Chapter X: Book II: Chap. I (2)

_To raise this Four-square Pillar to its Height,
And fix it steddy on its solid Base,
Great_ Theodosius _try’d, but try’d d in vain.
In two and thirty Days, by_ Proclus’ _Skill,
The toilsome Work, with great Applause, was finish’d_.

And on the other Side was this Inscription in _Latin_, which was somewhat defac’d, but I could read it, and is as follows:

_Difficilis quondam dominis parere serenis
Jussus, & extinctis palmam portare Tyrannis.
Omnia_ Theodosio _cedunt, sobolique perenni:
Ter denis sic victus, duobusque diebus,
Judice sub_ Proclo, _sublime elatus ad auras_.

On the South Side of it there are two Ranges of Statues, the lowermost of which has engrav’d upon it four Chariots, two of which are drawn by a Pair, and the other by four Horses, with a Driver to each of them. In the upper Range are two _Equestrian_ Statues, three Footmen, three _Togati_, two _Obelisks_, and four square Pillars. On the North Side of the _Basis_ are engrav’d four Ranges of Figures, which contain thirty five Statues in Gowns. On the West Side there are two Ranges, the lowest of which has nine Statues in a suppliant Posture, making Presents to the Emperor, who stands in the upper Range, with sixteen Statues about him. The South Side has two Ranges; upon the lowest are cut ten Statues in Gowns, in a petitioning manner; the upper contains twenty Statues, all in Gowns, except four in a fighting Posture, arm’d with Bucklers. The East Side, on the lowest part of it, has three Ranges; the lowest Range contains sixteen Statues of Men and Women, dancing and playing upon Instruments of Musick; above which are two Ranges more, in which appear little more than the Heads, which I look upon to be the Spectators. The highest Range has twenty Statues, six of which are divided from the rest by Pillars. The middle Figure holds a Crown in his Hand. Upon the _Basis_ are four square Pieces of Brass carv’d, which being plac’d in a quadrilateral Figure, the whole _Obelisk_ bears upon them. ’Tis engrav’d from Top to Bottom with _Ægyptian_ Characters.

CHAP. XII.

_Of the_ Colossus.

There is yet standing, in the Middle of the _Hippodrom_, a _Colossus_ made of square Stones, which was formerly (as an injudicious Author writes) incrusted with Marble; but, as appears by an Inscription carv’d upon its _Basis_, ’twas cover’d with Plates of Brass, cramp’d together with Iron, as appears not only by the Holes made in the Shaft, but by those which still remain in the _Base_; where the Iron Pins were fasten’d, and strengthen’d with melted Lead. ’Tis now despoil’d of its outward beauteous Appearance; and discovers only the Workmanship of its Inside, as having felt the Effects of the Avarice and Rapine of the _Barbarians_. This was also the Fate of the _Colossus_ at _Rhodes_, which was demolish’d by the _Hagarens_ in the Reign of _Constans_, Nephew of _Heraclius_, thirteen hundred Years after it was erected. ’Twas purchas’d afterwards by one _Emesenus_ a _Jew_, and the Brass, when strip’d off, was of so considerable a Weight, that it was carried off by Nine hundred Camels. Upon the _Base_ of the _Colossus_ at _Constantinople_, are inscrib’d the following Verses;

_Fam’d_ Constantine, Romanus’ _Princely Son,
(Who wore with Honour the Imperial Crown)
This lofty Pile, by Time decay’d, repair’d;
And join’d fresh Beauty to her Builder’s Art_.

This _Colossus_ at the _Base_ of it, has three Steps. The lowest is two Foot high, the next a Foot and two Digits, and the uppermost of the same Height. The _Basis_ is a square Marble, seven Foot and three Digits high, each Side of which is ten Foot and nine Inches broad. This _Colossus_ is taller than the _Obelisk_. One Day, being the _Festival_ of the Circumcision of the Prince of _Boldania_, I saw an ingenious Fellow of a Mountebank climb to the Top of it, and come down safe. The same Attempt was immediately made by another, who made a Shift to reach the Top of it, but the Height so dazzled and confounded him, that, despairing of getting down without Hurt, he threw himself, with all his Might, as far as he could from the _Colossus_, to avoid the Danger of being dash’d to pieces upon the Foundation; so that falling down right upon his Feet, he stuck deep in the Earth, and dy’d upon the Spot.

CHAP. XIII.

_Of some other Columns in the_ Hippodrom.

About the Middle of the _Hippodrom_, among a strait Range of small _Obelisks_, there stand seven Pillars. One of which, made of _Arabian_ Marble, is seventeen Foot and eight Digits in Circumference. There was erected upon the Top of it, by one _Abraham_ a Basha, the Statue of _Hercules_. It was cast in Brass, and made of the Spoils which he had taken in _Hungary_; but upon the Death of _Abraham_, _Hercules_, who was reported to have travell’d so many Countries, and tam’d so many Monsters, was at last forced to submit, and be torn to pieces by the _Turks_, the most inveterate Enemies to _Statuary_, and the whole _Vitruvian_ Art; so that they treated him in as barbarous a manner as he was by _Diagoras_, who going into an Inn, and wanting Wood to boil his Lentils, finding a wooden Statue of _Hercules_, well-finish’d, cut it to pieces, and threw it into the Fire, saying these Words; _O Hercules, who hast pass’d with so much Courage through thy twelve Labours, try how thou canst struggle with the thirteenth_.

