# Justin II

> Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 565 to 574 (520-578)

**Wikidata**: [Q183813](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183813)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/justin-ii

## Summary
Justin II was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 565 to 574. Born in 520 and dying in 578, he ruled during a period of political and military instability, marked by his controversial policies and eventual deposition. His reign is notable for its conflicts with the Sasanian Empire and his efforts to restore Byzantine authority in the East.

## Biography
- Born: 520 (exact location unknown)
- Nationality: Byzantine (citizenship: Q12544)
- Education: [No data available]
- Known for: Leading the Byzantine Empire during a turbulent period, facing challenges from the Sasanian Empire and internal political struggles.
- Employer(s): Byzantine Empire (ruler from 565 to 574)
- Field(s): Politics, governance, military leadership

## Contributions
- **Reign (565–574)**: Justin II's reign was marked by military campaigns against the Sasanian Empire, including the failed invasion of Persia in 572. His policies, including the execution of prominent figures like the patriarch Menas, alienated key factions, leading to his eventual deposition in 574.
- **Political Reforms**: Attempted to centralize power and reform the Byzantine administration, though his methods often provoked resistance.

## FAQs
- **What was Justin II's role in the Byzantine Empire?**
  Justin II served as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 565 to 574, overseeing military conflicts and political reforms during a period of instability.

- **What major conflicts did Justin II face?**
  He led military campaigns against the Sasanian Empire, including a failed invasion in 572, and faced internal political challenges that led to his deposition.

- **What was Justin II's legacy?**
  Justin II's reign is remembered for its military failures and controversial policies, which contributed to the weakening of Byzantine authority in the East.

## Why They Matter
Justin II's reign is significant for its impact on Byzantine political and military dynamics. His attempts to assert control over the empire, particularly in the face of the Sasanian threat, set the stage for further instability. His deposition marked a turning point in Byzantine governance, influencing later emperors and shaping the empire's trajectory.

## Notable For
- Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 565 to 574.
- Led military campaigns against the Sasanian Empire, including a failed invasion in 572.
- Known for controversial policies, including the execution of the patriarch Menas, which alienated key factions.
- Deposed in 574, marking a significant shift in Byzantine governance.

## Body
### Early Life
- Born in 520, Justin II's early life is not well-documented, but he ascended to the throne following the death of Emperor Justin I in 527.

### Reign and Conflicts
- **Ascension and Early Rule**: Justin II succeeded his father, Justin I, in 565. His reign was marked by political instability and military challenges.
- **Military Campaigns**: He launched campaigns against the Sasanian Empire, including a major invasion in 572, which ended in failure. These conflicts weakened Byzantine authority in the East.
- **Political Reforms**: Justin II attempted to centralize power and reform the Byzantine administration, but his methods often provoked resistance, particularly from the patriarch Menas, whom he executed in 572.

### Deposition and Legacy
- **Fall from Power**: Justin II was deposed in 574, likely due to his unpopular policies and military failures. His reign ended in 578, with his death marking the end of his rule.
- **Impact on Byzantine History**: Justin II's reign is remembered for its military setbacks and political controversies, which contributed to the weakening of Byzantine influence in the East. His legacy includes both the failures of his campaigns and the internal strife he provoked.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. CiNii Research
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. CERL Thesaurus
5. Provenio