Athens remained a popular educational destination, despite its relative decline as a cultural centre in late antiquity (2nd-3th century). Emperor Hadrian revived the glory of its classical past until the destructive raid of the Heruli in 267. During the Byzantine period, Athens was a provincial town, and episcopal see that stands out thanks to the establishment of many elegant churches (Agioi Theodoroi, Kapnikarea, Agios Eleftherios, Agioi Apostoloi). In 1018, Emperor Basil II visited Athens to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Kleidion with a feast of thanksgiving in the Parthenon, which had been converted into the Christian church of Panagia Atheniotissa.