Paul the Silentiary’s description of Hagia Sophia in the light of new archaeological evidence
Paul the Silentiary’s description of Hagia Sophia in the light of new archaeological evidence

Summary/Abstract: Paul the Silentiary’s famous description of the church of Hagia Sophia, built on the orders of Justinian I between 532 and 537,1 has understandably attracted much attention from architectural historians and archaeologists, as it contains valuable information about its architecture, decoration and liturgical furnishings. Moreover, the text of the ekphrasis itself has been recently the subject of important studies by Mary WHITBY, Ruth MACRIDES and Paul MAGDALINO. For understandable reasons, Paul’s poem, first recited early in 563, deals primarily with the main body of the church, which was repaired following the earthquake damage of 557 and reconsecrated on 24th December 562.

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