Justinian I

The overall trend was towards a simplification of administrative infrastructure. ) It was followed by the Digesta (or Pandectae) a compilation of older legal texts in 533 and by the Institutiones a textbook explaining the principles of law. Belisarius was sent back to Italy late in 544 but lacked sufficient troops.

During his reign Justinian sought to revive the Empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the classical Roman Empire. Justinian is considered a saint amongst Orthodox Christians and is also remembered by some in the Lutheran Church on November 14. His general Belisarius swiftly conquered the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa extending Roman control to the Atlantic Ocean.