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Sunday, July 13, 2025

The Church of SS Manual Sabel and Ishmael

The church dedicated to the three martyr brothers, SS. Manual, Sabel, and Ishmael, was likely located on the Fifth Hill. This is because it stood near the point where the wall began to descend towards the Golden Horn. This matches the description in the Synaxaria, which states that the church was beside the land wall of Constantine, situated on steep ground, and close to the Church of St. Elias at the Petrion. The location of the church aligns with these details, confirming that it must have been on the Fifth Hill.


The District of Harmatius


The district of Harmatius is named after a notable figure during the reign of Emperor Zeno. The district can be found in the plain bordered by the Fifth, Fourth, and Third Hills, as well as the Golden Horn. This plain, known in later years as the Plateia (or IlXareia), was the area where the fortifications of Constantine’s wall would have descended from the Fifth Hill. The walls then proceeded on their northeastern course toward the Golden Horn Private Sofia Tour.


The Notitia, a historical document, indicates that the northern end of the city’s walls extended to this point. It is likely that in Constantine’s time, the bay at this location extended further into the plain than it does today.


Church of St. Antony


A church dedicated to St. Antony was located in this part of the city. The Archbishop of Novgorod visited Constantinople at the end of the eleventh century and documented his visit to the church of St. Antony. Before visiting St. Antony’s church, he paid his respects at several other notable churches in the city, including the Church of St. Theodosia, the Church of St. Isaiah, and the Church of St. Laurentius. These churches were all located in the same plain.


The Church of St. Theodosia is believed to have been located at what is now the Mosque Gul Djami, near Aya Kapou. The Church of St. Isaiah is thought to correspond to the Mosque of Sheik Mourad, and the Church of St. Laurentius is believed to be represented by the Mosque of Pour Kouyou, further to the south.


The Location of St. Antony’s Church


The Archbishop mentions that the Church of St. Antony was on higher ground than the Church of St. Laurentius. It was situated slightly up the slope of the Fourth Hill. This suggests that the church of St. Antony of Harmatius was located at a slightly elevated spot, which is consistent with the historical description of the church’s location. Therefore, it is highly probable that this church occupied the higher ground just above the Fourth Hill.


In summary, the churches and landmarks mentioned in the text correspond to specific locations within Constantinople, primarily around the Fifth, Fourth, and Third Hills, and the Golden Horn. The Church of SS. Manual, Sabel, and Ishmael was located on the Fifth Hill, near the Constantinian wall. The district of Harmatius is situated in the plain bordered by the Golden Horn, while the Church of St. Antony is thought to have been located on the higher ground near the Fourth Hill.

The Location of the Cistern of Bonus

Dr. Strzygowski proposed that the Cistern of Bonus might have been located near Eski Ali Pasha Djamissi, on the northern bank of the Lycus Valley, to the southwest of the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed. However, there have been no traces of a cistern found in this area. Despite this, Strzygowski’s suggestion is reasonable when considering its proximity to the line of Constantine’s Wall and the Church of the Holy Apostles.


Yet, the choice of this location for a summer palace remains unclear. The area might have been cool and suitable for such a purpose, but without further evidence, it’s hard to explain why this spot was specifically chosen for the palace.


The Constantinian Wall and Its Route


The Constantinian Wall, after passing the Cistern of Aspar, turns sharply to the north-east. The wall continues towards the shore of the Golden Horn by crossing the ridge of the Fifth Hill at an oblique angle. This direction is important for two reasons Private Sofia Tour.


Why the Wall Took This Route


First, this route helps keep the width of the city within the dimensions specified in the Notitia, an important source of information about the city’s layout. According to the Notitia, the city’s Eleventh Region did not extend all the way to the Golden Horn. The document clearly states: “Nulla parte mari sociata est,” which translates to “No part [of the region] is connected to the sea.”


This statement implies that the northern fortifications of the city, in the Eleventh Region, were not near the water but set back from it. This further explains why the fortifications along the northern front of the city must have been positioned at a distance from the Golden Horn.


