Runic inscriptions in Hagia Sophia – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The first runic inscription was discovered in 1964 on a parapet on the top floor of the southern gallery, and the discovery was published by Elisabeth Svärdström in “Runorna i Hagia Sofia”, Fornvännen 65 (1970), 247-49. The inscription is worn down so only -alftan, which is the Norse name Halfdan, is legible. The remainder of the inscription is considered to be illegible, but it is possible that it followed the common formula “NN carved these runes”.

[From Runic inscriptions in Hagia Sophia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

“NN carved these runes” being Norse for “NN was here”. We human beings are simple, simple creatures, aren’t we?