Theodosian Hagia Sophia
Constantinople
remodeled 415 A. D. 

---

These fascinating capitals were only discovered in the 1930's when there was a general clean up and restoration around the present Hagia Sophia built by Justinian in 535. They feature a simplified, very patterned acanthus that is nevertheless very sculptural, not flat. These are the remains of the atrium of the Hagia Sophia built by Theodosius II, after the first burned in 404 A.D. The column capitals are true Corinthians, they have small classic, almost achronistic leaves under the volutes. During this period, architecture in the prosperous eastern empire was evolving, and experimenting, while the western empire went conservative, trying to revive the old glories of Rome.
  Back to More Corinthians