Justinian’s Building Program and Sixth-Century Developments

Abstract

Described in detail by Justinian’s court historian Procopius, Justinian’s building program focused on the center (Constantinople) and the periphery (the limes). Within church architecture, the dome appears as an experimental element structurally, formally, and symbolically. At the same time, traditional architectural forms continue. At the margins of the empire, Justinian’s program of fortification was coupled with spiritual outposts—churches and pilgrimage sites—to spread the message of Orthodox Christianity.