Turkiye 2023: The Hippodrome
Following the visit to the mausoleum, we visited the Hippodrome of Constantinople, or what is now a public square in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was home to chariot races, gladiator contests, protests, official ceremonies, celebrations, etc. It is estimated to be around 1,476 feet long and 427 feet wide. The track was about 1,000 feet for one lap.
There are 2 obelisks, which I thought was a little odd to be here, since aren't they Egyptian in origin?
The first obelisk is the Obelisk of Theodosius(click on the link for more information).
The other one is the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenetus. This is what Mr. Google has to say about it: Originally erected as a pagan triumphal column in celebration of Constantine's re-foundation of Byzantium as Constantinople in 330 C.E., this monument was soon reinterpreted within a Christian context and acquired its own relic tradition, most significantly relics from Christ's Passion.
There is also the Serpent Column. Here Mr. Google says: Serpentine column is another of the monuments in the Hippodrome, brought to Istanbul in the 4th century. This column was made from melted booty taken when the Greek army defeated the Persians. It had a golden cauldron at its top. This cauldron was attached by coils, each in the shape of a serpent.
And then there is the German Fountain, built to commemorate the visit of German Emperor to Istanbul in 1898. All materials were from Germany and constructed there, then assembled in its current site.
German Fountain Sign
See the cat?
I am consulting Mr. Google with the facts/information about the monuments because we were doing a DIY of this area before the guided tour begins the following day - well in 2 days. This is getting too long, so I will just end it here and serve these posts in bite-size pieces like I always do.
The first obelisk is the Obelisk of Theodosius(click on the link for more information).
The other one is the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenetus. This is what Mr. Google has to say about it: Originally erected as a pagan triumphal column in celebration of Constantine's re-foundation of Byzantium as Constantinople in 330 C.E., this monument was soon reinterpreted within a Christian context and acquired its own relic tradition, most significantly relics from Christ's Passion.
There is also the Serpent Column. Here Mr. Google says: Serpentine column is another of the monuments in the Hippodrome, brought to Istanbul in the 4th century. This column was made from melted booty taken when the Greek army defeated the Persians. It had a golden cauldron at its top. This cauldron was attached by coils, each in the shape of a serpent.
And then there is the German Fountain, built to commemorate the visit of German Emperor to Istanbul in 1898. All materials were from Germany and constructed there, then assembled in its current site.
German Fountain Sign
See the cat?
I am consulting Mr. Google with the facts/information about the monuments because we were doing a DIY of this area before the guided tour begins the following day - well in 2 days. This is getting too long, so I will just end it here and serve these posts in bite-size pieces like I always do.
Wow a great place with so much of history.
ReplyDeleteWonderful history and beautiful -- nice to have time on your own as well as the guided tour -- you must have really learned a lot by doing both!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful monuments. They do look like they belong in Egypt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, historic location!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletebeautiful images!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how they manage to preserve these monuments through decades.
ReplyDelete