The Hippodrome of Constantinople

Engin Akyürek

doi:10.1017/9781108942959

Series: Elements in the History of Constantinople

The Hippodrome of Constantinople

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 September 2021

Engin Akyürek

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Engin Akyürek: Affiliation:
Koç University, Istanbul

Summary

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was constructed in the fourth century AD, by the Roman Emperor Constantine I, in his new capital. Throughout Byzantine history the Hippodrome served as a ceremonial, sportive and recreational center of the city; in the early period, it was used mainly as an arena for very popular, competitive, and occasionally violent chariot races, while the Middle Ages witnessed the imperial ceremonies coming to the fore gradually, although the races continued. The ceremonial and recreational role of the Hippodrome somehow continued during the Ottoman period. Being the oldest structure in the city, the Hippodrome has witnessed exciting chariot races, ceremonies glorifying victorious emperors as well as the charioteers, and the riots that shook the imperial authority. Today, looking to the remnants of the Hippodrome, one can imagine the glorious past of the site.

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Byzantium/Byzantine ceremonies chariot Constantinople Hippodrome

Type: Element
Information: Series: Elements in the History of Constantinople

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108942959 [Opens in a new window]

Online ISBN: 9781108942959

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication: 07 October 2021

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The Hippodrome of Constantinople

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