Before Justinian’s monumental Hagia Sophia rose over Constantinople, a grand basilica built by Emperor Theodosius II stood in its place—now nearly erased from memory. In this episode of Echoes of History, we journey back to the political turmoil, fiery destruction, and architectural ambition of 5th-century Byzantium. Through archaeology, imperial drama, and early Christian symbolism, we uncover the lost legacy buried just meters beneath one of the world’s most iconic monuments.