In Sarris’ book, Justinian gains a profile as a personality to a degree unparalleled in any other recent account. As already indicated, this is due not least to the fact that the author has made the legal texts (and Justinian’s theological writings) his guiding sources, an innovative approach that will provoke productive discussion. By declaring the outbreak of the “Justinianic Plague” to be the central event of the sixth century, Sarris not only establishes a plausible reference to contemporary experience that will influence future interpretations of the “Age of Justinian”, but also positions himself with good arguments within the current discussion. His book is an important milestone in the study of Justinian and his time.

Peter Sarris. Justinian: Emperor, Soldier, Saint. New York: Basic Books, 2023. 

From Bryn Mawr Classical Review (BMCR). Review by Mischa Meier, Universität Tübingen