Lex Fridman · Wars of conquest that weakened the Roman Empire | Anthony Kaldellis and Lex Fridman

1. 1. Justinian believed he was authorized by God to reconquer the lost provinces of the Western Roman Empire, and success proved divine favor.
2. 2. Justinian overstretched resources by disbanding armies protecting Constantinople and sending them to Italy, weakening the home front.
3. 3. Conquest alone does not make a ruler great; lasting positive change for subjects and institutional strength are more important criteria.
4. 4. Justinian's stripping of eastern armies for western conquests allowed the Persians to destroy Antioch, a major strategic failure.
5. 5. The Nika Insurrection led Justinian to slaughter over 30,000 protesters, burning much of Constantinople, which he later rebuilt including the Hagia Sophia.
6. 6. Kaldellis is skeptical of claims that the Plague of Justinian killed 50% of the population, arguing for a much more moderate impact.
7. 7. Justinian left the empire overextended with fewer military forces concentrated in the homeland, making the center vulnerable to raids.