Sixth century A.D.

Turkish Architect and Engineer

Isidorius of Miletus was born in Turkey during the early sixth century. Along with Anthemios of Tralles, Isidorius designed and constructed the Church of the Holy Wisdom, or the Hagia Sophia, in Constantinople. This church, a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture and design, was built in 532-37 under the reign and personal direction of Emperor Justinian (483-565).

Little is known of Isidorius's early life. He was born in Miletus and presumably received his education and training in architecture and engineering in the city of Constantinople. In addition, he was a respected scholar and teacher, known for revising the work of Greek mathematician Archimedes (287?-212 B.C.) and writing a commentary of a book by Hero of Alexandria (first century A.D.), a mathematician who invented toys, a pneumatic pump, and a formula for expressing the area...