The Geography of the Fifth Hill


The Fifth Hill slopes steeply toward the Golden Horn, so there wasn’t much available land for building on this side of the city. The only usable space for the fortifications in this area would have been the plateau of the Fifth Hill. This location is where the large cistern beside the Mosque of Sultan Selim can be found.


While Dr. Strzygowski’s suggestion about the Cistern of Bonus location is reasonable based on the proximity to significant landmarks, there is still no physical evidence to confirm it. Additionally, the path taken by the Constantinian Wall was essential for maintaining the boundaries of the city as described in the Notitia. The geography of the Fifth Hill limited where fortifications could be built, which led to the positioning of key structures along its plateau.

The Cistern of Bonus and Its Importance

The Cistern of Bonus was located in a particularly cool area of Constantinople, making it an ideal spot during the hot summer months. Due to this location, Emperor Romanus I decided to build a palace near the cistern. This palace, known as the New Palace of Bonus, served as his residence during the warmer season.


Cool Location and Attractive Views


In Constantinople, there was no cooler place to be in the summer than the terrace where the Mosque of Sultan Selim now stands. The area offered a great view of the Golden Horn, which made it even more attractive. This combination of coolness and breathtaking views made it the perfect spot for the emperor to escape the heat of the summer months Private Sofia Tour.


Proximity to the Church of the Holy Apostles


Another important factor to consider is the Cistern of Bonus’s proximity to the Church of the Holy Apostles. On the eve of an important annual service held in the church to honor Constantine the Great, the Imperial Court would often stay at the Palace of Bonus. This was done to be within easy riding distance of the church for the festival the next morning. The close location of the Palace of Bonus to the Church of the Holy Apostles made it a convenient place for the emperor and his court to stay during the event.


The Route from the Palace to the Church


On the way from the Palace of Bonus to the Church of the Holy Apostles, there was an old cistern that had been converted into market gardens. This cistern might have been the one near the Mosque of Sultan Selim, which further supports the idea that the Cistern of Bonus was located near the mosque.


The Wall of Constantine and Its Relation to the Cistern

The Wall of Constantine, which surrounded Constantinople, passed close to the Cistern of Bonus. Specifically, the wall moved from the Cistern of Aspar to the Golden Horn, passing near the Mosque of Sultan Selim. This supports the idea that the cistern near the mosque could have been the Cistern of Bonus.


A Key Difference in Identification


However, there is a significant issue with identifying the Cistern of Bonus with the reservoir near the Mosque of Sultan Selim. The Cistern of Bonus was roofed, while the reservoir beside the mosque appears to have always been open. This key difference suggests that while the two locations are close, they may not be the same.


The Cistern of Bonus played an important role in the life of Constantinople. It was strategically located in a cool and pleasant area, close to the Palace of Bonus and the Church of the Holy Apostles. While there is evidence to support its location near the Mosque of Sultan Selim, the difference in the structure of the cisterns makes it uncertain whether they are the same. Further research may be needed to fully confirm the exact location of this significant Byzantine landmark.

The Cistern of Bonus and Its Location

The conclusion regarding the course of the Constantinian Wall aligns with the information given by Zosimus and the Notitia. As mentioned earlier, these sources suggest that the wall passed close to this point. Now, let’s look at another important landmark: the Cistern of Bonus.


The Importance of the Cistern of Bonus


The Cistern of Bonus was built by the Patrician Bonus, a well-known figure in Byzantine history. He is most famous for his brave defense of Constantinople in 627. During that time, the Emperor Heraclius was away in Persia fighting the Persians and the Avars. Bonus’s efforts in protecting the city while the emperor was abroad earned him significant recognition.


Dispute Over the Cistern’s Location


There is a disagreement about where exactly the Cistern of Bonus was located. It is not easy to determine its exact position with the information we have today. Gyllius, a 16th-century traveler, believed that the cistern was a large one located on the Sixth Hill, near the Church of St. John in Petra. He described it as being 300 paces in length and robbed of its roof and columns, turned into a vegetable garden Private Sofia Tour.


However, Gyllius’s identification may not be entirely accurate. The Constantinian Wall never extended that far west, so his identification of the cistern in that location is questionable.


