Byzantine Hippodrome

Located just in from of the Blue Mosque is the ancient "Hippodrome", one of the most famous areas in Byzantine Constantinople, which served as a meeting place for the politicians, for chariot races and other athletic activities. The Hippodrome was built originally by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 A.D. when he rebuilt the town of Byzantium, but was Constantine the Great who gave more importance to the Hippodrome and ordered to renovate it. It is estimated that the Hippodrome of Constantine was about 450 metres long and 130 metres wide with a capacity to hold 100,000 spectators.

Publishes at : 07-07-04 04:56

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