A Historical Tour of Hagia Sophia

You’ve heard about Hagia Sophia’s famous dome. But what about the miraculous column, the Viking graffiti, and the portrait of Byzantium’s worst emperor?
For more on Roman art and architecture, check out my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans."
www.amazon.com/Naked-Statues-...
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:49 Justinian and his church
2:55 Construction of Hagia Sophia
4:11 Exterior
4:49 Exonarthex
5:14 Narthex
5:51 Vestibule of the Warriors
6:36 Imperial Gate
7:53 The Nave and Dome
10:37 Omphalos
11:12 Apse Mosaics
12:00 Column capitals
12:25 Weeping Column
13:07 Galleries
13:42 Gates of Heaven and Hell
14:01 Deësis mosaic
14:29 Tomb of Dandolo
15:14 Imperial mosaics of the South Gallery
17:28 Nordic runes
17:50 Alexander mosaic
18:26 Conclusion
Thanks for watching!

[@stephenclements6158]

My wife and I were married here, in front of Mary, Jesus, and John. I offered to rent the place from the Turks, but they never got back to me, so I staged a guerilla-style wedding regardless. An Orthodox monk friend of mine was waiting for us, we did the vows, and got out of there before anybody could object. We adore this building and have been there several times, so we appreciate the extra details you had to share.

[@erravi]

That’s absolutely baller

[@colourwheel5703]

Wow that was special that you got married there.

[@thracese9877]

Based.

[@annademo]

Good for you.

[@jonathanjochem7289]

@@erravi what is baller?

[@aldosigmann419]

"O Solomon, I have surpassed thee." Justinian. I remember building a scale model of the Hagia Sophia in architecture school another lifetime ago...

[@aldosigmann419]

@Lat Mang Don’t feel bad if you don’t get it son - it usually eludes the bottom 10th percentile.

[@aldosigmann419]

@Lat Mang The Hagia Sophia is a great cultural achievement on par or even surpassing the Parthenon or the Taj Mahal. You on the other hand are just another vacuous NPC blabbing vapid clichés.

[@denizmetint.462]

I always get overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and grandness of the Hagia Sophia, especially when considering how many famous people in history have stood there and gazed upon her as well.

[@toldinstone]

I have the same feeling whenever I visit

[@issith7340]

I could not imagine the experience, until i got in there for the first time. It feels totally, as like you’re entering in a parallel world. Thankfully it wasn’t converted to a mosque once more, then.

[@issith7340]

@Mujaahid Arian about what?

[@issith7340]

@Mujaahid Arian every christian feel what I feel about what you ask. Not more not less. What disappoinds me, though, is the velocity that a country, neighbouring with mine, is being de-civilised, lately. We are in the 21th century, in a part of earth that is quite progressed, in culture, ethics, economy, etc, but someone, instead of following the path if evolution,likewise, is actually going back, towards a new dark age. Has to do with the security of my place, everyone is free to do what he likes in his house, but not publicly.

[@issith7340]

@Mujaahid Arian excuse me? Who abandoned what? Better not speak about matters we don’t understand.👍

[@johnspizziri1919]

Your instincts for what armchair historians would find interesting is unerring. Thank you so much for this. God bless you.

[@Ffriendly]

I have been here as many times as I have been to Istanbul and each time it takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes. This ancient building still retains its sacredness like so very few do. Thank you for this chance to walk it's sublime interior once more as I will not have the chance to visit again.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@kryppo4245]

@VBL VBL sostos

[@rexolineisabel1290]

You are very lucky to see that.

[@Ffriendly]

@@rexolineisabel1290 I used to travel a lot..not anymore

[@rexolineisabel1290]

@@Ffriendly don't worry. You will travel as you like 👍

[@kostas6621]

Beautiful Hagia Sophia! The City of St. Constantine; my Patron Saint. Thank you Dr. for this wonderful information! The most wonderful Empire in my personal book.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Hi Kostas, I’m Greek, too.

