Thread by @ArysPan

The Column of Constantine, one of the most important monuments of Byzantine Constantinople. 4th c. CE

#byzantine #Archaeology

Located at the middle of the city’s main forum, the circular Forum of Constantine (Φόρος Κωνσταντίνου) along the Mese (Μέση Οδός), the city’s main street on the route of the triumphal processions, which started at the Golden Gate and ended at the Great Palace complex.

The column originally had a gigantic statue of Constantine at the top. It is made by Egyptian porphyry, which was a highly prized imperial purple stone reserved exclusively for members of the imperial family. Now it is almost 35 meters tall.

The monument had an important role in the inaugural ceremony of the foundation of Constantinople as the New Rome (Νέα Ρώμη/Nova Roma) and major celebrations were held there.

©Antoine Helbert

At the base and atop the column a number of important relics were placed. The sacred Palladium of Athena from Rome (originally from Troy), parts of the True Cross, the ax of Noah, the rock from which water sprang at the command of Moses, nails from the Passion of Christ etc

In 1106 the statue was knocked to the ground during a storm. Repaired by Manuel I Comnenus and topped with a cross.
Inscription:Τὸ θ]εῖον ἔργον ἐνθάδε φθαρὲν χρόνῳ καινεῖ Μανουὴλ [ε]ὐσεβὴς αὐτοκράτω[ρ].
Manuel,the pious ruler,restored this God’s work destroyed by time.