The Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Justinian’s Defining Moment

Описание: Whether a visitor in the 6th century, or the modern tourist in the 21st, the Hagia Sophia, officially the Church of God’s Holy Wisdom, represents an architectural marvel. However, to the 6th century subjects of the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, the Hagia Sophia also represented the absolute authority of the Emperor Justinian. The construction of the present Hagia Sophia took place immediately following the most serious challenge to Emperor Justinian’s rule, a mob revolt in the heart of Constantinople that nearly overthrew one of the most famous Byzantine Emperors of all time. In this video we will explore the circumstances to led up to the famous Nika Revolt that nearly toppled Justinian’s reign.

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Aerial View of Hagia Sophia under license Duman Stock/Shutterstock
An Historical Atlas by Robert Labberton 1884
Presentation of the Pandects (Code of Laws) to Emperor Justinian by Hermann Knackfuss 1891 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard by unknown artist c. 11th century AD
Engraving of the Prodigal Son as a Swineherd by Hans Sebald Beham 1538 Constantinople
Illustration of Byzantine Horse Rider under license Sammy33/Shutterstock
Empress Theodora Mosaic by unknown artist c. 6th century AD a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Theodora by Benjamin-Constant 1887 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Byzantine Calvary Illustration by unknown artist c. 12th century AD from Madrid Skylitzes a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Chariot Race by Jean-Léon Gérôme 1876 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
The Chariot Race by Alexander von Wagner 1882 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Emperor Justinian in Council by Jean Joseph Benjamin Constant 1886 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
The Empress Theodora by Jean Joseph Benjamin Constant 1887 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Family Icon Set under license nelelena/Shutterstock
The Empress Theodora at the Coliseum by Jean Joseph Benjamin Constant c. 1889 a two-dimensional, public domain work of art
Sketch of Ancient Constantinople under license ColorMarker/Shutterstock


Early Frost by Dynamedion – royalty free, copyright free music license through CyberLink’s PowerDirector 365

All other photos and videos by the creator of this video Greece July 2023, Greece July 2024, Turkey October 2023, Tunisia September 2024
All maps by the creator of this video TPF June 2025 using Google Earth
All overlays and labeling by the creator of this video TPF June 2025