Giustino II e il restyling del Portus Novus a Costantinopoli

Several monuments, either within or outside the walls of Constantinople, are to be quite certainly attributed to emperor Justin II (565-578). Sources inform us about some public buildings he commanded ex-novo, as well as concerning restorations he undertook in a number of already existing complexes. This latter is the case – for instance – of the old Harbour of Julian, located to the southwest of the hippodrome, in a deep inlet of the coastline of the Sea of Marmara. Having been inaugurated with the name of Portus Novus under emperor Julian (361-363), it provided a convenient shelter even for large ships in the very proximity of the Great Palace. Since it proved to be quite exposed to sand filling, it underwent to frequent dredging works. Further – significant – works were carried out at the harbour by order of Justin II. These works consisted in a whole architectural restyling. New honorary columns were raised, bearing the statues of the emperor and – notably – of his wife Sophia, after whom the harbour was renamed “Harbour of Sophia”.