According to the Patria, Anastasius built this cistern because there was a famine.

The attribution to Anastasius is found in the Patria of Constantinople, a 10th century (sometimes unreliable) survey of Constantinople. However, an in situ brickstamp appears to have been in a typical style of the 5th century (might also be old stock). The stamp carried an eight indiction, and may therefore date to 499/500 or 514/15, which supports the claim from the Patria.

Its shape and structure differs from the other two reservoirs (Aspar, Aetius). This betrays a different date of construction. Instead of displaying an alternation of bands of brick with bands of mortared rubble that are faced with neatly-squared limestone blocks, the brick bonding courses are themselves faced with stone (longer, higher and deeper blocks) (Crow et al., 2008, p. 132).

Gilles (16th century) wrongly attributed the construction to Justinian (r. 527-565) but was aware that other sources already claimed Anastasius built it.