The Hippodrome of Constantinople

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.