Justin II (Latin: Flavius Iustinus Iunior Augustus; Ancient Greek: Φλάβιος Ἰουστίνος ὁ νεώτερος; c. 520 – 5 October 578) was Byzantine Emperor from 565 to 574. He was the husband of Sophia, niece of Justinian I and the Empress Theodora, and was therefore a member of the Justinian Dynasty. His reign is marked by war with Persia and the loss of the greater part of Italy. He presented the Cross of Justin II to Saint Peter's, Rome.