Dr. Mordtmann’s Theory


Dr. Mordtmann, a modern scholar, has a different theory regarding the location of the Cistern of Bonus. He suggests that it was the large open reservoir found to the south-west of the Mosque of Sultan Selim, on the Fifth Hill. This idea has strong support, and there are several reasons to believe that the Cistern of Bonus was located in this area.


In conclusion, the Cistern of Bonus plays an important role in the history of Constantinople and its defenses. Although there is still some uncertainty about its exact location, the two main theories—Gyllius’s theory and Dr. Mordtmann’s theory—offer valuable insights into the city’s infrastructure during the time of Constantine. Further studies and discoveries may eventually provide a clearer answer regarding its precise location.

The Trojan Porticoes

One important landmark along the course of the Constantinian Wall were the Trojan Porticoes. These were located so close to the wall that the wall was sometimes called the Trojan Wall after them. The Trojan Porticoes were in the Twelfth Region of the city, and they likely lined the street leading from the Porta Aurea into the city. These porticoes were significant in architecture, and there are records that they were damaged by fire or earthquake. The exact reason for their name is unclear, and unfortunately, no remains of them exist today.


Monastery of St. Dius and the Convent of Icasia


The course of the Constantinian Wall is not well known in some areas. For instance, it is stated that the wall passed beside the Monastery of St. Dius and the Convent of Icasia, but the exact locations of these places are hard to identify. These establishments are believed to have been located near each other on the Seventh Hill.


The Monastery of St. Dius is said to have been from the time of Theodosius I and was mentioned by Antony of Novgorod in connection with the Church of St. Mokius and the Church of St. Luke. The Convent of Icasia was founded by a lady named Icasia, who was known for her beauty and intelligence. Emperor Theophilus had once considered marrying her, but he rejected her after she disagreed with his belief that women were the source of evil Private Sofia Tour.


The Cistern of Aspar


The Cistern of Aspar is another important landmark near the old city wall. According to the Paschal Chronicle, this cistern was located near the ancient wall. The Tchoukour Bostan, also known as the Byzantine reservoir, is located in the same area. It is situated along the road that leads from the Mosque of Sultan Mehemet to the Adrianople Gate in the Theodosian Walls.


The Tchoukour Bostan is a large Byzantine reservoir, and it is close to the Monastery of Manuel, which was founded by the general Manuel during the reign of Theophilus. The church of this monastery is now the Kefele Mesdjidi Mosque in the Salmak Tombruk quarter. The Tchoukour Bostan is the largest Byzantine reservoir in the area and is a significant historical feature.


In conclusion, the Constantinian Wall passed several important landmarks, including the Trojan Porticoes, the Monastery of St. Dius, and the Cistern of Aspar. While some details about their exact locations are unclear, these landmarks provide important clues to the history of Constantinople and the development of the city’s defenses during the reign of Constantine.

The Ancient Gate and Its Significance

On the summit of the hill stood a marble portico, shining bright white. In front of the entrance, there was a column that once had a statue on top. When Bondelmontius visited the city in 1422, the gate was still standing. It was shown on his map of Constantinople as the “Antiquissima Pulchra Porta” (The Most Ancient Beautiful Gate). The gate remained intact even after the Turkish Conquest and was known as Isa Kapoussi, meaning “The Gate of Jesus”. It stood proudly until 1508, when a great earthquake caused it to collapse.


The Fall of Isa Kapoussi


According to the Turkish historian Solak Zade, Isa Kapoussi, near Avret Bazaar, had been standing for about 1900 years before it fell to the ground in 1508. The historian writes, “Isa Kapoussi… fell and was levelled to the ground after existing for 1900 years.” Despite the destruction, the name of the gate still lingers in the area. A small mosque near Avret Bazaar is called Isa Kapoussi Mesdjidi (The Mosque of Isa Kapoussi), and the street next to it is named Isa Kapoussi Sokaki (Isa Kapoussi Street) Sofia Guided Tours.