In the same Range of _Obelisks_ there stands another Pillar. ’Tis made of Brass, but not fluted, but wreath’d round with the Foldings of three Serpents, like those we see in great Ropes. The Heads of these Serpents are placed in a triangular Form, and rise very high upon the Shaft of the Pillar. There are many fabulous and trifling Reports among the Inhabitants, concerning the Erection of this Pillar, which is occasion’d by their Ignorance of the History of their Ancestors. _Zosimus_, among other Historians, writes, that _Constantine_ the _Great_ plac’d in the _Hippodrom_ the _Tripos_ of _Apollo_, which was brought from _Delphos_, and which had on it the Image of that God. _Sozomen_ tells us, that _Constantine_ did not only place the _Delphick Tripos_ in the _Hippodrom_, but also that celebrated _Tripos_, which _Pausanias_ the _Lacedæmonian_ General, and the Cities of _Greece_, upon the Conclusion of the War with the _Medes_, consecrated to _Apollo_. _Eusebius_ is more clear upon this Occasion, and says, that _Constantine_, in some part of _Constantinople_, see up the Image of _Sminthius Apollo_, which was a Title given to him; but that in the _Hippodrom_ he placed the _Pythian Tripos_, round which was wreathed the Figure of the Serpent _Python_; so that it seems to me very probable, that this was the same _Tripos_ which was plac’d upon the brazen Pillar I am speaking of at _Constantinople_. _Herodotus_ writes, that the golden _Tripos_ which was at _Delphos_, was made out of a tenth Part of the Spoils taken from the _Persians_, and erected upon this Pillar; and adds farther, that when the _Persians_ were routed at the Battle of _Platææ_, there was found a golden _Tripos_, which was restor’d to _Apollo_, and set upon a brazen Pillar, encircled with three Serpents entwin’d, near an Altar. ’Tis a Mistake in those who imagine, that this Pillar was formerly overlaid with Gold, but was plunder’d of it by the _Turks_; since _Pausanias_ makes it appear, that it was stripp’d of its Gold long before the _Turks_ took _Constantinople_. _After the Battle of Platææ_, says he, _the_ Greeks _made a common Offering to_ Apollo, _which was a golden_ Tripos, _supported by a brazen Serpent_. The Brass, he tells us, remain’d whole in his Time, but the Gold was carry’d off by the _Phocean_ Generals. There are five other Pillars in the same Range. In the Front of the _Hippodrom_, facing the _Propontis_, there was a Range of seventeen Pillars of white Marble standing, when first I came to _Constantinople_. They stood on the South-west Side of the _Hippodrom_. The _Pedestal_ of each of them is two Foot and ten Digits high, and are all of them supported by arch’d Foundations, which lye Level with the Plain of the _Hippodrom_, but rise above Ground to the Height of fifty Foot. They are all placed upon a little Wall, which projects two Steps, or square Plinths, the lowermost of which is a Foot and a Digit high; the upper is a Foot and six Digits high, and projects beyond the Pedestal eight Digits. The Pedestals of them are every way five Feet, and seven Inches broad. The lowest Projectures of them, which are placed there for _Tores_ and other _Modules_, are six Digits and a half high, the upper Projectures of the same Height; the _Plinth_ of the _Cornice_ is eleven Digits in Thickness; the lower _Tore_ seven Digits and a half; the _Scotia_ four Digits; the upper _Tore_ six Digits; the Stone which supports the Shaft is five Digits high, and the Shafts themselves three Foot five Digits in Diameter, and twenty eight Foot in Height. These Pillars were lately taken down, and the _Bases_ of them removed by Order of _Solyman_ the Emperor, to build an Hospital. I was concern’d to see them thus demolish’d, not so much for the Use they were intended, but that some of them were squared out for paving a _Bagnio_, and that the _Capitals_, made after the most exact Plans of ancient _Architecture_, were cut into Rude and ill-shapen Models for covering a Bake-house, and that the _Pedestals_, and all the _Entablature_ were hewn out, it may be only to build a Wall. The _Shafts_ of the Pillars stood at eleven Foot Distance. I observ’d the _Capitals_ were impair’d by reason of the great Space of Intercolumniation. The _Capitals_ were finish’d after the _Corinthian_ Order, and the _Trabeation_ was beautifully wrought, but was not adorn’d with an _Ovolo_. There were Iron Rings fix’d to the _Architraves_, upon which were hung Curtains. Beyond this was another Range of Pillars, which were remaining some time after the Taking of the City by the _Turks_. Before it was taken by the _Gauls_ and the _Venetians_, there were in the _Hippodrom_ abundance of Figures of Horses, both in Stone and Brass. There were four in particular of surprizing Skill, which were gilded, equal in Beauty and Workmanship to those which now stand before the Church of St. _Marcian_ at _Venice_, which, some say, were brought thither from _Constantinople_. I shall omit the Statues of great Numbers of Emperors and Princes, which were set up in the _Circo_. Among these stood the Statue of the Emperor _Justinian_, which has been celebrated in Verse. There were also the Statutes of some Eunuchs, who were most in the Interest and Favour with their Masters. Among others, there was the Statue of _Plato_ the Eunuch, the Emperor’s Chamberlain, who was burnt to Death in the Reign of _Basiliscus_. There was an Inscription, according to _Suidas_, fix’d upon the Breast of this Statue, which ran thus; _Whosoever shall remove this Statue into another Place, let him be hang’d_. Yet was it taken out of the Church of _Procopius_, and carry’d into the _Hippodrom_. I have not time to take Notice of the numberless Statues of all the Combatants, Wrestlers, Charioteers, formerly placed in the _Hippodrom_; of which, though there is nothing remaining at present, yet the Memory of them is still preserved in a small Poem of three hundred Verses, in which some Chariot-Racers are mention’d with particular Honours, though no Notice be there taken of a Person named _Thomas_, a Man of surprizing Agility and Speed, in that kind of Exercise. I have seen the Fragment of a Stone at _Constantinople_ with this Inscription, Θομᾶ Ἡνιόχου. This probably is the same Person mention’d by the Emperor _Theodoric_, in a Letter to _Faustus_ a _Roman Prætor_, in the following Words: _Of our Imperial Bounty and Consideration we have given and granted to_ Thomas, _the famous Chariot-Racer, a present Stipend to be continued to him, till we have farther experienced, and been fully satisfied of his wonderful Skill in that Exercise; but having now received ample Testimony of his Superiority in that Performance, and that having left his Countrey, he hath chosen voluntarily to settle himself within our Dominions, we, out of our Imperial Munificence, have encouraged him by a monthly Salary to continue among us. He has, by his frequent Successes, received the repeated Applauses, and stood high in the Favour of the People, whom he has sometimes, though unfortunately, vindicated, and at other times has eminently distinguish’d himself in the Race of the Chariot. Victory so often attended him, that he was look’d upon as a Sorcerer by a Set of People, who would have accounted it the highest Commendation to have been thought so themselves, for the same Reasons. And ’tis no Wonder that Men should ascribe those Excellencies to the Power of Sorcery and Enchantment, which they cannot arrive to themselves, the Sight of a Chariot-Race, in ancient Times, was had in the highest Honour and Esteem, though at present ’tis little better than the Occasion of Buffoonry, an Incentive to trifling Disputes, an Encouragement to Roguery and Sharping, and the constant Source of Broils and Quarrels._ Thus far the Emperor: From whose Words I would observe, that the Chariot-Racer here mention’d, who had left _Constantinople_, probably upon some Party Quarrels among the Chariot-Racers (who were therefore call’d _Factions_) was also in Danger at _Rome_, upon the like Account. The Commonwealth both of _Rome_ and _Constantinople_ have not only been often harrass’d with such Commotions, but the Emperors themselves have often fallen into the greatest Danger of losing their Government by them. But all the Diversions of the _Circo_ are now ceased. I was concern’d to see it despoil’d of all its Ornaments, though the _Turks_ of late have begun to build there again. I was the more concern’d, because, by looking casually upon a Medal I had then in my Hand, it put me in mind of _Belisarius_ triumphing in the _Hippodrom_, after his Victory over the King of the _Vandals_, as also of the Disgrace and Poverty, notwithstanding his Bravery and Courage, he afterwards fell into by the Jealousy of the Emperor. On one Side of it was stamp’d the triumphant Reception of _Belisarius_, and on the other this Image, with this Inscription, _Gloria Romanorum Belisarius_. _Procopius_ writes, That there was a Gate in the _Hippodrom_ call’d the _Cochlia_, because it had winding Stairs within it. There was also a Passage, through which they went to their Burial-Ground. The same Writer tells us, that in the same Place there was a _Portico_ call’d _Venetia_, from the _Companies_ or _Factions_ of Chariot-Racers who used to assemble there, and who distinguish’d themselves from other _Factions_ or _Companies_, by a _Sky-colour’d_ Garment, which was called so from the _Venetians_, a People that particularly affected that Colour. ’Tis very probable, that the _Prasin Faction_ had also a _Portico_ here. These were another Company of Charioteers, and distinguish’d themselves by a _green_ Livery. The Word _Prasina_ being derived from πράσον in the _Greek_, which signifies a _Leek_. Nor is it unlikely, that there were other Companies with Liveries of other Colours, who were not promiscuously crowded together, but seated in their own Apartments in the _Portico’s_, to see the Races.

