guy 157 Report post Posted January 8, 2021 (edited) Quote The new discoveries at Hagia Sophia show that Justinian's great cathedral was part of a much larger complex of buildings at the heart of the late Roman (Byzantine) imperial capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul) - often dubbed 'the second Rome'. Prior to the investigation, apart from the cathedral itself, there was physical evidence for just two major structures on the site. However, British-and-Czech-led archaeological survey work has revealed that there were at least five, including Hagia Sophia itself. Quote The archaeologists also discovered nine 6th century frescoes, two mosaics - and the previously unknown great north-western entrance complex of the cathedral. Quote The investigation also discovered, for the first time, that Justinian had clad his great cathedral in glistening white marble – so that it would shine and shimmer in the rays of the sun. In both Roman and Greek traditions, white symbolised purity. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/hagia-sophia-roman-constantinople-istanbul-archaeology-b1782059.html Summary: The sculpture found in Ancient Rome were brilliantly painted. The cathedral's glistening white marble would have been a spectacular contrast. Hopefully, further research will continue. Edited November 14, 2021 by guy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites