A Hymn to Justinian? The Aspect of Hymn Poetry in the Ekphrasis of Hagia Sophia by Paul the Silentiary

Abstract

The Ekphrasis of Hagia Sophia, written by Paul the Silentiary in 562 AD, is known for its vivid description of Hagia Sophia. However, the Greek hexameter poem also includes panegyrics to Emperor Justinian. In v. 145–185, Justinian is praised with a hymn that resembles the Homeric Hymns. This is remarkable because the Homeric Hymns did not conform with the concept of hymns of the 6th century, which was defined by liturgical hymns. In the Ekphrasis, the contemporary concept is very present. The text frequently refers to liturgical chanting and even relates to a specific hymn. Thus, the aspect of hymn poetry in the Ekphrasis of Hagia Sophia appears very ambiguous. This paper addresses this ambiguity. It discusses how hymn poetry is involved in Paul’s Ekphrasis and asks if the contrast given by the Hymn to Justinian in v. 145–185 reflects the literary programme of the poem.