CHAP. XIV.

_Of the Church of_ Bacchus, _the Court of_ Hormisda, _and the House
of_ Justinian.

It is observable from the Situation of the Church of _Bacchus_ and _Sergius_, now standing on the Plain between the _Propontis_ and the _Hippodrom_, that the Imperial Palace, and the House _Justinian_ lived in, before he was Emperor, stood near it. _Procopius_ writes, that _Justinian_ built a Church, and dedicated it to St. _Peter_ and St. _Paul_. It stood near the Imperial Court, where formerly had stood a Palace built by _Hormisda_. This, _Justinian_ made a Mansion-house for himself, that the Beauty and Elegancy of its Building might be an Ornament to the Palace.

After he had arrived to the Imperial Dignity, he built other fine Palaces about it, and near it built another Church in honour of two illustrious Saints, _Sergius_ and _Bacchus_. These Churches which are both of them equally beautiful, stood on the same Compass of Ground, nor is there any material Difference between them. They shine alike with the most glossy Marble; both are curiously gilded, and adorn’d with the richest Offerings, nor is there any thing wherein they do not resemble each other, but that one is built lengthways, and the other in a semicircular manner. They are both wonderful in their kind, and are a great Ornament not only to the Palace, but to the whole City: _Procopius_ adds a little farther, that _Justinian_ chang’d the House, which was call’d the House of _Hormisda_, into a more magnificent Figure, and join’d it to the Palace. I am of Opinion, that this _Hormisda_, whom he dignifies with the Title of Prince, was the Son of a King of _Persia_, who, as _Marcellinus_ reports, when _Constans_ the Son of _Constantine_ came to _Rome_, and glorying how far he would transcend _Hormisda_ in his immoderate Schemes of Building, being unable to accomplish his Designs, he was content, he said, in an humble manner, only to have such another Horse made as stood in the _Forum_ of _Trajan_. The Story coming afterwards to _Hormisda_’s Ear, he reply’d in a jocular manner, _Let him try first, if he can build a Stable for him_. _Cedrinus_ explains more at large how near the House of _Justinian_ was to the Church of _Bacchus_: _Justinian_, says he, _built the Church of_ Sergius _and_ Bacchus, _which on the Sea-side of it, is near the Palace, and built also another Church by it, on the same piece of Ground, on which had stood his own House: In building these two Churches, and in founding a Monastery, which he fill’d with Men of sound Learning, and exemplary Conversation, he laid out his whole Estate, and all he was worth, till he arrived to the Imperial Dignity_. There is nothing remaining at present of the Church of St. _Peter_ and St. _Paul_, but the Church of _Sergius_ and _Bacchus_ are yet standing. It goes still under its ancient Name, though the _Turks_ have changed it into a Mosque. ’Tis covered at top with a Brick Roof, and bears upon eight Pilasters; between the Pilasters there are two Ranges of Pillars of the _Ionick Order_. In the lowest Range, there are sixteen Pillars which bear upon the Pavement: Six of these Pillars are of Green Marble, and ten of white streak’d with Red Veins. The upper Range consists of eighteen Pillars, eight of which are Green, ten White Marble, and are vein’d as the other. The _Capitals_ of the lower are adorn’d with _Ovolo’s_ at the Bottom of them. The upper part of them is cover’d with a _Foliage_. The _Volutæ_ of the upper Range of Pillars project from the four Angles of the _Capitals_, but the _Ovolo’s_ project from the Sides of them, which are also cover’d with a _Foliage_ of fine Workmanship. The _Architraves_ over the _Capitals_ of the lower Range are finished with the nicest Art. There is a noble Piece of Sculpture in this Church. ’Twas done by _Zoophorus_, who has carved round the Church some _Greek_ Verses, in the largest Characters. The Tops of the _Pilasters_ are shaded with a _Vineal Foliage_, intermixed with cluster’d Grapes, which denote, that the Church was dedicated to _Bacchus_.

CHAP. XV.

_Of the Port of_ Julian, _and_ Sophia; _of the_ Portico _nam’d_
Sigma, _and the Palace of_ Sophia.

