The Courtyard and Buildings Around the Church

Such was the splendor with which the emperor chose to beautify this church. The building stood in a very large open courtyard, whose four sides were lined with colonnades that enclosed both the courtyard and the church itself. Next to these colonnades were rows of stately rooms, with baths and walkways, and many apartments besides, suited to the use of those who had charge of the place. [a]