[@vizibilibende5194]

we are ottomans ... no greek or austrian or turkish or hungarian.....@@kimberlyperrotis8962

[@nikolaipotapenkov8823]

I had been ones in Tempe of Sofia. As person born and baptized as Christian Orthodox I was amused and feel as I fullfil one of my childhood dreams.

[@aram-the-slug]

Orthobro ☦️

[@giuseppelogiurato5718]

@@aram-the-slug ODOX down to our socks!

[@dukagjini6610]

You betrayed that church shame on you and your prince Lukas

[@barbarawillis5187]

The cathedral is magnificent inside and out. Thank you for the tour.

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure

[@gonzalojimenezdequesada9443]

waiting a islamist to come say it's a mosque.. yes we know you stole it

[@KrazyKaymak]

@@gonzalojimenezdequesada9443 Yes, and?

[@feduntu]

@@KrazyKaymak wooosh

[@jinkiskhan1967]

@@KrazyKaymak gigachad muslim "your point?"

[@odinjames0]

You sir are criminally undersubbed. Thanks for your hard work!

[@toldinstone]

I couldn't agree more :) And you're very welcome.

[@John.B.Jenkins]

Thanks for your comment. I've been binge watching Dr. Ryan for a few days now and just realized I hadn't subscribed!

[@Egma_1237]

@@toldinstone B

[@ankur7773]

ISLAM SUPPORT JIHAD THESE PEOPLE CAN NOT SURVIVE WITH OUT JIHAD WITH OUT LYING🤷‍♂

[@mm-tu4dd]

I really do wish it went back to being a museum, out of respect for its history. No hate to muslims and/or Turks.

[@TurbanLeDurban]

Same, so it's fair for both

[@_hunter_hunter1048]

i wish turks and azerbaijanis would just go back to central asia and let Greece and Armenia take their lands back

[@Kosovar_Chicken]

@@_hunter_hunter1048 based

[@bishyaler]

@@_hunter_hunter1048 dangerously based

[@Xarriable]

@@_hunter_hunter1048 I wish internet idiots would read more history and realize Proto Anatolian land (Hittite, Lycian, Hurrian civilizations etc.) has NOTHING to do with Greeks and Armenians, and the region was merely lingually and religiously assimilated. Turks retain proto anatolian origins and are the only representative for modern Turkey. Greeks are where they came from, in the Balkans.

[@HistoryUniversity]

I've never gave a look into Hagia Sophia, this building is beautiful.

[@toldinstone]

It's one of my favorite places.

[@J0einOK]

A monument to the splendor of art, and the horrible disrespect of man for men. The desecration is painful, but the spirituality of the place remains.

[@michaelfisher7170]

The structure could have been torn down. Its been preserved. "Desecration" is in the eye of the beholder. I live in a nation that has religious people who decry the status of the Hagia Sophia as an active mosque, but who are perfectly A okay with the monument in the Black Hills, sacred to another people, in which the likenesses of four national leaders, (two of them slave holders) were blasted into a revered hillside. The idea of one groups religious sentiment taking precedence over those of another is one of the problems we face. And don't get me wrong, the practice cuts both ways. Hagia Sophia's reincarnation as a mosque was a simple, and simple minded, move by political interests in the almighty name of nationalism. Its proper status is as a museum dedicated to teaching the history of the city it resides in.

[@J0einOK]

@@michaelfisher7170 Rushmore is art. As is Crazyhorse. Disrespect is ugly.

[@AnBarbarossa]

@@J0einOK Well said. It is desecration, and it is painful, but the spirituality remains.

[@nikhtose]

Thanks for an elevating tour! The Hagia Sophia is a true gem. The history evoked there overawes the rather sad, faded modern state. I have always wondered how much of the wall, arch decorations are original, versus those plastered over or replaced by the Turks. One can only imagine the Pantokrator Christ concealed at the top of the dome!

[@adamtyson3962]

A free lecture on art and architecture / material history...? Thank you so much!

