IMPERIAL MOSAIC
Southwestern Vestibule Mosaic
Justinian & Constantine Presenting Their Gifts to the Virgin Mary
Created around 944 AD, this stunning mosaic above the southwestern entrance depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child, flanked by two of Byzantium's greatest emperors.
Emperor Constantine
On the right, Constantine the Great presents a model of Constantinople, the city he founded in 330 AD
Virgin Mary & Christ
The Theotokos sits enthroned at center, holding the Christ Child in a gesture of blessing
Emperor Justinian
On the left, Justinian I offers a model of Hagia Sophia, his greatest architectural achievement