Near the Church of _Bacchus_, stood the Port of _Julian_. This is plain from the Account we have of the Fire, which happen’d in the Reign of _Leo_ the _Great_, and as _Evagrius_ tells us, began on the North-side of the City, and destroy’d all before it, from the _Bosporian_ Port, to the old Temple of _Apollo_; and that on the South-side of the City, it made the same Havock from the Port of _Julian_, to the Houses near the Temple of _Concord_. _Zonaras_ writes, who has described the Devastations of that Fire, that it burnt with great Fury from the _Bosporium_ to the Church of St. _John_ the _Calybite_, and on the South from the Church of St. _Thomas_ to the Church of the renowned Martyrs, _Sergius_ and _Bacchus_. The Church of St. _Thomas_ stood near the Temple of _Concord_. The Account which _Cedrinus_ gives of this Fire is, that it took its Course round the City quite from the Northern to the Southern Shore, as far as the Church of _Sergius_ and _Bacchus_. The Emperor _Anastasius_ fortified the Port of _Julian_, and secured it by a strong Wall. It was afterwards called the Port of _Sophia_, according to _Cedrinus_, who writes, _That_ Justin _the Nephew of_ Justinian, _built a Palace in the Port of_ Julian, _which he ordered to be cleansed, and that he commanded his own, and the Statue of_ Sophia _his Consort to be erected there, and from thence gave it the Name of the Port_ of Sophia. The Inscription on the Statue of _Justin_ placed here is as follows:

_I_ Theodorus, _Prefect of the City,
Here, on the Shore, erect this lofty Statue;
It represents the Emperor_ Justinus.
_May his kind Presence guard, and ever shed
Its peaceful Influence o’er the neighbouring Ports._

_Procopius_ writes, that the Church of the Martyr _Thecla_ stood near this Port. Some modern Historians tell us, that _Belisarius_ set Sail from this Port, when he went to Battel against the _Vandals_. But I cannot conceive what Reason they have for that Opinion, unless it be from some Words of _Procopius_, who says, that _Justinian_ commanded the Ship, in which the General sail’d, to be brought near the Palace, and that there _Epiphanius_ Bishop of _Constantinople_, as was customary upon such Occasions, put up a Prayer for his Success, and that then _Belisarius_ went off with his Wife _Antonina_. There were indeed some Palaces near this Port, but there were also other Palaces near the Bay, which was full of Havens, from whence, at a little Distance, stood the House of _Belisarius_. _Suidas_ confirms it, that _Anastasius_ fortify’d this Harbour, and made a Pier there; and _Zonaras_ attests, that _Justin_ built there some Palaces, and call’d them the Palaces of _Sophia_, from the Name of his Consort, whom he passionately loved. Many _Historians_ are of Opinion, that these Palaces stood near the Port of _Sophia_; but I am induced to think, both from Reason and the Authority of learned Men, that it was not so. For _Zonaras_, among others, writes, that _Justin_ built these Palaces against the City, and _Agathius_, a much ancienter Writer, and who was living at the Time they were built, wrote the following Inscription, which was fix’d upon them. From whence the Reader may observe, that they were not seated near the _Propontis_, adjoining to which was the Port of _Sophia_, but opposite to the City, near the Shore of the _Bosporus_, where the Continent is divided into two Parts.

_Agathius Scholasticus_ upon the Palaces of SOPHIA.

_Where the streight Sea divides the Continents,
These gilded Palaces the Emperor built
For his dear Consort, fair_ Sophia_’s Use.
The Wonders of thy Beauty, potent_ Rome,
Europe, _and_ Asia, _half th’ extended World
With Pleasure view, and silently admire_.

The Word which in the Original Inscription is wrote δέρκεαι, _Zonaras_ writes δέρκεται. ’Tis easy to discover from these Verses, that the Palace of _Sophia_ was not seated near the _Bosporus_, but without the Walls of the City, waich is attested by _Cedrinus_, and many other Historians, in their Descriptions of the _hard Frost_, which happen’d in the Reign of _Leo Copronymus_, by which the _Bosporus_ was frozen so hard, that whosoever had a mind to pass over from the Palace of _Sophia_ to the City, or from _Chrysopolis_ to the Church of St. _Mamas_, or repass to _Galata_ on the Shore of the _Bosporus_, might cross over the Ice without the least Danger. The Port of _Sophia_, before it was call’d the Port of _Julian_, seems to me to be the same, which was formerly called the _Neorium_, and which the _ancient Description of the Wards_ places in the same _Ward_ with the _Hippodrom_; but whether it be one, or either of these, it is now fill’d up; or if it was that Port which stands West of the Church of _Bacchus_, ’tis now almost demolish’d, and enclosed with a Wall. There is only a small Part of it remaining, which is a standing Water, where the Women wash their Linnen. The People tell you, that they have seen some Three-Oar’d Gallies which have been sunk there. ’Tis call’d at present by the Inhabitants _Caterga limena_, or the Port of the Three-Oar’d Gallies; whether it be the same Port, which is standing on the East of the Church of _Bacchus_, near the Gate of the City call’d _Porta Leonis_, which Name it took either from a Lion near it, which was carved in Stone, or from the Emperor _Leo_, who, they tell you, had a Palace there, I shall not determine. _Nicephorus_, an Historian of modern Date, tells us, that an Emperor of _Constantinople_, when besieged by the People of _Italy_, summoned a Multitude of Smiths into the _Morion_, which ran round the _Hippodrom_. I could never discover at _Constantinople_ the Place which was called the _Pyctacia_; yet I cannot but take Notice from _Cedrinus_, and other modern Historians, that in the Place which they called the _Pyctacia_, there was a Pillar which supported the Statue of _Leo_ the Emperor, the Consort of _Verina_. This Statue, as some write, was erected by his Sister _Euphemia_, a Lady of great Wisdom and Continency, near her own House, where _Leo_ every Week, used to pay her a Visit. All Persons who laboured under Afflictions of any Kind, laid their Petitions to the Emperor, upon the Steps of this Pillar. The Apparitors took them up, and when the Emperor waited upon his Sister, they presented them to him. _Budæus_ says, that the _Pyctacia_, or as he calls them, the _Pystacia_, were Briefs; though I see no Reason why they may not also be called Petitions. For as _Pyctium_ signifies a Book, I do not see why _Pyctacium_ may not signify any smaller Writing. The _Greeks_ at present generally call their Letters _Pyctacia_. In an History written by an unknown Author, I have read, that _Eudoxia_ had set up her own Statue, made of massy Silver, in a Place called the _Pyctacium_. If the Author be not mistaken, I should take this to be the same Statue which stood near the Church of St. _Sophia_, by which, as I have shewn before, stood the Statue of _Eudoxia_. I have seen a small _Treatise_ of _Constantinople_, which says, that _Constantine_ the _Great_ built a Church to St. _Euphemia_, near the _Hippodrom_, which was afterwards turned into an Armory by _Constantine_, surnamed _Copronymus_, a professed Adversary to Images in Churches, and who cast the Reliques of St. _Euphemia_ into the Sea. _Suidas_ writes, that the Statue of _Euphemia_ (the Consort of the Emperor _Justin_, who was a _Thracian_) was placed in the Church of St. _Euphemia_, which she her self had built. Some modern Writers say, that in the Time of _Basilius_ the Emperor, there was a great Earthquake which overturned the Church of St. _Polyclete_, and killed all that were in it; and that from that Time it was called _Sigma_. I am more inclined to believe, that it took its Name from a _Portico_ so called, many Ages before this Earthquake, because it was built after the Similitude of the Letter _Sigma_, and is placed in the _antient Description_ of _Constantinople_, in the same _Ward_ with the _Hippodrom_. _Cedrinus_ seems to take Notice of this Place. _They dragged_, says he, Michael _the Emperor in his Monks Habit, by the Heels, out of the Monastery of_ Studius, _through the Market, and leading him beyond the Monastery called_ Periblepton, _in a Place called_ Sigma, _they put out both his Eyes_. The same Author tells us, that _Basilius_ the Emperor, a Native of _Macedon_, rebuilt from the Foundations, a Church to the Honour of the _Blessed Virgin_, which was called _Sigma_. _Chrysaphius Zomas_, an Eunuch, set up the Statue of _Theodosius_ the _Less_, in a Place called _Sigma_. Some Writers affirm, that _Constantine_ the _Great_ built a Church to St. _Stephen_, in a Place called _Sigma_. The _Sigma_ therefore here intended, must needs be another Place in the City, distinct from that which I observed was in the third _Ward_, and ought to be written with the Letter _e_, as _Segma_; by Reason, as I hinted just now, that the Fall of the Church of St. _Polyclete_ by an Earthquake, crushed to Death all that were in it.

