A | History Of Byzantium

: He codified Roman law into the Corpus Juris Civilis , but his reign was also marred by the devastating Plague of Justinian , which decimated the population. III. Survival and Transformation (610–1025 AD)

: Constantine established a new capital at Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), strategically located on the Bosphorus to control trade between Europe and Asia. A History of Byzantium

: Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565) sought to reclaim the lost Western provinces, briefly retaking Italy, North Africa, and parts of Spain. : He codified Roman law into the Corpus