The Mosque and Its Connection to the Gate


The mosque, now standing on the site, was originally a Christian church. The name of the mosque and street suggests the church may have had a name that influenced its Turkish title. This is significant because the original Isa Kapoussi gate was near the spot where this mosque stands today.


The Wall of Constantine


It is clear from these facts that the Wall of Constantine, when it crossed the Seventh Hill, passed very close to the Isa Kapoussi Mesdjidi mosque. This matches the previous conclusion about the location of the Exokionion district. The column outside the Ancient Gate was likely the same one that gave its name to the district. A column bearing a statue of the city’s founder, Constantine, would have been perfectly placed in front of this grand entrance.


In summary, the Ancient Gate of Constantine, also known as Isa Kapoussi, played an important role in the history of Constantinople. The gate stood for almost 1900 years before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1508. Today, the name Isa Kapoussi still lives on through the mosque and street nearby, marking the former location of this impressive structure.

The Exokionion and the Seventh Hill

The district on the Seventh Hill, located to the west of Avret Bazaar (the Forum of Arcadius) and next to the Cistern of Mokius, still carries the name Exokionion today, though in a Turkish form. The district is known as Alti Mermer, meaning “The Six Columns”. This is a Turkish adaptation of the Byzantine name Hexakionion, which was a common name for the Exokionion. Therefore, it’s clear that the Exokionion was situated on the Seventh Hill. The Wall of Constantine passed through this hill, just east of the Alti Mermer area.


The Ancient Gate of the Forerunner


The next important landmark in identifying the location of Constantine’s wall is the Ancient Gate of the Forerunner (also called the Ancient Gate). This gate provided a key reference for the position of the wall. It was part of the original fortifications of the city and outlasted many other structures, similar to how Temple Bar survived after the wall of London was gone. The gate became known as the Ancient Gate because of its great age Sofia Guided Tours.


The name Ancient Gate of the Forerunner comes from the fact that a church dedicated to John the Baptist (the Forerunner) was built next to the gate. The church was called the Church of the Forerunner at the Ancient Gate.


Description of the Ancient Gate


The Ancient Gate was described by Manuel Chrysolaras as one of the most impressive monuments in the city. It was located to the west of the Forum of Arcadius. The gate was so wide and tall that a tower or even a full-rigged ship could pass through its entrance. This highlights the grandeur of the gate and its importance in the city’s history.


In summary, the Exokionion was located on the Seventh Hill, and the Wall of Constantine passed through this area. The Ancient Gate of the Forerunner provided an important landmark that helped determine the position of the wall. This gate, along with the church dedicated to John the Baptist, played a significant role in the history of Constantinople.

The Soulou Monastery and Its History

The Soulou Monastery, originally founded by Romanus Argyrus, was one of the most important monastic establishments in Constantinople. The monastery’s church survived the Turkish conquest and remained under Greek control until 1643, when Sultan Ibrahim handed it over to the Armenian community. Since then, the church has been destroyed by fire twice. Today, it has been rebuilt and is known as St. George Church. The church is often called Soulou Monastir (the Water Monastery) because it is located next to an ancient cistern. It stands in the Psamathia district, at the southern slope of the Seventh Hill.


The Xerolophos and the Forum of Arcadius


The Xerolophos was the name of the Seventh Hill in general, but it was sometimes used to refer specifically to the Forum of Arcadius (which is located in Avret Bazaar). The forum was located at the summit of the Seventh Hill.


Location of the Exokionion


Based on this information, the Exokionion must have been situated between the Sigma and the Forum of Arcadius, occupying the upper western slope of the Seventh Hill Sofia Guided Tours.


Additional Evidence for the Location of the Exokionion


There are a few more pieces of evidence that support this conclusion. First, the Church of St. Mokius, which was used by the Arians for their religious services in the Exokionion, stood on the Seventh Hill. The church was located on the road that connected the Sigma to the Forum of Arcadius. Additionally, the church was close to a large ancient cistern known as the Tchoukour Bostan, which was located to the north-west of the Forum.


In summary, the Exokionion was a district on the Seventh Hill, between the Sigma and the Forum of Arcadius. It was a significant area in the early history of Constantinople, particularly in connection with the Arians and their religious services. The church of St. Mokius and the nearby cistern provide further evidence for the district’s location.