CHAP. XVI.

_Of the Fourth_ Ward.

If the _Miliarium Aureum_ had been now in Being, or the People of _Constantinople_ had preserved the Memory of its Situation, we might easily discover, from the _antient Description of the Wards_, (which tells us, that the fourth _Ward_ extended it self, the Hills rising on the Right and Left, from the _Miliarium Aureum_ to a plain level Ground) that it was in the first Valley, or on the Ridge of the Hill that arises just above it. Nor could we have failed to make the like Discovery from the Remains of the _Augustæum_, the _Basilica_, the _Nymphæum_, and other fine Buildings, had they not been entirely buried in their own Ruins. But since no Observations at present can be made that Way, I was in Suspense, whether or no the Valley, where the fourth _Ward_ stood, was not the same Valley which I had described at the first; because it is common to other Vales, to have Hills rising on the right and left. And when I had sufficiently instructed my self from the Writings and Histories of learned Men, what Monuments of Antiquity had formerly been in the fourth _Ward_, and where they had stood, I was soon sensible that the fourth _Ward_ stood in the first Valley, and on the Sides of it, and on the Hill near to the Church of St. _Sophia_, as the Reader will perceive from the following History.

CHAP. XVII.

_Of the_ Forum _called the_ Augustæum, _of the Pillar of_ Theodosius,
_and_ Justinian, _and the_ Senate-House.

