The Hippodrome of Constantinople, also known as the Circus Maximus Constantinopolitanus, held great significance as both a sporting and social hub in the Byzantine Empire's capital city of Constantinople, which is present-day Istanbul, Turkey. It now exists as Sultanahmet Square. The term "hippodrome" stems from the Greek words "hippos," meaning horse, and "dromos," meaning path or way. Hence, in Turkish, it is sometimes referred to as Atmeydanı or "Horse Square." Horse racing and chariot racing were immensely popular in ancient times, and hippodromes were common fixtures in Greek cities during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
In terms of its history and usage, the Hippodrome's origins predate Constantinople's era as an imperial capital. The initial construction of the Hippodrome occurred during the city's Byzantium phase when it was a provincial town of moderate significance. In AD 203, Emperor Septimius Severus rebuilt the city, expanding its walls and endowing it with a hippodrome for chariot races and other entertainment. Later, in AD 324, Emperor Constantine the Great chose to refound the city as Byzantium following his victory at the Battle of Chrysopolis nearby. However, this name failed to leave a lasting impression, leading to the city being renamed Constantinople, the City of Constantine. Under Constantine's reign, the city experienced significant expansion, and one of his notable endeavors was the renovation of the Hippodrome. Estimates suggest that the Hippodrome of Constantine spanned approximately 450 meters in length and 130 meters in width. The starting gates, known as carceres, stood at the northern end, while the southern end featured the sphendone, a curved tribune that remains partially intact. The spina, a central barrier on the racecourse, was adorned with various monuments, including the monolithic obelisk...
