Where is Istanbul, what was the Hippodrome of Constantinople and what was the Great Palace of Constantine?
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey while the hippodrome was an arena built by a Roman emperor who conquered ancient Constantinople in 203 CE.
THE Hippodrome of Constantinople was an ancient arena in Istanbul which hosted blood sports and horse racing.
Let’s take a closer look at Istanbul and the famous building.
Where is Istanbul?
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and has a population of over 15 million.
The city straddles the Bosporus Strait which separates Europe and Asia.
Previously named Constantinople, the city served as the imperial capital of the Byzantium (Eastern Roman) eras (330–1204 and 1261–1453).
What was the Hippodrome of Constantinople?
The hippodrome was an arena located in what is now known as Sultanahmet Square in modern day Istanbul.
It was built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus who conquered ancient Constantinople, known as Byzantion, in 203 CE.
He renamed the city Augusta Antonina while the original version of the Hippodrome was one of the first structures he built.
However, in 330 CE, Constantine I took control of the city and named it Constantinople.
The city’s new ruler rebuilt the Hippodrome and made it larger connecting it to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
The arena was home to blood sports between gladiators and the torture of prisoners as well as horse racing and celebrations.
In fact, the word hippos means “horse” in Greek while dromos means “way”.
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What was the Great Palace of Constantine?
The palace, which was located where the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque is in modern Istanbul, was the main royal residence in Constantinople of emperors during the Byzantine era.
It was located behind the hippodrome and had a total surface area of over 200,000 square feet.
Most of the palace was demolished during the rebuilding of the city during the Ottoman era (1453-1922).
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