_Procopius_ writes, that the _Forum_ which was formerly called the _Augustæum_, was surrounded with Pillars, and was situate before the Imperial Palace. Not only the _Forum_ is at present quite defaced, but the very Name of it is lost, and the whole Ground where it stood is built upon. The Palace is entirely in Ruines, yet I collect from the _Pedestal_ of a Pillar of _Justinian_ lately standing, but now removed by the _Turks_, which _Procopius_ says was built by _Justinian_ in the _Augustæum_, and _Zonaras_ in the Court before the Church of _Sophia_, that the _Augustæum_ stood where there is now a Fountain, at the West End of the Church of St. _Sophia_. _Suidas_ says, that _Justinian_, after he had built the Church of St. _Sophia_, cleansed the Court, and paved it with Marble, and that it was formerly called the _Forum Augustæum_; and adds, that he erected his own Statue there. _Procopius_ writes, _That there was a certain_ Forum _facing the Senate House, which was called by the Citizens the_ Augustæum; _where are seven Stones, so cemented together in a quadrangular Manner, and are so contracted one within another the upper within the lower Stone, that a Man may conveniently sit down upon every Projecture of them_. I was more induced to give this Account from _Procopius_, of the Pedestal, because I do not find it in his _printed Works_. Upon the Top of it, says he, there’s erected a large Pillar, composed of many Stones covered with Brass, which did at once both strengthen and adorn them. The Plates of Brass did not reflect so strong a Lustre as pure Gold, yet was it, in Value, little inferior to Silver. On the Top of the Statue was set a large Horse in Brass, facing the East, which indeed afforded a noble Prospect. He seemed to be in a marching Posture, and struggling for Speed. His near Foot before was curvated, as though he would paw the Ground; his off Foot was fixed to the _Pedestal_, and his hind Feet were so contracted, as though he was prepared to be gone. Upon the Horse was placed the Statue of the Emperor. ’Twas made of Brass, large like a _Colossus_, dress’d in a warlike Habit like _Achilles_, with Sandals on his Feet, and armed with a Coat of Mail, and a shining Helmet. He looked Eastward, and seemed to be marching against the _Persians_. In his left Hand he bore a Globe, devised to signify his universal Power over the whole World. On the Top of it was fixed a Cross, to which he attributed all his Successes in War, and his Accession to the Imperial Dignity. His right Hand was stretched to the East, and by pointing with his Fingers, he seemed to forbid the barbarous Nations to approach nearer, but to stand off at their Peril. _Tzetzes_, in his _Various History_, describes what kind of Helmet he had upon his Head. _The_ Persians, says he, _generally wore a Turbant upon the Head. When the_ Romans _obtained any Victory over them, they plundered them of these Turbants, which they placed upon their own Heads. They are_, says he, _of the same Shape with that, with which the Statue of_ Justinian, _erected upon a large Pillar, is crowned_. _Cedrinus_ relates, that _Justinian_ held the Globe in his Silver Hand. _Zonaras_ writes, that _Justinian_, in the seventeenth Year of his Reign, set up this Pillar, in the same Place, where formerly had stood another Pillar of _Theodosius_ the _Great_, bearing his Statue in Silver, made at the Expence of his Son _Arcadius_, which weighed seven Thousand four Hundred Pounds. When _Justinian_ had demolished the Statue and the Pillar, he stripped it of a vast Quantity of Lead, of which he made Pipes for _Aqueducts_, which brought the Water into the City. This ill Treatment of _Theodosius_ by _Justinian_, was revenged upon him by the _Barbarians_; for they used his Pillar in the same Manner, and stripped it of the Statue, the Horse, and the Brass wherewith it was covered, so that it was only a bare Column for some Years. About thirty Years ago the whole _Shaft_ was taken down to the _Pedestal_, and that, about a Year since, was demolished down to the _Basis_, from whence I observed a Spring to spout up with Pipes, into a large Cistern. At present there stands in the same Place a Water-House, and the Pipes are enlarged. I lately saw the _Equestrian_ Statue of _Justinian_, erected upon the Pillar which stood here, and which had been preserved a long Time in the Imperial Precinct, carried into the melting Houses, where they cast their Ordnance. Among the Fragments were the Leg of _Justinian_, which exceeded my Height, and his Nose, which was above nine Inches long. I dared not publickly measure the Horse’s Legs, as they lay upon the Ground, but privately measured one of the Hoofs, and found it to be nine Inches in Height. _Suidas_, and some modern Historians allure us, that it was called the _Forum Augustæum_, because the _Curatores_, and _Sebastophori_, on the fifteenth Day of _October_, used to dance in the Market Place there, in Honour of _Augustus_; or because the Statues of _Constantine_, and his Mother _Helena_, were set up in an arched Gallery which stood here. _Zosimus_, a more antient Historian than _Procopius_, asserts, that _Constantine_ built a round Market, with four _Portico_’s, two in a Row, above each other; and that he roofed two of them with _Proconnesian_ Marble, that you might pass from them unto the Portico of _Severus_, and from thence beyond the Bounds of the antient City; and adds, that this Market stood in a Place, to which there was a Passage thro’ a Landgate adjacent. This is the same Market which is intended by the _unknown Author_ of the _History of Constantinople_, where he tells us, that _Constantine_ built a Market in a circular Manner. The same Author tells us in another Place, that when he was at _Constantinople_, _Constantine_ had surrounded the great _Forum_ with four _Portico_’s and placed at both Ends of one of them, which you ascend by many Steps, two Statues: At one End was placed the Statue of _Rhea_, the Mother of the Gods, (the same Statue, which those who sailed with _Jason_, placed on Mount _Dindymus_) rising above the City of _Cyzicus_. They tell you, that for her Neglect in paying divine Worship to the Gods, the Statue was defaced; and that her Hands, which before held the Reins of two Lyons which stood before her, were changed into a petitioning Posture. This Statue at the same Time faced and adorned the City. At the other End of the _Portico_ he placed the _Fortune_ of the City, though _Suidas_ relates, that the _Fortune_ of the City stood in a Nich of the _Miliarium_. If this Statue was set up here by _Constantine_, I should think, that both the Markets mentioned by _Zosimus_ are one and the same. But to me they seem to be different; because _Zosimus_ tells us in one Place, that _Constantine_ built a Market with two _Portico’s_ round it, and afterwards, that he built a Market with four _Portico_’s round it; unless he reckons in the Account, the _Portico’s_ of _Severus_ and _Constantine_, from whence there was a free Entrance into other _Portico’s_. On the East Side of the _Forum Augusteum_, _Procopius_ writes, that _Justinian_ built a large Court, where the Senate used to assemble, and celebrate an Anniversary Festival every new Year. Before the Senate-House stand six Columns, two of which support the Western Wall, in the Middle of it. The other four stand at a little Distance from it. These Pillars are all of white Marble, and I look upon them to be the largest in the World. The other six support a _Portico_, which runs round the Top of a large Building. The upper Part of the _Portico_ is adorned with Marble elegantly variegated, and equal to that of the Columns, and is furnished with an infinite Variety of curious Statues. I am of Opinion, that _Justinian_ did not build this _Senate-House_, but that he rebuilt the old _Senate-House_, which was burnt down by the Fire, which consumed the Church of St. _Sophia_, and the Baths of _Zeuxippus_. For _Sozomen_ writes, that _Constantine_ the _Great_ built the Great Council-Hall, which was called the _Senate-House_, and ordered it to be held in equal Dignity, and honoured it with the same publick Celebration of the Feast of the _Calends_, with that of antient _Rome_. He tells us where this great Court stood, when he writes, that the silver Statue of _Eudoxia Augusta_ was placed upon a _Porphyry_ Pillar, on the South Side of the Church of St. _Sophia_, beyond the high Pulpit, which faces the _Senate-House_. _Socrates_ tells us, that it was neither erected near, nor at any considerable Distance from the Church of St. _Sophia_; but beyond the broad Way, as _Suidas_ observes, which runs between them both. _In the Tribunal of the Palace_, says he, _stood the Pillar of_ Eudoxia, _the Wife of_ Theodosius. The Treatise _of the antient Description of the Wards_ places the Senate-House, the _Tribunal_ with _Porphyry_ Steps, and the _Basilica_, all in the same _Ward_. _Sozomen_ clearly points out the Situation of the _Senate-House_, where he says, that when a Tumult arose concerning the Expulsion of St. _Chrysostom_, the great Church was all on a sudden in a Blaze, which burnt down the Buildings upon the Walks, and the Great _Senate-House_, lying to the South of them. There are some Remains of the Walls of the _Senate-House_ still standing, southerly of the Church of St. _Sophia_, beyond the Way that leads from the Imperial Gate to the _Forum_ of _Constantine_.

CHAP. XVIII.

