he influx of refugees to Nicaea resulted in an important increase in the population of the new Empire, and Theodore I, faithful to the Byzantine tradition, set himself to the task of restoring and embellishing the cities. He also rebuilt the walls of Nicaea and Prousa.

As a consequence, the urban centres prospered, and this naturally also benefitted the clergy, since new bishoprics were created and the episcopal lists were revised in accordance with the new situation. Furthermore, the property of the Church was increased, as it received gifts of land from the emperor. Intellectuals who sought refuge in Nicaea also enjoyed the protection of Theodore I, who thus maintained and justified his title of patron of the arts and letters. The domestic policy of Theodore I was successful in building a strong foundation for his state, and established him as a worthy successor of the emperors of Byzantine Constantinople.