Justinian the Emperor of Byzantium as the Eastern Roman Empire was called was born in what is today Serbia. He is one of 17 Roman Emperors born in the region. Most of them, if not all, built cities and palaces at or near their birthplaces. Justinian built the Empress City probably dedicated to his greatest love Theodora. According to the legend they spend a great deal of their married lives in the city with its matchless beauty and opulence. When their daughter came of age she fell in love with a local pig keeper and they eloped as the imperial parents were against such a liaison.The legend remains unclear whether the army of soldiers sent after them succeeded in capturing the elopers or whether they escaped under the power of love. There are many other legends connected with the City of the Empress and many villages bear names accordingly. Many a place is accorded magical powers probably inspired by sheer beauty of Nature.
