By the Novel XI from 535, the bishops of the Mediterranean Dacia, including Niš, fell under the subjugation to Justiniana Prima. Such arbitrary formation of an archbishopric provoked dissension with the Pope, which resulted in a slightly moderated Novel of 545, in which the authority over the town areas was rendered to the respective bishops.

Following the examples of his predecessors Diocletian (Split), Galerius (Romuliana - Gamzigrad), Constantine the Great (Niš), Justinian also founded the city Justiniana Prima near his birthplace Taurision. It is most probably the present-day Empress' Fortress near Lebane, close to Leskovac. In this respect, the great number of churches found in the area of Justiniana Prima may easily be understood. Ten so far discovered church buildings covered particular parts of the city, spreading religion but keeping them simultaneously under the control of the authorities.