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The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was a grand public arena primarily used for chariot races. Beyond races, it served as a venue for gladiator games, imperial ceremonies, public protests, and executions during the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
Originally built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 CE, the Hippodrome was later expanded by Constantine I when he established Constantinople as the Byzantine capital in 330 CE. Constantine enlarged the structure and connected it to the Great Palace of Constantinople, remnants of which can still be seen at the Museum of the Great Palace Mosaics.
With a seating capacity of approximately 40,000, the Hippodrome was a center of both entertainment and political power. It was adorned with monuments brought from across the empire, including the Serpent Column from Delphi and the Obelisk of Thutmosis III from Egypt, also known as the Obelisk of Theodosius. These monuments were a display of the Byzantine Empire’s vast reach and dominance.
Under Ottoman rule, the Hippodrome was renamed At Meydanı (Horse Square) but was no longer used as an arena. Instead, it became a public square. The construction of the İbrahim Paşa Palace, which now houses the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, in the 16th century and the Blue Mosque in the 17th century caused significant damage to the site. By the 18th century, it had largely been abandoned.
Today, the Hippodrome is easily accessible from Sultanahmet Tram Station, just a two-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It is surrounded by other significant historical sites, including Topkapi Palace, the Underground Cistern, and the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. As it is located in Istanbul’s most touristic district, visitors can find a range of accommodations nearby, with luxury and boutique hotels such as Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Ibrahim Pasha Hotel, and Armada Sultanahmet Old City.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.