Justinian and Christianity

Justinian was born Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Justinianus on May 11, 483 in a small village called Tauresium. His mother was Vigilantia who was the sister of General Justin, who would eventually become Emperor Justin. Justinian was adopted by his uncle, who promised the boy would be well educated and he was. Justinian was intelligent in the areas of jurisprudence, theology, and Roman history. In 518 his uncle would become Emperor and Justinian would quickly advance in his military career. In 521 Justinian was appointed to consul and would later become commander of the army of the east that same year. But his big break came of April 1, 527 when he was appointed associate emperor. He married Theodora who was an actress. In those times actresses were seen as being the same thing as a prostitute. His uncle's wife who did care for Justinian was much apposed to the marriage. She basically thought he was marrying scum and was marring below his class. But his uncle passed a law that stated when an actress abandoned her job would once again be seen as a "lady" and may marry whoever she wants to. Theodora was 20 years younger than Justinian. She was a very intelligent woman when came to street smarts and would become one of her husband's greatest supporters.