THE SECOND CHURCH
Theodosius II's Hagia Sophia
The Basilica That Preceded the Wonder (415 AD)
Emperor Theodosius II rebuilt Hagia Sophia as a traditional basilica in 415 AD, after the first church was destroyed during riots. This structure served Constantinople for over a century before being destroyed in the Nika riots of 532.
Basilica Design
A traditional Roman basilica with a wooden roof and colonnaded nave
Monumental Entrance
Grand propylon (entrance gate) with elaborate marble decoration
Lost to Fire
Destroyed during the Nika riots in January 532 AD
Archaeological Evidence
Fragments of the Theodosian church were discovered during excavations in 1935. These include carved marble blocks and column fragments now displayed in the Hagia Sophia grounds.