The Exokionion District and Its Significance

The Exokionion (Greek: Ἐξοκίωνιον) was a district located just outside the Constantinian Wall. It got its name from a column in the area that had a statue of the founder of the city. Due to a change in the name over time, this area was also called the Ilxeakionion (Greek: Ἐξοκίωνιον).


The Exokionion in Ecclesiastical History


In ecclesiastical history, the Exokionion is especially important because it became known as the place where Arians were allowed to hold religious services. This happened when Theodosius the Great, who supported orthodox Christianity, banned heretical worship within the city. As a result, the Arians and the people of the Exokionion were often considered synonymous. Over time, this district became a popular area, with many fine churches and luxurious homes Sofia Guided Tours.


Different Views on the Location of the Exokionion


Many people have had different opinions on where exactly the Exokionion was located. The historian Gyllius thought it was on the Fifth Hill. He based his view on the fact that when he visited the city, he found a noble column on that hill, about half a mile northwest of the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed.


However, Dr. Mordtmann argued that the name Exokionion referred to the area along the entire line of the Constantinian land fortifications, not just one specific location.


Correct Location of the Exokionion


The evidence, however, points to the Seventh Hill as the actual location of the Exokionion. In the historical account of the triumphal entry of Basil I. through the Golden Gate of the Theodosian Walls, the Exokionion is mentioned as being situated between two areas: the Sigma and the Xerolophos.


The Sigma is significant in the history of the sedition that led to the overthrow of Michael V. in 1042. The Sigma is described as being above the Monastery of St. Mary Peribleptos. This location of the monastery is well-known, helping to place the Exokionion on the Seventh Hill.


In conclusion, the Exokionion was a historically important area outside the city walls, known for its association with the Arian religious practices and as a later fashionable part of the city. Despite various theories, the evidence seems to point to the Seventh Hill as the true location of this district.

The Dimensions and Boundaries of Constantine’s City

The length of the original city of Constantine was measured from the Porta Aurea in the west to the sea in the east. However, there is a disagreement about which gate was referred to as the Porta Aurea. Despite this, we can be sure that the eastern end of the city’s measurement was at the head of the promontory. This location marked the full length of the city.


Measuring the Length of the City


If we start at the head of the promontory and measure 14,075 Roman feet westwards, we will find that this brings us to the Cisterns of Mokius and Aspar. This matches the measurements given by Zosimus. Therefore, this confirms that the head of the promontory is the correct starting point for the city’s length.


Measuring the Width of the City


Next, we look at the width of the city. A line of 6,150 Roman feet from sea to sea will stretch across a specific part of the promontory. This area lies between the Daoud Pasha Kapoussi district near the Sea of Marmora in the south, and the Stamboul side of the inner bridge in the north. Other parts of the promontory are either narrower or broader. Thus, the southern and northern ends of Constantine’s city wall marked the limits of the city as described Sofia Guided Tours.


The Landmarks Along Constantine’s Wall


Byzantine writers give us details about the locations and structures along Constantine’s wall:


On the Sea of Marmora side, the wall extended as far west as the Gate of St. Emilianus (now Daoud Pasha Kapoussi) and the church of St. Mary Rhabdou. This gate is near Vlanga Bostan.


When the wall crossed from the Sea of Marmora to the Golden Horn, it passed over the Seventh, Fourth, and Fifth Hills. Along this path, the fortifications passed by several important landmarks:


The Exokionion (an ancient gate)


The Monastery of St. Dius


The Convent of Icasia


The Cistern of Bonus


The Church of SS. Manuel, Sabel, and Ishmael


The Zeugma (Ferry) of St. Antony in the district of Harmatius, near the harbour


Other important sites along the wall included the Trojan Porticoes and the Cistern of Aspar.


The Boundaries of the City


From the measurements and landmarks described by ancient writers, we can conclude that the city of Constantine had clearly defined boundaries, marked by gates, churches, monasteries, and other significant structures. These structures not only served as defensive elements but also reflected the growth and development of the city during Constantine’s reign.