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure!

[@ingmar2824]

I love your videos man. The work put into these, naming the different timestamps is just awesome. Keep up the great work!

[@popcappsproductions]

I have thoroughly enjoyed so many of your videos that I just purchased a copy of your book - you've definitely given me more than $20 worth of education and entertainment over the past month or so since I first stumbled upon your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@bwb5f5]

Your videos are the closest I ever get to truly experiencing the ancient world. Thank you for your unique and fascinating style.

[@Ntyler01mil]

The column-free area enclosed by the nave of the Hagia Sophia is much larger than that of the Pantheon. It's roughly 40% bigger.

[@SuperSlimshady360]

Your final words on this video pertaining this structure are the icing on the cake thank you! Your insight and perspective are greatly appreciated.

[@brober]

I've been fortunate to tour Hagia Sophia many times. When the Deesis Mosaic shimmers in the sunlight I still get goose bumps.

[@poppylove3673]

Very nice tour and presentation! I’ve never been to see these historical sites, and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and wonderful pictures!

[@toldinstone]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ankur7773]

ISLAM SUPPORT JIHAD THESE PEOPLE CAN NOT SURVIVE WITH OUT JIHAD WITH OUT LYING🤷‍♂

[@jeremyd1869]

While stationed at a nearby U.S. military base in the mid-70's I was able to visit Istanbul several times. I made it a point to visit Hagia Sofia each time, as it was my favorite part of the city. The only other ancient Roman building that impressed me as much was the Colosseum, which I was able to see in 2019. (Unfortunately I wasn't able to see the Pantheon.) Truly, these are absolute marvels. I really enjoy your channel. My interest in the ancient world, and particularly the Roman Empire, was rekindled a few years ago. Your videos perfectly complement my interest.

[@toldinstone]

I'm very glad to hear it

[@ThomasGazis]

Only that Hagia Sofia is Greek-Byzantine and not Roman!

[@barath4545]

Visited Rome in 2022 and saw Colo / Flavian Amphitheatre as well, and Ostia Antica. Stood outside and walked around Pantheon but did not have tickets to get in and see it inside, such a shame! I still need to visit the Domitian palace (basically central Split in Croatia) and Haga Sophia (which I hope will stay historic/neutral) and maybe one day, Carthage, even though that is almost pointless to visit nowadays being so destroyed so many times.

[@marcuscosgrove9431]

I spend my winters in Istanbul and the Hagia Sofia continues to take my breath away every time I venture inside. Genuinely it crowds the mind with the weight of its history. Great video.

[@james2390]

This was so informative, thank you! Empress Irene interested me, I hadn't know much about her prior to this or that she was a Hungarian.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome! And yes, Irene is a fascinating figure, whose life straddled two very different worlds.

[@mortache]

Note that this isn't the famous Empress Irene of Athens who ruled at the time of Charlemagne

[@gawkthimm6030]

that story at 7:01 about Leo and the Patriarch is F'ing great - thanks I love learning of these intricate political dramas of ancient leaders carved into stone and art..

[@toldinstone]

My pleasure - there are so many great stories woven into the fabric of Hagia Sophia

[@freespirit995]

I fully agree with your recommendation to visit Haghia Sophia as night is arriving, with all the lights on. It is a wonderful sight from outside and even more wonderful once inside. Exploring it at this time is an unforgettable experience and it is easy to imagine oneself worshipping during the height of Byzantium!

[@toldinstone]

There's no place like it, especially when the building is almost empty

[@joeprado3614]

Just visited it two days ago. Still in Istanbul. This video came at a great time, would have been even better to see it before I went, but eh, I can still see it from the Bosphorus for the rest of my stay. It was incredible.

