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Emperor Justinian Trivia Quiz

This is a fairly straightfoward quiz on one of my favorite historical figues, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

A multiple-choice quiz by stldsf1. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
stldsf1

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
306,197

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
1161

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Justinian had a very famous wife who ruled as Empress. What was her name? Hint

Catherine of Aragon

Sophia

Theodora

Eleanor of Aquitaine

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Question 2 of 10

2. Justinian is credited with constructing one of the greatest cathedrals in Christendom. What is this great domed building known as? Hint

Church of Holy Sepulcher

Haghia Sophia

Dome of the Rock

Notre Dame Cathedral

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Who did Justinian succeed as Emperor? Hint

Justin I

Theodosius

Constantine VII

Justin II

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Question 4 of 10

4. Like all great Emperors, Justinian had a great general to carry out his dreams of conquests. What was this general's name? Hint

Anastasius

John the Cappadocian

Procopius

Belisarius

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Justinian almost met tragedy during the famous Nika revolt. What does "Nika" mean? Hint

shoes

die

victory

down

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Question 6 of 10

6. Disease was a common in the era of Justinian, and not even emperors were immune. Which disease afflicted Justinian during his reign? Hint

plague

small pox

dysentery

malaria

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Like all wartime leaders, Justinian needed money. Like most successful leaders, he found someone who could find the means to access that money. Who did Justinian's tax collecting for him? Hint

Joseph of Corinth

John the Cappadocian

William of Tyre

Zeno

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. If you were to travel to Italy, you could find the only known portrait of Theodora. In which city would you find it? Hint

Rome

Ravenna

Pisa

Florence

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. What great story doesn't involve a eunuch? Justinian depended on this man for many military and diplomatic campaigns. Who was he? Hint

Eunichtipus

Narnis

Nitis

Narses

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Question 10 of 10

10. Procopius wrote a rather unflattering account of the reign of Justinian. Under what title has this book become generally known? Hint

The Secret History

The Tyrannical Emperor

The True Justinian

The Exploits of Justinian the Great

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Justinian had a very famous wife who ruled as Empress. What was her name?

Answer: Theodora

Sophia ruled as regent in Russia during the childhood pf Peter the Great:
Eleanor of Aquitaine was wife of the French king Louis VII and the English King Henry II; Catherine of Aragon was first wife of Henry VIII.

2. Justinian is credited with constructing one of the greatest cathedrals in Christendom. What is this great domed building known as?

Answer: Haghia Sophia

At the time, the Haghia Sophia was the largest enclosed building in the world and widely admired as a remarkable architectural feat.

3. Who did Justinian succeed as Emperor?

Answer: Justin I

Justin I was Justinian's uncle and adoptive father and a true rags to riches story. Justin I was born into a poor family in Illyricum and rose through the ranks of the Byzantine military. On the death of Emperor Anastasius, Justin I was named emperor, possibly against his will.

4. Like all great Emperors, Justinian had a great general to carry out his dreams of conquests. What was this general's name?

Answer: Belisarius

Belisarius is often considered one of the greatest Roman generals. Justinian wished to rebuild the old Roman empire, which could not be done without the conquest of the Italian peninsula. Belisarius' task was the reconquest of the peninsula and the submission of the Goths. His conquests in north Africa and Italy nearly made the Mediterranean a Roman lake once again.

5. Justinian almost met tragedy during the famous Nika revolt. What does "Nika" mean?

Answer: victory

The Nika revolt almost cost Justinian not only his throne but his life. Theodora is often credited with convincing Justinian to stay in his capital rather than flee.

6. Disease was a common in the era of Justinian, and not even emperors were immune. Which disease afflicted Justinian during his reign?

Answer: plague

Justinian managed to survive his enocunter with the plague, although the disease left him (and most other survivors) scarred and supposedly paranoid.

7. Like all wartime leaders, Justinian needed money. Like most successful leaders, he found someone who could find the means to access that money. Who did Justinian's tax collecting for him?

Answer: John the Cappadocian

John became Praetorian Prefect in 531. His tax policies were so brutal that is was said that he tortured the very wealthy in his home. He was so unpopular that it is likely Theodora had him set up for treason.

8. If you were to travel to Italy, you could find the only known portrait of Theodora. In which city would you find it?

Answer: Ravenna

In the San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna you may find a mosaic portrait of the Empress.

9. What great story doesn't involve a eunuch? Justinian depended on this man for many military and diplomatic campaigns. Who was he?

Answer: Narses

Eunuchs often held high political positions due to their inability to have any dynastic dreams.

10. Procopius wrote a rather unflattering account of the reign of Justinian. Under what title has this book become generally known?

Answer: The Secret History

The "Secret History" was lost for centuries until it was found in the Vatican library. It was published in 1623, over a thousand years after the deaths of Justinian and Procopius. It is noted, among other things, for the almost(?) pornographic description of Empress Theodora's young days as a performing dancer.

Source: Author stldsf1

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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