_Of the Imperial Palace, the_ Basilica; _of the Palace of_
Constantine, _and the House of Entrance nam’d_ Chalca.

Not far from the _Forum Augusteum_, as _Procopius_ writes, stood a Palace, the Statelyness and Magnificence of which the Reader may easily guess at from the Description he gives of the _Vestibulum_, or the House of Entrance into it. This _Vestibulum_ is call’d the _Chalca_, which is made after this Manner. There are four strait Walls carried up to a great Height in a quadrangular Figure, from each Angle of which there projects a Stone Building curiously finish’d, which rises with the Wall from Top to Bottom, no ways intercepting the beauteous Prospect before you, but seeming rather to add to the Pleasure and Agreeableness of it. Above this Building are raised eight Arches, supporting the Roof, which rises into a globular Height most beautifully adorn’d. The Roof of it is not furnish’d with fine Paintings, but shines with _Mosaick_ Work of all sorts of Colours, in the several Figures of Men, and other Kinds of Creatures. The Historian at large has explain’d the Designs, which are the Scenes of War, of Battles, and the Surrender of many Towns, both in _Africa_ and _Italy_. Among other Curiosities are describ’d the Victories of _Justinian_ under his General _Belisarius_, and his triumphant Return to the Emperor. The Courage and Chearfulness of his Army is expressed in a lively Manner. The General is figured in an humble Posture, as making an Offering to him of all the Kings, the Kingdoms, and other rich Spoils he had taken from the Enemy. In the Middle of the Work is represented the Emperor and his Empress _Theodora_ in a pleasant gay Humour, celebrating a Festival in Honour of his Victory over the _Goths_ and _Vandals_, and bringing great Numbers of Captives before him. The whole Senate is described round them, joining in the Celebration. They all look chearful and merry, smiling, and highly pleased with the Honour they have to attend the Emperor on so important an Occasion. I would here observe, that as _Papinius_ in his _Sylvæ_ calls the _Basilica_ of _Paulus_, the Palace of _Paulus_, so the House, which _Procopius_ calls Βασιλεῖον went by the Name both of the _Basilica_ and the Palace. And I am confirm’d in this Opinion from _Cedrinus_, who says, That the Fire which happen’d in the Reign of _Justinian_, burnt down the Porch, or House of Entrance into the _Basilica_, the _Basilica_ itself, and the brazen Covering of the Palace of _Constantine the Great_, which from that Time to this Day, is call’d the _Chalca_, because it is cover’d with Plates of Brass gilded. What _Cedrinus_ calls the _Basilica_, _Procopius_, in his Book _De Ædif. Justiniani_, calls τὰ Βασιλεῖα, when speaking of the Fire above-mention’d, he tells us, That it consumed the Gate-houses τῶν Βασιλείων, and that in particular which was call’d _Chalca_: The same Writer adds a little lower, that the Emperor commanded _Belisarius_ to go to the _Chalca_, and the other Houses of Entrance seated by it. From which Words it is observable, that _Procopius_ seems to believe, that there were other Houses of Entrance into the Palace, though in the Beginning of this Chapter he mentions only the _Chalca_. It is my Opinion, that the House where the Emperor dwelt was first call’d the _Basilica_; that afterwards, when the great Houses, where the Merchants assembled for Trade and Commerce, were call’d _Basilica_, the Emperor’s House was call’d Βασιλεῖον; and, at last, the Palace. If there was any Difference between the _Basilica_ and the Palace, yet the _Basilica_ was either a part of the Palace, or built near to it, as the Reader may see in the _Ancient Description of the Wards_, which places the _Augusteum_ and the _Basilica_ in the same _Ward_. As this _Treatise_ takes no Notice in this _Ward_ either of a Palace or a Court, but only of a _Basilica_, it seems to intimate, that the _Basilica_ was the Palace itself. But whether the _Basilica_ was within or without the Palace, it is certain it was near it, because they were both destroy’d by Fire, by reason of their Vicinity to one another; and the Rules of _Architecture_ prescribe, that it be built near a Market, which is always near the Palace; and that it be built warm, that the Merchants may manage their Business there in Winter Time, without any Molestation from the Severity of the Weather. _Julius Pollux_ is of the same Opinion, who says, That the _Stadia_, the _Hippodrom_, the _Senate-House_, the _Forum_, the Court, the Imperial _Portico_, and the _Tribunal_, ought to stand near the Theatre. _Cedrinus_ writes, that the beautiful Structure of the _Chalca_ was built by one _Ætherius_ a famous Architect, by the Command of the wife of Emperor _Anastasius_, as appears from a _Greek_ Inscription upon it, which runs thus:

Upon a Building in the Palace, call’d _Chalca_.

_I am the Palace of fam’d_ Anastasius
_The Scourge of Tyrants; none surpasses me,
In Beauty, and in wonderful Contrivance.
When the Surveyors view’d my mighty Bulk,
My Height, my Length, and my extensive Breadth;
’Twas thought beyond the Reach of human Power
To roof at Top my widely gaping Walls.
But young_ Ætherius, _ancient in his Art,
This Building finish’d, and an Offering made
To our good Emperor.
Not_ Italy, _with all its Glory shews
A Structure so magnificent and great;
Not the proud_ Capitol _of ancient_ Rome
_With all its gilded Roofs can rival me.
The costly Galleries of_ Pergamus,
Ruffinus’ _Walks, and stately_ Portico’s
_Crowded with Art, and marbled Images
Submit to my superior Workmanship.
Not the fam’d Temple, which at_ Cyzico,
_By_ Adrian _built, stands on a lofty Rock,
Nor_ Ægypt’s _costly_ Pyramids, _nor at_ Rhodes
_The mighty_ Colosse _equal me in Greatness.
When my good Emperor, in hostile Manner,
Quell’d the_ Isaurian _Faction, thus he rais’d me
In Honour of_ Aurora, _and the Winds_.