[@silentone11111111]

Reminds me of my visit about 10 years ago. Lucky it was still a museum then. One thing that surprised me was the huge internal ramps. Rather than staircases to get upstairs. Place has a monolithic feel. With enormous open space. It feels bigger than St Paters as a consequence. Quite an experience 😀

[@bobbylee9727]

In 1965, while in the U.S. Air Force, I visited Istanbul and visited St. Sophia's and the Blue Mosque. I don't remember much but I think they had wall to wall Persian rugs...or maybe one of these mosque's did. It was so mystical and we couldn't take pictures...but I did anyway. And we were supposed to remove our shoes, but we didn't. I was only twenty and did not even realize the history behind this city...what an amazing experience.

[@kacperwoch4368]

That's sounds rather disrespectful.

[@callefolin]

Just so you know the Hagia Sophia isn't dedicated to a saint named "Sophia", the name translates roughly to "The Church of Holy Wisdom" and it's dedicated to Christ (IIRC)

[@bobbylee9727]

@@callefolin when i was stationed in Turkey and i went to Istanbul with some fellow servicemen for a long, three day weekend, they all called it "St. Sophia's"...so i picked up on this. thanks for the information.

[@dariusgreysun]

@@kacperwoch4368 So was the Muslim conquest so who fucking cares?

[@gilpaubelid3780]

@@kacperwoch4368 Why is it disrespectful? In churches we don't remove our shoes.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I was there in 1988. What an incredible structure. I love the historical aspects of the region. Peace be upon Grinch!

[@johnsix.51-69]

I've seen you on other channels, but I'm not sure where. I want to say it was Sam Shamoun's channel.

[@paulkoza8652]

Thanks Garrett, you do a wonderful job.

[@davideapen9551]

This was fantastic! thank you so much for your work. just subscribed.

[@sequeiraa777]

Thank you for this series, revived my dream to visit this amazing place

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

I'd love to go on a historical architectural tour with you. You're not just extremely erudite, but you're entertaining and bring ancient history alive in amusing ways.

[@Nope.Unknown]

I had the opportunity to go in summer of 2013. It was incredible! Wish I had you as our tour guide at the time.

[@venice9438]

Excellent video, thank you so much!

[@AnyoneCanSee]

I loved the video. The story about the pillar was interesting as such ideas can still organically sprout today. Here in Edinburgh, there is a statue of Grey Friars Bobby dating to1873. However, no one knows who started it, I suspect a tour guide, around ten years ago a belief came about that if you touch the statue's nose it brings luck. This is now so famous that the dogs bronze nose rubbed away and the statue had to be removed and have the nose replace. However, it continues despite a plea from the council and them saying git isn't true. I see the statue often as I live in the centre and the nose is always bright bronze as so many touch it compared to the rest of the statue which is very dark. Anyway, it just made me smile as even today people make up these strange things about getting a special blessing if do this or that. Interesting how our minds work and have not changed.

[@alekokaxadze267]

I am terrified when saw no old christian icons on the walls i saw 2 years ago. Turkish government repainted christs old as the city itself icons with tasteless muslim ornaments. It's not about religion, its about history.

[@enigmamyth]

It's about poking fun at their greatest rival Greece. Just like Greece do it every chance they get. The detroiting relationship with greece led to this masterpiece turned into a mosque again from museum. It maybe tasteless for your taste but for Turks it isn't. They own Istanbul.

[@itsve8632]

The Turks own, so they can use it however they want. It is not longer a Greek city, its True Turkish city now, and has been for centurys.

[@empirehistorian7729]

@@itsve8632 Theft never confers legitimacy.

[@Readandweep]

Well yeah obviously mehmet the conqueror made into a mosque

[@roberthayden4318]

Thank you for another informative and interesting video Dr.

[@HejJagHeterCarro]

Awesome tour man!

[@annakonda6727]

Thank you! Though I am nominally Greek Orthodox I have never had a religious feeling except the two times I visited Haghia Sophia.

[@sajsebastian7787]

Hagia Sofia cathedral the icon of eaatern Orthodox church

[@giuseppelogiurato5718]

Yes, I suppose the building itself could loosely be considered an "icon" (of the cosmos?), but that's not really what the word "icon" means in Eastern Orthodoxy...

