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How did Justinian I’s laws affect pagans, heretics, and Samaritans?
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Justinian I
Justinian I, detail of a mosaic in the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.
Justinian I viewed the Byzantine Empire as a terrestrial counterpart to a heavenly polity, making it his duty to enforce orthodox Christian teaching through his legal code. His policies toward pagans, heretics, and Samaritans were characterized by strict restrictions and pressure to conform to Christianity:1
- General Restrictions: Pagans, heretics, and Samaritans were legally forbidden from teaching any subject whatsoever.1
- Pagans: Justinian ordered pagans to attend church and accept baptism. He purged their ranks in Constantinople and oversaw mass conversions in Asia Minor. Additionally, he expelled pagan teachers from the Academy at Athens, an action aimed at suppressing paganism.21
- Samaritans and Jews: Beyond other civil disabilities, Samaritans and Jews were denied the right to testamentary inheritance unless they converted to Christianity.2
- Heretics: Justinian’s legislation frequently targeted heretics, such as the Arians, and he often used military force to reassert control over provinces where such groups were prevalent, such as in North Africa and Italy. He also attempted to reconcile non-Chalcedonian Christians with the orthodox church, though these efforts often resulted in further alienation and schism.312