A Primary Research On The Buildings Of Constantinople During Justinian Period

This thesis focuses on the buildings of Constantinople during Justinian period, discussing the political, economic and religious background of the reconstruction of Constantinople by Justinian. There are three chapters in all.The first chapter mainly discusses the city layout of Constantinople during Justinian period and the political ideal embodied by the architecture. Justinian attached much importance on the city layout and the construction of landmarks when he reconstructed Constantinople. It mimicked the layout of Roman city, which represented the combination of architecture and the political ideal to regain the Roman Empire. Meanwhile Justinian promoted his own political authority through the construction of buildings, such as the Equestrian statue of Justinian.The second chapter mainly discusses the economic strength of Byzantine Empire represented by the buildings of Constantinople during Justinian period. Justinian cost much money in order to get grand and majestic buildings. The bricks, marble and other materials that needed mainly lied on import, so they were very expensive. The architects and construction teams that needed was another important expenditure.The third chapter focuses on the religious factors implicated by buildings of Constantinople during Justinian period. The main type of buildings during the reconstruction of Constantinople was church building. When he selected the locations of church buildings, Justinian made full use of the Christian legends of Constantinople, especially the apostolic worship, to build or rebuild many churches. On designing the church structure, architects considered much on the religious feelings aroused by the churches. Church buildings became an important part of church policy implemented by Justinian.