The Hagia Sophia from "summary" of Constantinople by Philip Mansel
The Hagia Sophia is a monument that has defined the skyline of Constantinople for over a millennium. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in the sixth century, it was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1453. This transformation reflects the complex and layered history of Constantinople, a city that has served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, with its massive dome and intricate mosaics. Its construction was overseen by the Emperor Justinian, who sought to create a building that would rival the great churches of Rome. The result was a structure that not only impressed with its size and grandeur but also with its innovative ...
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