The Code of Justinian, a collection of laws compiled by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is widely regarded as the foundation of Western law.

Justinian’s aim in creating the Code in 529 was to simplify and harmonize numerous, sometimes conflicting laws, but circumstances required that he continue to issue legislation in following years.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss legal ideas developed under Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the C6th AD, which influenced the evolution of law in much of Western civilisation. Show more Melvyn Bragg ...

Justinian aim in ordering the Code created in 529 was to simplify and harmonize numerous, sometimes conflicting laws. However, circumstances required that he continue to issue legislation in following ...