Where Did the Wall Reach the Sea

The exact spot where the city wall met the Sea of Marmora, directly across from Chrysopolis (modern-day Üsküdar), is not clearly stated in ancient sources. However, it was likely very close to the present-day Seraglio Lighthouse. This area offers the easiest downward path from the Temple of Aphrodite to the shore, because of a natural break in the steep slope of the First Hill.


This suggests that the wall built by Emperor Septimius Severus mostly followed the same path as the older wall that he had destroyed. This idea is supported by comparing the landscape outside the wall built by Severus—the valley of the Grand Bazaar—with the description of the land beyond the earlier fortifications. That area was described as smooth and sloping gradually to the water, just like the current landscape.


A Landscape Suited for Defense


An ancient writer described the ground like this:


“The first space beyond the city walls was a smooth plain, gently sloping down to the sea, keeping the city from being an island.”


This description matches the valley of the Grand Bazaar, showing that the wall Severus rebuilt likely stood on the same line as the earlier one.


Inside Byzantium After Severus’ Restoration


After Severus restored Byzantium, the city began to grow and change. It became more structured and featured many new public buildings. These included places for entertainment, bathing, and gathering.


One of the most important constructions was the Hippodrome, a massive stadium for chariot races and public events. Although Severus began building it, he had to leave for the West before finishing the project. Later, Constantine the Great would complete and expand it.


The Tetrastoon and the Baths of Zeuxippus


Between the northern end of the Hippodrome and the future location of Hagia Sophia was an open square called the Tetrastoon. This was a public plaza, surrounded on all four sides by covered walkways (porticoes). On the southern edge of the Tetrastoon stood the Thermae of Zeuxippus, or the Baths of Zeuxippus, one of the most famous bathing complexes in the city.


These public places became the heart of the restored city, where people gathered to socialize, relax, and enjoy the cultural life of Byzantium Sofia Sightseeing.


In conclusion, Severus’ wall closely followed the path of the earlier fortifications, and the geography supports this. After rebuilding the city, Severus added important public buildings like the Hippodrome and the Baths of Zeuxippus, laying the groundwork for what would soon become Constantinople, one of the greatest cities in history.

The Path of the Ancient City Walls

After passing the main city gate, the ancient wall went down the northern slope of the hill towards the Neorion, which was an important harbor of Byzantium. From there, the wall turned eastward, continuing all the way to the tip of the promontory, the landmass that juts out into the sea.


While descending toward the Golden Horn, the wall likely followed the eastern bank of the valley near what is now known as the Grand Bazaar. This path would have taken advantage of a natural steep slope (called an escarpment), making it harder for enemies to attack the city from that side.


The Wall Facing the Sea of Marmora


On the side of the city facing the Sea of Marmora, the wall continued from the main city gate toward the Temple of Aphrodite, and then down to the shore across from Chrysopolis (modern-day Üsküdar). The Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the ancient Goddess of Beauty, was one of the oldest temples in Byzantium.


The temple stood until the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, who later converted it into a carriage house for the Praetorian Prefect, a high-ranking Roman officer. Because of its age and importance, the temple remained a well-known landmark for centuries Sofia Sightseeing.


The Temple’s Location and Surroundings


According to several ancient sources, the Temple of Aphrodite stood within the Acropolis, the high fortress area of Byzantium. It was said to be located higher on the hill than the nearby Temple of Poseidon, which was built near a theater facing the Sea of Marmora and also looked toward Chrysopolis.


From these references, we can understand that the Temple of Aphrodite was located to the northeast of where Hagia Sophia stands today, and likely not far from St. Irene, on what is now called the Seraglio Plateau.


A Fortress on a Hill


So, after leaving the western gate, the wall built by Emperor Severus did not go straight down to the sea. Instead, it turned southeast, rising along the steep slopes of the First Hill. Eventually, it reached the Seraglio Plateau.


These steep hills created a dramatic view of the city from the Sea of Marmora. The high slopes and strong walls made the city look like a huge fortress or Acropolis on a hill, giving it both natural defense and visual majesty.