[@chrishalstead2271]

*Schisms greatly*

[@TWOCOWS1]

Technically it is not a "cathedral", since it is not a Catholic church. The "cathedra" (a seat, in Greek) is an allusion to the 'seat of St. Peter' in Rome. So the Catholics have cathedrals where the archbishops sit/seat. This is a Basilica ("kingly" building) by Justinian for the Orthodox church. It can be called an Ecclesia (church) as well, if you like

[@news_internationale2035]

@@TWOCOWS1 He said patriarchs presided here in the video.

[@splinterbyrd]

Santa Sophia

[@ronaldjohndalmacio8117]

teaching history of buildings can be a very VERY difficult thing to do, the fact that you're doing it w/out "gimmicks" makes your virtual tour very authentic.

[@aka99]

gimmicks???

[@Mlbguy]

Wonderful tour! Thanks!!!

[@arinaina4262]

Hagia Sophia may be the only one most magnificent architecture while comparing with other Renaissance churches never less its beauty.

[@gnome_farmer]

Imagine the dispute that caused a man to make a steam powered earthquake machine to scare the neighbors.

[@LostWoodsman76]

Nice tour! Very thorough.

[@toldinstone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jesse-cx4si]

I have yet to see a video I don’t like. Great channel and I hope there will many more uploads! Thanks for all the work and info.

[@mrplease66]

Behold! The Mark Felton of Antiquity

[@davidolien2828]

Thank you! Superb.

[@toldinstone]

You're very welcome

[@paavobergmann4920]

I´ve been there once, almost 30 years ago, and I can still recall the feeling one gets when entering the nave. Absolutely breathtaking. If you haven´t been there, go there!

[@redwine65]

well done video! the cornice around the church's interior, locked together allowing the weight to be evenly distributed allowing to have the large dome (largest dome till the superdome in new orleans). porphyry was used under the emperor's chair and in the delivery room for the empress, (born in purple) john romer's byzantium is pretty interesting, st sophia was used by providence to spread Christianity to kiev

[@XX-gy7ue]

your videos are superb

[@toldinstone]

Much appreciated!

[@aalexander928]

The Eastern Greek portion of the Roman Empire has always seemed to be the most advanced in development of the arts, science, philosophy and architecture & city planning. The two Greeks (or Roman-Greeks) who designed Hagia Sofia - an architect and an engineer - epitomize this advanced culture. It was the Greek Isidoros who designed the Pantheon as well as other splendid buildings in Rome. Thank you for this most interesting & informative tour of the 'Holy Wisdom' Basilica. I really enjoy your postings.

[@cazwalt9013]

Indeed greeks were wayyyyy advanced than romans

[@Poborsky-fx1wo]

Another great video. Thank you

[@davidarundel6187]

A building, worth the effort of visiting, and enjoying.

[@AlexVanChezlaw]

A shame the watermelon seller reopened it as a mosque now. It should have kept being a museum

[@user-yw4fz6xk2j]

It's actually Ayía Sofía in Greek 😉😁🤗❤️🇬🇷✝️⛪🙏

[@ThomasGazis]

Δεν τους ενδιαφέρει η αλήθεια! Ακόμη και σε αυτό το βίντεο προωθούν την προπαγάνδα ότι το Βυζάντιο ήταν Ρωμαϊκό χωρίς Ελληνικά στοιχεία και ότι η Αγία Σοφία είναι Ρωμαϊκή!

[@EgeSalter]

Even we Turks call it Aya Sofya. Idk how it went from Aya to Hagia tbh

[@stevecox8576]

I assume, in the interest of brevity, you significantly condensed the highlights and history of this magnificent building. But your measured delivery belies any sense of a “whirlwind,” as you humorously characterize this video tour. I knew next to nothing about the Hagia Sophia, and I really appreciate your very informative overview. One day, I sincerely hope to visit this wonder in person.

