 The first church on the site, consecrated in 360 (during the reign of Constantius II), was simply known as the ("Megálē Ekklēsíā", "Great Church", or in Latin "Magna Ecclesia") A tradition which ascribes the church to Constantine the Great does not predate the 7th century.The dedication of the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople under Justin II served as a template for the dedication of other Byzantine churches as well as early medieval churches in Italy prior to the Great Schism.Saint Sofia Church, Sofia is claimed as near-contemporary to the basilica in Constantinople.