Final answer:
The great cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was renowned for its impressive dome and was adorned with magnificent mosaics on its interior walls and dome, representing a hierarchical arrangement of sacred images.
Step-by-step explanation:
The great cathedral mentioned in your question is Hagia Sophia, located in Constantinople, which is present-day Istanbul. This monumental structure was known for its impressive dome and served as a central piece of Byzantine architecture during its time.
Inside the Hagia Sophia and many other Byzantine churches, walls were often covered with magnificent mosaics. These mosaics depicted holy figures, geometric patterns, and stories through intricate designs composed of small pieces of colored glass, stone, and precious materials.
In the Middle Byzantine period, such churches embraced centrally planned designs, adding a vertical axis to prompt viewers to look upwards towards the heavens. The interiors, including the domes, featured comprehensive iconographic schemes portraying a hierarchical arrangement of sacred images.
The highest spaces were typically reserved for Christ or depictions of heaven, while lower levels portrayed saints and historical events accessible to the worshippers below. They were not only religious and artistic masterpieces but also symbolic representations of the cosmos, with the uppermost sections reflecting the heavens.