Page "Justinian I" Paragraph 62

Justinian was a prolific builder ; the historian Procopius bears witness to his activities in this area.

Under Justinian's patronage the San Vitale in Ravenna, which features two famous mosaics representing Justinian and Theodora, was completed.

Most notably, he had the Hagia Sophia, originally a basilica style church that had been burnt down during the Nika riots, splendidly rebuilt according to a completely different ground plan, under the architectural supervision of Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles.

According to Procopius, Justinian stated at the completion of this edifice, " Solomon I have outdone thee " ( in reference to the 1st Jewish temple ).

This new cathedral, with its magnificent dome filled with mosaics, remained the centre of eastern Christianity for centuries.