The last re-construction of the Hagia Sophia was in 537 CE by Emperor Justinian I. The building is the most significant architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire. During Byzantine reign the Hagia Sophia was a Christian cathedral in Constantinople, it was the world’s largest church for nearly a thousand years until the construction of the Seville Cathedral in 1520 CE. The Hagia Sophia symbolized Byzantine dominance and religious devotion. After the Ottomans sieged Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it became a museum, and recently in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque.

The Image to the left is the Hagia Sophia currently.

The Black Plague or also known as the bubonic plague, the black death, and even the plague of Justinian battered the Byzantine Empire from 541-542 CE and had long lasting effects for many centuries. The plague struck during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, severely weakening the empire in every aspect possible. The plague is estimated to have killed millions of people, and nearly half of Constantinople’s population. Justinian’s conquests to expand territory were halted because the military was severely weakened. The empire struggled to recover, facing increased tension from neighboring tribes and empires. Additionally, more plague outbreaks occurred during Byzantine reign which further weakened the empire. 

The image to the right is a map of the territory of the Byzantine Empire in 550 CE a decade after the initial black plague. The green on the map is territory gained between 542 and 550 CE. This map is a great demonstration of the excellence of Justinian I.