Some modern Historians will have it, that _Constantine the Great_ first built the Palace of _Chalca_. I should be inclinable to disbelieve them, but that I am induced to think it was so, when I observ’d the brazen Tyles gilded with Gold, resembling those of the _Capitol_, and a _Forum_ of _Old Rome_, whose Buildings _Constantine_ was proud to imitate, as near as he could. I could never learn, who it was who remov’d the Tyles of the _Chalca_; though it is not improbable, but that they were spoiled by the Fire. ’Tis related by _Procopius_, that _Genseric_ plunder’d half the _Roman_ Capitol of the gilded Plates of Brass that cover’d it, and that _Constantine_ the _Third_, the Nephew of _Heraclius_, carry’d off the Silver Plates which were laid over the _Pantheon_. At a small Distance (on the South-west Side of the Church of St. _Sophia_) from the Water-Pipes of an _Aqueduct_ running from a Conduit situate in the _Forum Augusteum_, where was erected the Pillar of _Justinian_, are still remaining seven _Corinthian_ Pillars, on the _Shaft_ of one of which is cut the Name of _Constantine_, with the _Signal_ of the Cross he saw in the Heavens, with this Inscription, ἐν τούτῳ νίκα. The _Basis_ and _Shaft_ of these Pillars are buried, at the Bottom of them, under Ground, to the Depth of six Foot, which I discover’d, when I casually fell into the Foundation of the Walls, which were built between them. I could not see the _Plinth_ of the _Base_ of any of them, because it was cover’d with Earth; yet I perceiv’d the lowermost _Tore_, which was eight Digits in Thickness, and seven in Height. The Stone at the Bottom of the _Shaft_ was nine Inches broad. Every Pillar is thirty Foot and six Digits high: In short, the whole _Pillar_, _Capital_ and _Pedestal_, is about forty six Foot and a half in Height. The Bottom of the _Shaft_, which I measured just above the Stone it bears upon, is eighteen Foot in Circumference. The Pillars stand at the Distance of twenty Foot and ten Digits from each other. The Inhabitants say, that these Pillars stood within the Palace of _Constantine_; others say, that they formerly supported a Bridge, over which you passed, as you went from the Palace to the Church of St. _Sophia_. But there is nothing of Truth in either of these Opinions; for ’tis plain from what I observed before, that they stood in the _Forum Augusteum_. So that I am inclined to believe, that they supported the Arches of the _Portico’s_, in which the Statues of _Constantine the Great_, his Mother _Helena_, and other Statues were placed. From what I have said, the Reader may trace the Beauty and Grandeur of the Palaces at _Constantinople_, as well as from _Zosimus_, who says, that _Constantine_ built some Palaces at _Constantinople_, little inferior to those of _Rome_. _Eusebius_ reports, that he illustrated and adorn’d _New Rome_, and the Imperial Palace, in other respects, besides those I have mention’d, but that in the finest Buildings of his Palace, and in the Middle of all his gilded Roofs, he fix’d a Cross set with several Kinds of the richest Jewels, shining with massy Gold; intimating thereby, that he look’d upon the Cross as the Defence and Bulwark of his Government. St. _Jerome_ tells us, _That he stripp’d almost every City of its Curiosities and Ornaments, to adorn his New_ Rome. _Eusebius_ also mentions the Statues of the _Muses_, which he caused to be fix’d up in his Palace. _Sozomen_ writes, that by the Command of _Constantine_, all that was valuable in the Temples of the Ancients under his Government, and all the brazen Statues of the nicest Workmanship were brought to _Constantinople_, to beautify the City; which, he tells us, remain’d in the publick _Ways_, in the _Hippodrom_, and in the Palace, down to his Time. But not only _Constantine the Great_, but many other Emperors of _Constantinople_ ravaged the whole World for the Decoration of this City. Among these was _Constantine the Third_, the Nephew of _Heraclius_, who plunder’d _ancient Rome_ of all its brazen and Marble Statues, ship’d off all the costly Furniture of their Temples, and made more Havock there in the Space of seven Days, than the _barbarous_ Nations did in the Space of two hundred and fifty Years; for so many Years was the _Roman_ Empire in its Declension before that general Pillage. _Iornandes_, no indifferent Writer of the _Getick_ History, reports, That _Theodorick Prefect_ of _Constantinople_ was adopted, and made Consul by the Emperor _Zeno_, who honour’d him with an _Equestrian_ Statue, which was erected before the Palace. _Tzetzes_, in his _various History_, tells us, that even in his Time, the Head of _Apollo_, made by _Phidias_ in the Likeness of the Sun, remain’d in the Palace. _Suidas_ relates, that the Statue of _Pulcheria_, the Daughter of _Arcadius_, was placed in the _Chalca_, near the Walks of _Ariadne_ the first Wife of _Zeno_, and that the Statues of _Zeno_ himself were set up in the Imperial Gate-house of _Chalca_; as were also two other Statues on foot, erected upon a small Pillar, with Elegies inscrib’d upon them, composed by _Secundus_ the Philosopher. I have seen in the History of no creditable Author, tho’ well known to the People of _Constantinople_, that _Justinian_ erected on the left Side of the _Chalca_, seven Statues in Honour of his Relations, some of Brass, and some of Marble, and that he had also set up two Horses in the Nich before the _Chalca_, as also some gilded Heads of Women, in the frightful Likeness of _Medusa_; I could mention others, but that I do not much depend upon the Authority of the History. _Suidas_ says, that in the _Tribunal_ of the Palace stood the Statues of _Eudoxia_, and her Emperor _Theodosius_; of _Marcian_ and _Constantine_, till the Time of _Heraclius_.

CHAP. XIX.

_Of the_ Basilica, _and the Imperial Walks_.

The _Basilica_, which, as I observed before, stood in the _Forum Augusteum_, had four Arches, as appears from the ancient following Inscriptions on them.

Upon an Arch in the _Basilica_ of _Byzantium_.

_Great_ Theodore, _who beautify’d the City
With four extensive Arches, highly merits
The Government of four Imperial Cities_.

And on another Part of the same Arch:

_You_, Theodorus, _with surprizing Art,
Once_ Consul, _and thrice_ Prefect _of the City,
Adorn’d this shining Fane with lofty Pillars,
Sacred to_ Fortune, _Goddess of the City_.

_Calliades_, General of the _Byzantian_ Army, plac’d the Statues of _Byzas_ and _Phidalia_ in the _Basilica_, with this Inscription upon them:

Calliades _erected here the Statues
Of_ Byzas, _and his lov’d_ Phidalia.

And on the Statue of _Phidalia_:

_This is the Statue of the fair_ Phidalia
_Young_ Byzas’ _Wife, the Work of_ Bupalus.