The Hippodrome of Constantinople

Visitors to Sultanahmet Square today walk on the grounds of the magnificent Hippodrome of Constantinople. This enormous structure stretched 450 m (1,476 ft) long and 130 m (427 ft) wide. Picture yourself among the crowd of spectators in this massive arena. The venue could hold up to 100,000 people, though some experts suggest a more modest capacity between 30,000 and 40,000.

The hippodrome constantinople remained the city's political and social heart for almost 900 years. Roman Emperor Constantine I built this remarkable venue in the fourth century AD. The structure served more than just entertainment purposes. The infamous Nika riots of 532 CE marked a dark chapter in its history. Emperor Justinian I ordered the execution of 30,000 people trapped inside the Hippodrome, an event that reshaped Byzantine history forever.

The ancient site captivates modern visitors with its enduring mysteries. The Egyptian obelisk stands proudly after 3,500 years, while the connection to the Great Palace reminds us of emperors watching chariot races from their imperial box. The Hippodrome remains one of history's most awe-inspiring architectural achievements that continues to amaze visitors from around the world, even in its current state of ruins.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople is presently one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey today. Although some of its structures have been destroyed and have gone missing over time, there are still a lot of amazing things to see and explore. A lot of interesting materials have been excavated by archeologists over time, and these materials can still be seen in Istanbul’s museums. 

History of the Hippodrome

The arena was built by the emperor initially in AD 203 by Emperor Septimius Severus, who used it for chariot races, horse races, public festivals, and public executions of the emperor’s enemies. In AD 324, Emperor Constantine decided to move the capital of Rome to Byzantium. To do this, he had to carry out major renovations in Byzantium, and one of these major renovations was carried out on the Hippodrome. The hippodrome was upgraded so that its newfound beauty would suit the status of the city. After the renovation, the Hippodrome of Constantinople was estimated to be about 450m long and 130m wide. Its stand was also said to be able to hold 100,000 spectators, all at one time.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the center of the city's social life; it was used for various occasions, such as the lavish circumcision ceremony of the sons of Sultan Ahmed III. It can also be observed from the miniature paintings & figurines of the Hippodrome of Constantinople that the arena was once a magnificent and very beautiful place. Although the structures do not exist anymore in the square, the present Sultanahmet square largely follows the ground plan and dimensions of the once-great Hippodrome. 

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What was the Hippodrome of Constantinople used for?

Although a lot of activities took place in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the major activities that took place in the arena were horse and chariot races. These races, which were usually completed on the tracks of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, usually involved eight chariots powered by four horses each. These racers were divided into four different teams, each of which tried to secure the win for its rider during the race. The teams were The Blues (Veneto), The Red (Rousioi), The Whites (Leukoi), and The Greens (Prasiniol). These teams were not just the mighty champions of the Hippodrome; they gradually grew in power until they became a sort of political party that dabbled in the affairs of the rich & poor of the empire equally. The red and the Whites gradually weakened in strength, and as time went on, they were absorbed by The Blues and The Green. Emperor Justinian I of Constantinople was a Blue. 

Also, the arena served some other functions other than hosting the sports activities for which it was primarily built. It served as a medium through which the emperor met with the people, engaged with them & tapped into the heartbeat of the public. During races, people would often shout out their political demands to the Emperor, who was always present at such races. The king also flaunted his wealth and riches during these races, occasionally giving out money and gifts to people during these gatherings.

The Monuments That Continue to Impress

Three extraordinary survivors from antiquity command attention within the former hippodrome's boundaries, each bearing witness to civilizations separated by millennia. These archaeological treasures represent an unparalleled convergence of Egyptian pharaonic power, Hellenic triumph, and Byzantine imperial ambition.

The 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk

Predating Constantinople itself by nearly two millennia, the Obelisk of Theodosius emerges as the site's most ancient sentinel. Pharaoh Thutmose III commissioned this red granite masterpiece at Aswan, where skilled artisans shaped its original 30-meter height. Transportation across the Mediterranean inflicted considerable damage, reducing the monolith to its current 18.54 meters, though the marble base elevates the total structure to 25.6 meters.

Theodosius I's ambitious relocation project in 390 CE transported this pharaonic monument across vast distances to grace his capital. Hieroglyphic inscriptions adorning each face commemorate Thutmose III's decisive victory over the Mitanni kingdom circa 1450 BC. The marble pedestal showcases intricate bas-reliefs depicting Theodosius presenting victory crowns at chariot races, while spectators and musicians populate the surrounding scenes.

The mysterious Serpent Column

Bronze serpents intertwined in eternal vigilance mark the Hellenic contribution to this monument collection. Forged to celebrate the Greek triumph over Persian forces at Plataea in 479 BC, this commemorative column originally graced Apollo's sacred sanctuary at Delphi. Constantine's systematic appropriation of classical treasures brought this trophy to Constantinople in 324 CE.

Archaeological evidence reveals that the column once supported a golden tripod, which Phocian raiders appropriated in 355 BC. The serpent heads endured until the late 17th century, when Silahdar Findiklili Mehmed Aga recorded their mysterious disappearance "on the night of October 20, 1700". Only a solitary upper jaw survives today, carefully preserved within the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

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The Walled Obelisk and its lost bronze plates

Masonry rather than monolithic stone characterizes the third monument, whose 32-meter height dominates the southern approach. This "Walled Obelisk" achieved its former splendor through gilded bronze plates that Constantine VII commissioned during the 10th century.

These decorative elements, depicting Basil I's military triumphs, vanished during the Fourth Crusade's systematic plundering in 1204, melted down for their precious metal content. Ancient inscriptions compare the structure's grandeur to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes. Janissary recruits regularly scaled its heights as demonstrations of physical prowess, accelerating the surface deterioration visible today. Despite centuries of weathering and human interference, this monument maintains its imposing presence, continuing to fascinate visitors through sheer architectural persistence.

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Best Time to Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople 

If you are planning to visit the wonderful Hippodrome of Constantinople, then it would be best for you to visit around March to May and between September and November. At these times, the city will be less crowded, and the room rates will be relatively low. Also, the weather is extremely pleasing, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Easy access and nearby attractions

The square's strategic positioning provides immediate proximity to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. Subterranean hippodrome remnants await exploration within the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, offering visitors unprecedented access to foundations that supported imperial ceremonies for nearly a millennium.

Travel Tips 

As you visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, take your camera with you, as there are some wonderful spots for you to take excellent pictures. Also, be careful not to cause any damage to the structures and artifacts you find at the site, and ensure you follow the instructions given to you by your travel guides.