[@toldinstone]

I did indeed condense the tour. There is much, much more to say - but I'm glad that you enjoyed this preview. Whenever you visit, I promise you won't be disappointed.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

I have heard you could place the statue of liberty inside. From America Florida.

[@toldinstone]

@@larrym.johnson9219 You could! The statue would fit with about 30 feet to spare

[@ronriesinger7755]

Truly a magnificent achievement. All for the Glory of God. The worn steps leading to the balcony reminded me of the millions that have visited before.

[@Zandiv]

So sad to see it desecrated.

[@EgeSalter]

Hey! It was an upgrade 😬 why are you mad?

[@Zandiv]

@@EgeSalter Sad, not mad. Upgrades for sing take parts, are anything but.

[@monsieur1936]

It's great to see that so many of the mosaics survived Iconoclasm and 500 years of Ottoman Rule.

[@elfarlaur]

Thankfully most of them were simply plastered over during Ottoman times which makes it possible to uncover them. It would have been a shame if they were actually destroyed

[@monsieur1936]

@@elfarlaur Ottomans were smart tbh.

[@Kristoffceyssens]

@@monsieur1936 My dog is smart to.

[@monsieur1936]

@@Kristoffceyssens but your dog doesn't owns the Balkans, Anatolia, Middle East and North Africa for almost half a millenium.

[@Kristoffceyssens]

@@monsieur1936 yes my dog is easy going. Stays on his turf.

[@TheManCaveYTChannel]

Amazing video!

[@ConservativeArabNet]

Excellent presentation

[@toldinstone]

Thank you

[@kevskevs]

3:14 Forget the Hagia Sophia, I want to hear about the steam-powered earthquake machine to terrify my neighbours ...

[@seconduser1809]

I saw it in 1994 and loved it.

[@scottsinclair366]

I like your wit. Good video. Thanks.

[@megadevilfriends9112]

Thank you 😊

[@ClaudioBenassi]

Bizantines, the best.

[@MrUraniumProductions]

Beautiful church

[@Archangel_Michael1]

But now it is a Mosque of Islam.. So sad

[@gokcancakmak3739]

@@Archangel_Michael1 why sad? both are house of god both are uses as the same goal. also it looks cool with all of the mosaics and fresks of jesus and islamic calligraphy side by side in a same building. this is literally the most peacefull building between west and east

[@EgeSalter]

*mosque

[@EgeSalter]

@samantha smith yeah stolen centuries ago. Just like every other thing in the world. Just like Africa, Australia, North and South America stolen from their native inhabitants. Deal with it man, its a mosque for centuries now.

[@vespelian5769]

It was certainly an experience to visit Hagia Sophia after spending eleven days on Mount Athos, there last functioning section of the Byzantine/Roman Empire.

[@Hyoungje]

I’ve been there. It is breath taking.

[@jeremykeller211]

One important detail that you might add concerns the glorious building's resident cat. Cats are the true rulers of my chosen home town, and few households escape the charms of short-term or long-term feline guests. We recently observed a cat succession in Ayia Sophia as the long-term office holder bowed out. It would be interesting to learn the criteria for cat tenure and the process by which a cat is chosen for this high honor.

[@taylorlarkins5549]

I pray that one day this beautiful building will once again be a church, and be what it was built to be.

[@EgeSalter]

Well, keep praying man. Centuries of prayers and it’s still a mosque 😅

[@outrun7455]

@@EgeSalterdecades of Reddit moderation and you’re still a virgin, funny how that works.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

An amazing building - a symbol and special place for so many.

[@pesoto74]

Well done.

[@tommedlin297]

The most beautiful structure ever built by humans.

[@kevintheilen9643]

So I guess you've never been to the Taj Mahal?

[@basicguy99]

@@kevintheilen9643 So I guess you've never been to Versailles?

[@ishehaxor]

@@kevintheilen9643 Lmao who asked? Just let the guy have an opinion.

