Chapter XVI: Book IV: Chap. I (3)

From what has been wrote upon this Subject, the Reader may learn how renown’d _Constantinople_ has been for its Monuments of Antiquity. It would take up another Volume, to enlarge upon the Publick Buildings of the _Mahometans_ at present, and to explain for what Uses they were intended. I shall just touch upon a few Things, which are the most remarkable. The City, as it now stands, contains more than three hundred Mosques, the most magnificent of which were built by their Emperors and _Basha’s_, and are all cover’d at Top with Lead and Marble, adorn’d with Marble Columns, the Plunder and Sacrilege of Christian Churches, as these were before beautify’d with the Spoils of the Heathen Temples. It has above a hundred publick and private _Bagnio’s_, fifty of which are very spatious, and of two Lengths, much like those I have describ’d, built by their Emperour _Mahomet_. Their _Caravansera’s_, and publick Inns, are much above a Hundred; the most famous of which, in the Middle of their Court-yard, are furnish’d with Fountains of Water, brought from the Fields adjoyning to the City. Their Emperors have peculiarly distinguish’d themselves in this Respect. Thus does _Eusebius_ enlarge in the Praise of _Constantine_: In the middle of their _Fora_, says he, you may see their Fountains adorn’d with the Emblems of a good _Pastor_, well known to those who understand the Sacred Writings; namely, the History of _Daniel_ and the _Lyons_ figur’d in Brass, and shining with Plates of Gold. _Valens_, and _Andronicus_, at a vast Expence made Rivers, at a remote Distance, tributary to the Town; partly by directing their Courses under Arches, at this Time appearing above Ground, and partly by Channels dug under it. Several other Emperors, with no less Cost, made themselves Fish-ponds, and subterraneous Lakes, by after Ages call’d _Cisterns_, in every Ward of the City, and that principally to supply them with Water in Case of a Siege. But the Enemies of _Constantinople_ lie at present at such a Distance from them, that they have either entirely ruin’d their _Cisterns_, or converted them to another Use. I shall take no Notice of the stately Houses of their Noblemen and _Basha’s_, nor of the Grand _Signor_’s Palace, which spreading it self all over old _Byzantium_, is constantly supply’d with Rivers, which flow in upon it, from distant Parts of the Neighbouring Countrey. I pass by their Lakes and Conduits, seated in every Part of the City, which serve them not only with Water to drink, but likewise carry off the Filth of it into the Sea, and wash away those Impurities of the Town, which clog and encumber the Air, and for which great Cities are generally look’d upon as unwholsome. I shall not mention at present, that almost all the Buildings of _Constantinople_ are low, and made out of the Ruines, which the Fire and Earthquakes had spar’d; that many of them are not two Story high, rebuilt with rough Stones, or with burnt, and sometimes unburnt Bricks. I omit also the Houses of _Galata_, built by the _Genoese_. The _Greeks_ who profess Christianity, have lost their six hundred Churches, and have not one left, of any Note, except the Church belonging to the Monastery, where their _Patriarch_ dwells. The rest are either entirely ruin’d, or prostituted to the _Mahometan_ Worship. The _Francks_ have about Ten, the _Armenians_ only Seven. The _Jews_ have upwards of Thirty Synagogues, which are scarce sufficient to hold the numerous Congregations of that populous Nation. The Reader will view in a better Light the antient _Monuments_ of _Constantinople_, when he shall peruse the _Antient Description of the Wards of the City_, finished before the Time of _Justinian_, and annex’d at the End of this Book. When this _Treatise_ was first wrote, _Constantinople_ was so fully peopled, that those who inhabited the _Fora_, and the broad Ways were very straitly pent up; nay, their Buildings were so closely joyn’d to one another, that the Sky, at the Tops of them, was scarce discernible. And as to the Buildings in the Suburbs, they were very thickly crowded together, as far as _Selymbria_, and the _Black Sea_; and indeed some Part even of the neighbouring Sea, was cover’d with Houses supported by Props under them. For these, and many other _Monuments_, was _Constantinople_ antiently renown’d; none of which are remaining at present, except the _Porphyry_ Pillar of _Constantine_, the Pillar of _Arcadius_, the