Byzantine Constantinople, the walls of the city and adjoining historical sites — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Byzantine Constantinople, the walls of the city and adjoining historical sites
John Stuart Mill · en
Among other churches ascribed to the founder of the city are those
dedicated, respectively, to St. Mokius, St. Acacius, St. Agathonicus,
and to Michael the Archangel at Anaplus (Arnaoutkeui), on the
Bosporus.[137] There is no doubt that in the foundation of New Rome,
Constantine emphasized the alliance of the Empire with the Christian
Church. “Over the entrance of his palace,” says Eusebius, “he caused a
rich cross to be erected of gold and precious stones, as a protection
and a divine charm against the machinations and evil purposes of his
enemies.”[138]
Three streets running the length of the city formed the great arteries
of communication.[139]
One started from the south-western end of the palace enclosure, and
proceeded along the Sea of Marmora to the Church of St. Æmilianus, at
the southern extremity of the land wall. At that point was the Harbour
of Eleutherius,[140] on the site of Vlanga Bostan, providing the city
with what Nature had failed to supply—a harbour of refuge on the
southern coast of the promontory.
Another street commenced at the south-eastern end of the palace grounds
(Tzycanisterion), and ran first to the point of the Acropolis along the
eastern shore of the city, passing on the way the theatre and
amphitheatre of Byzantium. Near the latter Constantine built the
Mangana, or Military Arsenal.[141] The street then proceeded westwards
along the Golden Horn, past the Temples of Zeus and Poseidon, the
Stadium, the Strategion, and the principal harbours of the city, to the
Church of St. Antony in the quarter of Harmatius. In the Strategion an
equestrian statue of Constantine was placed, and a pillar bearing the
edict which bestowed upon the city the name of New Rome, as well as the
rights and privileges of the elder capital.[142]
The third street started from the main gate of the palace, and
proceeded, first, from the Augustaion to the Forum of Constantine. On
reaching the Third Hill it divided into two branches, one leading to the
Porta Aurea and the Exokionion, the other to the Church of the Holy
Apostles and the Gate of the Polyandrion. This was the main artery of
the city, and was named the Mesè (Μεσὴ) on account of its central
position. Porticoes built by Eubulus, one of the senators who
accompanied Constantine from Rome, lined both sides of the Mesè, and one
side of the two other streets, adding at once to the convenience and
beauty of the thoroughfares. The porticoes extending from the Augustaion
to the Forum of Constantine were particularly handsome.[143] Upon the
summit of all the porticoes walks or terraces were laid out, adorned
with countless statues, and commanding views of the city and of the
surrounding hills and waters. Thus, the street scenery of Constantinople
combined the attractions of Art and Nature.