[@kevintheilen9643]

@@basicguy99 Coupla times. No comparison. You have to be there...

[@kevintheilen9643]

@Ghost Ghost Yes I have. This is starting to get silly. I have been to the other places mentioned, and they are nice; they are fabulous. But unless you have personally experienced the Taj Mahal, you won't understand. "It doesn't sit on the ground, it hangs from the sky." Hagia Sophia is a fascinating technical achievement and the mosaic work is great (compares to Ravenna) but I don't get the goosebumps recalling the experience(s) like I do with Taj Mahal.

[@melanieohara6941]

I have often thought that Lucas Films used Sophia’s Architecture as a model for the Star Wars Trilogy.❇️

[@toldinstone]

It does have an otherworldly feel, doesn't it?

[@dariusgreysun]

Yes, specifically the Naboo capital of Theed.

[@franktheco]

Jabba's palace. Lego stopped making it because they were afraid they would insult people.

[@ivtch51]

Thanks for the great talk. Wish I'd known before I visited it. I presume now a mosque again some or all the historical imagery will be covered up at least.

[@coffeeisgood102]

Very fascinating history.

[@sudarsana1913]

You can no longer see the iconography since it was turned back into a functioning Mosque

[@tolrem]

I happen to be reading a book about Belisarius,Justinian's top general, by Robert Graves of "I Claudius" fame.He goes into detail about the blue and green factions of charioteers.This is a work of historical fiction,but highly accurate according to John Julius Norwich,the author of the three volume "Byzantium".

[@toldinstone]

I read that book a few years ago. I found it engaging (and, as the estimable Lord Norwich says, carefully researched). I have to say, however, that I enjoyed I, Claudius more.

[@brucefreadrich1188]

I love that book. Forgotten classic. Gore Vidal wrote a good one about Julian the last pagan emperor.

[@tolrem]

@@brucefreadrich1188 Yes that was interesting too.Robert Graves wrote a similar style work "King Jesus" which seems to be his take on Jesus' life.

[@tolrem]

@@toldinstone The three volumes by Lord Norwich are really interesting too.Must read them again!

[@toldinstone]

@@tolrem Yes, I enjoyed them very much

[@leonorcajaraville9664]

Beautiful place really amazing

[@toldinstone]

It really is

[@peetyw8851]

Excellent!

[@somehow6839]

2:08 sounds like Montreal Canadians fans during playoffs

[@BuriedFlame]

_"And if you look to your left, you will see the Hagia Sophia, made popular by the 'Civilization 5' computer game..."_

[@jamesburnett7085]

OMG! Fascinating and marvelous. Doctor Ryan, I LOVE the content of your presentations. Sadly, your speaking pattern, consisting of pauses separating rushes of hurried words is often difficult for me to understand. I don't wish to miss any part of your excellent programs. Would it be possible for you to slow down? Many, many thanks.

[@vammukittu]

Let it be known esteemed professor, that this is the story of Hindu India, from Kashmir to Kerala. Desecrated temples turned into mosques, since 700AD. Ayodhya for example and Kashmir as a whole.

[@trojanhorse7897]

It also happend in mosques occupied by non-muslims turning into Churches. Such is the way of war. Get over it.

[@AnBarbarossa]

@@trojanhorse7897 The only mosques converted into churches are those that were built inside Christian countries during invasions in Spain. To compare the desecration of Hagia Sophia would be like invading Iran tomorrow and converting Imam Reza Shrine into a Church and covering everything that would remind us that it was once a mosque.

[@marvelfannumber1]

Nice video, although to nitpick, I did notice one common misconception. The Imperial Doors in Hagia Sophia are not original, they were added by the Fossatis in the 1840's. De Ceremoniis describes the original doors as being made of silver, with gilded panelling. The brass door frame however is still the original.

[@toldinstone]

I had read about the doors' gilding, but assumed that the precious metal was removed by the Crusaders, leaving the doors despoiled but intact.

