death, Justin II did not participate in governance.
