About Hippodrome of Constantinople

Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public arena mainly for chariot races. It was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, parades, public executions and public shaming of enemies of the emperor.

Hippodrome History

The first hippodrome was built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3^rd century CE. It was later made more grandiose by Emperor Constantine I who enlarged the hippodrome and connected it to the Great Palace of Constantinople which today lies beneath the Blue Mosque. The hippodrome was free and open to male members of the community. At least eight different games could be held throughout the day. Huge amounts were bet on chariot races. Good charioteers were as important as public heroes during the Byzantine period.

Hippodrome Landmarks

The hippodrome was decorated with monuments that were brought in from across the empire including the Serpent Column from Delphi and Obelisk of Thutmosis III (Obelisk of Theodosius) from Egypt. With these landmarks and monuments, the Byzantine Empire was proudly showing its power.