Page "Justinian I" Paragraph 11

The cognomen Iustinianus which he took later is indicative of adoption by his uncle Justin.

During his reign, he founded Justiniana Prima not far from his birthplace, today in South East Serbia.

His mother was Vigilantia, the sister of Justin.

Justin, who was in the imperial guard ( the Excubitors ) before he became emperor, adopted Justinian, brought him to Constantinople, and ensured the boy's education.

As a result, Justinian was well educated in jurisprudence, theology and Roman history.

Justinian served for some time with the Excubitors but the details of his early career are unknown.

Chronicler John Malalas, who lived during the reign of Justinian, tells of his appearance that he was short, fair skinned, curly haired, round faced and handsome.

Another contemporary chronicler, Procopius, compares Justinian's appearance to that of tyrannical Emperor Domitian, although this is probably slander.