Justinian turned the greatest domestic challenge of his reign (the Nika riots) into a spectacular opportunity for promoting his gloria. He constructed the last imperial forum in Constantinople on the ruins and foundations of the old Augoustaion. Hagia Sophia was the first major element of the new vision to be constructed (532–37 CE), while the triumphal column was the last (ca. 543 CE). No ruler in the premodern era would surpass Justinian’s spectacular accomplishments of either Hagia Sophia or the triumphal column. Justinian deliberately appropriated a colossal equestrian sculpture from the forum of Theodosios. While rulers before him commissioned great equestrian monuments, only he chose to place an equestrian monument at the top of a triumphal column. Like the colossal statues of his predecessors, Constantine and Theodosios, the equestrian Justinian also faced east. The bronze horseman came to command the city’s skyline and define the image of Constantinople. This awesome statement of power became a towering reminder of Justinian and his seemingly boundless might.

Justinian was an outsider who became the ultimate insider thanks to family connections and steely political acumen. During the decade of his uncle’s rule, Justinian patiently and persistently elevated himself in power and dignity. He collected titles and honors, wooed supporters, strengthened his network, and initiated building projects. Already at the inception of his reign in 527 he articulated a competitive desire to outshine and elevate himself above his imperial predecessors. Encountering the Theodosian city must have convinced Justinian of the significance of Constantinople’s spaces of display and public stages for the commemoration of power. His intense competition for glory began before he ascended to the throne. The church of SS. Sergius and Bacchus foreshadowed his crowning achievements – Hagia Sophia and his triumphal column. These would transcend his lifespan, keep generations spellbound, and exercise powerful agency far beyond the boundaries of the empire.