The Encounter with Justinian and the Roman Eagle

Dante and Beatrice ascend to the sphere of Mercury, where the souls of those who sought fame and honor appear as bright lights. The Emperor Justinian speaks, recounting the history of the Roman Eagle from Aeneas to Charlemagne. He explains that he was a heretic until Pope Agapetus corrected him, and that he then codified Roman law. He condemns both the Guelphs and Ghibellines for misusing the imperial standard. He then introduces the soul of Romeo, a humble pilgrim who served Count Raymond Berenger faithfully but was unjustly accused. This episode celebrates the ideal of the Roman Empire and condemns the political factions of Dante's time.