Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a happening place to be during our visit. There were food and drink vendors as well as great live music. We enjoyed a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and some roasted chestnuts too.

The first Hippodrome on this site was built in 203 AD by Emperor Severus as an arena for entertainment such as chariot races. In 324 AD when Constantine made the decision to move the seat of the government from Rome to Byzantium (Constantinople) he greatly enlarged the city and renovated the Hippodrome. The major features of today's Hippodrome include the Serpent Column that I wrote about yesterday, the Obelisk of Thutmose III, and the Walled Obelisk.

 

 

The Obelisk of Thutmose III was brought from the Temple of Karnak in Luxor (the first site Rob and I visited while in Egypt) to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD. It is carved from Aswan granite but was cut into three pieces to be brought to Constantinople. Only the top portion survives and it does so quite remarkable considering it is nearly 3500 years old!