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The Assembly at the Campus
When the day of the imperial proclamation arrived, all those concerned with the event gathered on the Campus at the Hebdomon. This included soldiers,...
Valens and the Development of the Harbour of the Hebdomon
Emperor Valens showed special interest in the suburb of the Hebdomon, not only by using it for important state ceremonies but also by improving...
Public Punishment and Imperial Justice at the Hebdomon
The Hebdomon was not only a place of military gathering and ceremony, but also a site where public executions were carried out. When executions...
Tekfour Serai and the Palace Question
Gyllius mentions Tekfour Serai under the name of the Palace of Constantine. He also recognizes that there was a Palace of the Magnaura located...
Du Cange and the Meaning of the Hebdomon
Unlike Gyllius, Du Cange was unable to accept the loose interpretation given to the Greek phrase referring to the Hebdomon. He insisted on what...
A Misguided Search for the Hebdomon
Guided by his unusual interpretation of Sozomen’s account, Gyllius began a determined effort to identify the exact location of the Hebdomon. He was an...
Theodosian Walls
A Response to a Growing City
The Theodosian Walls were built because Constantinople grew rapidly in both population and importance. The city had originally been...
Supplying Water to the New Capital
One of the biggest challenges in building the new city of Constantinople was providing enough clean water. While the ancient water system of Byzantium,...
The Three Main Streets of Constantinople
The city of Constantinople had three main streets that served as the major communication routes across the city. These streets were designed to help...
The Western Spur and Its Ancient Fortifications
Even though the fortifications around the western spur of the Sixth Hill may have a very old origin, it is wrong to think that...
