# Justinian — The Divine Comedy character guide

> Justinian in The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0077-canto-vi

## Who they are

Byzantine emperor who recounts Roman history in the Heaven of Mercury.

## In the story

### [Canto VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-vi)

Referenced in Dante's lament as the emperor who mended the bridle of law, but whose efforts are wasted without a rider.

### [Canto VI: Justinian's Discourse on the Roman Eagle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-vi)

The Emperor Justinian narrates the history of the Roman eagle and his own role in codifying Roman law.

### [Canto XIX: The Eagle's Discourse on Salvation and Divine Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xix)

Implied as part of the eagle's formation, representing the souls of just rulers in the Heaven of Jupiter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/characters/justinian
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/characters