Who ruled Byzantium in its first “golden age”?
A. Constantine
B. Charlemagne
C. Justinian
D. Muhammad II
My text mentions but A and C, but I am leaning towards A.
Constantine
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/byza/hd_byza.htm
To determine who ruled Byzantium in its first "golden age", let's analyze the given options:
A. Constantine: Constantine the Great is a significant figure in Byzantium's history. He is often credited with founding the city of Constantinople (later renamed Byzantium), which became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. While Constantine played a crucial role in the establishment of Byzantium, he did not rule during its first "golden age."
B. Charlemagne: Charlemagne, who was the ruler of the Carolingian Empire, played no direct role in Byzantium's history.
C. Justinian: Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 527 to 565 CE. Justinian is widely regarded as the ruler during Byzantium's first "golden age." His reign was marked by significant territorial expansion, codification of Roman laws (known as Justinian's Code), and magnificent building projects such as the construction of the Hagia Sophia.
D. Muhammad II: Muhammad II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, was an Ottoman sultan who reigned from 1451 to 1481 CE. He played a crucial role in the fall of Constantinople in 1453, which marked the end of the Byzantine Empire but does not correspond to its first "golden age."
Based on the options provided, the correct answer is C. Justinian ruled Byzantium during its first "golden age."