[@marcmalki734]

In Rome some basilicas still display original ancient Greek bronze temple doors.

[@ankur7773]

ISLAM SUPPORT JIHAD THESE PEOPLE CAN NOT SURVIVE WITH OUT JIHAD WITH OUT LYING🤷‍♂

[@christineyetman640]

What a beautiful place...are their any plans of a restoration project of the ceiling..Can you imagine how it would really look

[@deepsouth3319]

Excellent

[@JackDSquat]

Too bad it’s now a mosque and not a museum anymore

[@TimmacTR]

Now it's a mosque. You know, because diversity

[@momon969]

America is now christian. You know, because diversity.

[@TimmacTR]

@@momon969 Not sure how this is relevant. America has freedom and respect of each other's beliefs

[@momon969]

​@@TimmacTR All the Christian art is still there, after 500 years of Muslim rule. You claim that that's not respectful? When Christianity arrived in the Americas, it wiped out EVERYTHING. Every culture, every religion, gone. replaced. Which seems more free and respectful?

[@TimmacTR]

@@momon969 Lol, you have no idea idiiot.. Western countries are 100% more respectful of other faiths than Turkey. As a matter of fact Western countries are going the other way, becoming more intolerant of their own ancestral faiths than the imported ones.

[@momon969]

If Turkey doesn't respect other faiths, and western countries respect them 100% more, that's still no respect. And I'm not going to take you serious if you're already resorting to insults.

[@jadymulqueeney]

Wonderful

[@brianmccarthy5557]

There's also a spot on the wall somewhere in the nave that legend says opened up and allowed the last congregation and priests before the Turkish conquerors battled their way in to pass into before closing. There they sleep until the cathderal is restored to Christendom. Then they will awake and come forth as a sign. I think this is slightly related to the famous Seven Sleepers of Antioch Tale that used to be so well known.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

my first visit to Hagia Sophia was 2015, then 2017 and 2019 (exterior only, because my 15 days museum pass expired!) Each time I saw it in person, I can't help but to think about it's rich history, that this beautiful structure still stand tall today. I always made a point to walked up to the 2nd level, so the images here are very familiar to me, and now I learned more about each of the details. It's sad that it's re converted into a mosque, but it should be free to enter since it's a mosque, right?

[@toldinstone]

It is free to enter now, and the whole building can be explored between prayer times.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

@@toldinstone deep down, I still wish it's not a mosque but just a museum. Did they cover all the angles on the ceilings?

[@toldinstone]

@@worldcitizeng6507 The mosaics of the apse are covered with cloth; the rest are still visible.

[@MrBebaslepas]

@@worldcitizeng6507 "deep down, I still wish it's not a mosque but just a museum" So you would still feel better or even won't bother you at all if it isn't a Church either, as long as if it's only a Museum? As a Muslim, i find it funny you've made such a statement if you are actually a Christian.

[@soulsirius]

before it's paid now entrence is free..good thing..and who cares whether if it is a church or mosque since both basically are same things..

[@cazwalt9013]

Truly fit to glorify the one true God of all ✝️

[@haroldjones9321]

It seems to have had a varied and rather convoluted history. A place to meet and shop.

[@bgd73]

truly special..location splitting two worlds, the building having many in one place. That is what all that religious stuff is about anyway.

[@StanleyKowalski.]

if architect Sinan didnt add buttresses , Hagia Sophia would collapsed long ago, as stated by contemporary architects.

[@toldinstone]

Yes, the Ottoman buttresses (and the older buttresses added by late Byzantine emperors) are critical to the building's stability.

[@apolodorojpge4419]

It would be more simple to restore the natural butrresess of the church, the four "buttreses" above the second floor what scale to the top of the arches and make the arch of the tympanum are really towers with stairs inside, its probably than their help to stop the dome's weight, but the stairs are destroyed because the turks dont now of it, and just add big buttreses on the exterior to help these, not to fill all the exterior with buttreses