Justinian I, who reigned from 527 to 565 CE, was succeeded by his nephew, Justin II (r. 565–574 CE). Justin’s reign ended following his abdication in 574 CE. Justin was married to Sophia, the niece of Theodora. Among the highlights of his reign were the continued war with Sasanid Persia, the Lombard arrival in Italy, and the presentation of a brilliantly decorated cross to Rome. One of the most notable sources from his reign is Corippus’ Latin panegyric (…