Justin II

520 – 578 · Generation X · Emperor (r. 565–578) · Justinian

Justin (AD 520 – 578). Emperor (r. 565–578). Married Sophia. Nephew of Justinian I through his mother Vigilantia; adopted Tiberius II as heir. He had served his uncle’s court as curopalates, quelling circus-faction riots and joining embassies, and gained the crown when the chamberlain Callinicus reported – perhaps invented – a deathbed designation by Justinian. He began well, repaying the treasury’s debts, reviving the consulship, and courting the Senate, though his cousin and rival, another Justin, was soon assassinated in Alexandria. Abroad he refused the tributes his uncle had paid: the hard line brought war with the Lombards from 568, which would in time cost the empire much of Italy, and rekindled the Persian war in 572, which went badly. His later years were shadowed by severe mental illness, and the government passed into other hands.

One of 7 people of Justinian (518–602) in this archive. Justinian and Theodora’s house, which rebuilt the law and reached back into the west.

Line of descent: Sabbatius → Vigilantia → Justin II.

Parents

Dulcidius (450 – ?)
Vigilantia (490 – ?)

Partners

Married Sophia (530 – 601)