Some scholars have claimed that the Magnaura was founded in 425 A.D. during the reign of
Emperor Theodosius II. However, others dispute this assertion on the grounds that it arises from an incorrect conflation of the
University of Constantinople with the later palace school (
ekpaideutērion) housed at the Magnaura that was founded by
caesar Bardas in the mid-9th century. The location and architectural features of the Magnaura seem to correspond with those provided by
Procopius in his description of the
Senate House, which was rebuilt by
Justinian I. Amongst the different ceremonies held at the Magnaura was the
silention held at the beginning of
Lent, at which the imperial household and members of the Byzantine bureaucracy would gather on its great staircase. == Description ==