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Justinian I ruled over the Eastern Roman Empire between the years 527 and 565. During this time he managed to retake large swaths of land including North Africa, Italy, and parts of Spain. However, in doing so, he would squander the Byzantine treasury and weaken it's military, leaving it ill prepared after his death. That said, what if Justinian had instead focused on more realistic aims like an advantageous peace with Persia or expelling the barbarians from the Balkan provinces? Would the Byzantines fare better and perhaps survive into the modern day? What're your thoughts?
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