Church of St. _Sophia_, the _Hippodrom_ now in Ruines, and a few _Cisterns_. No Historian has recorded the _Antiquities_ of Old _Byzantium_, before it was destroy’d by _Severus_; altho’ it is reasonable to believe, there were very many of them, especially if it be consider’d, that it long flourish’d in those Times of _Heroism_, when Art and Ingenuity were in high Estimation, and when _Rhodes_, no ways preferable to _Byzantium_, was beautify’d with no less than three thousand _Monuments_. ’Tis easy to form a Judgment, from the Strength and Proportion of its outside Walls, what beauteous Scenes of Cost, and Workmanship were contain’d within. This we know however for a Certainty, that _Darius_, _Philip_ of _Macedon_, and _Severus_, demolish’d many of their _Antiquities_, and when they had ravag’d the whole City, that the _Byzantians_ made a noble Stand against the Forces of _Severus_, with Statues, and other Materials, which were Part of the Ruines of the City. I have already in Part accounted for the Ruines of these _Curiosities_; I shall at present briefly mention some other Causes which contributed thereto; the Principal of which was the Division of their Emperors amongst themselves; frequent Fires, sometimes accidentally, sometimes designedly occasion’d, not only by their Enemies from abroad, but by their own Factions, and civil Dissensions among themselves; some of which burnt with a constant Flame three or four Days together. These Fires were so raging and terrible, that they did not only consume what was purely combustible, but they wasted the Marble Statues and Images, and Buildings made of the most tough and solid Materials whatsoever; nay, so fierce were they, that they devour’d their own Ruines, and laid the most mountainous Heaps of Rubbish even with the Ground. Nor were the antient _Monuments_ of Old _Byzantium_ demolish’d only by their Enemies, but even by those Emperors who had the greatest Regard and Affection for the City; the Chief of whom was _Constantine_ the _Great_, who, as _Eusebius_ reports, spoil’d the Temples of the Heathen Gods, laid waste their fine Porches, entirely unroofed them, and took away their Statues of Brass, of Gold and Silver, in which they glory’d for many Ages. And to add to the Infamy, that he expos’d them by way of Mockery and Ridicule, in all the most publick Places of the City. To disgrace them the more, he tells us, that he fill’d it with his own Statues of Brass, exquisitely finish’d; and then concludes, that he was so far incensed against the _Heathen Monuments_, that he made a Law for the utter Abolishment of them, and the entire Destruction of their Temples. How far _Eusebius_ himself, and other _Christian_ Authors were provoked against them, is plainly discernible in their Writings; namely, that they inveigh’d with the same Severity against the Images of their Gods, as they do at present against our Statues. The Emperors _Basilius_ and _Gregorius_, were bitterly enrag’d not only against the Images themselves, but against those who wrote too freely in Justification of them. I shall not mention many other Emperors, Successors of _Constantine_, who were so much exasperated even with the Images of the _Christians_, that they not only destroy’d them, but proceeded with such Rigour against those who devis’d, or painted, or engrav’d them, that they were entitled the _Iconomachi_, or Champions that fought against them. I shall say nothing of the Earthquakes, mention’d in History, which happen’d in the Reigns of _Zeno_, _Justinian_, _Leo Conon_, _Alexius Comnenus_, whereby not only the most considerable Buildings of _Constantinople_, but almost the whole City with its Walls were demolish’d, so that they could scarce discover its antient Foundation, had it not been for the _Bosporus_, and _Propontis_, the eternal Boundaries of _Constantinople_, which enclose it. I pass by the large _Wards_ of the City, which through the Poverty of the Inhabitants, after frequent Fires, and the Ravage of War, lay a long Time in Ruins, but were at last rebuilt; tho’ the Streets are promiscuously huddled up without Regularity, or Order. These were the Causes, as _Livy_ relates of Old _Rome_, after it was burnt down, that not only the antient common Shores, but the _Aquæducts_ and _Cisterns_, formerly running in the open Streets, now have their Courses under private Houses, and the City looks rather like one solid Lump of Building, than divided into Streets and Lanes. I shall not mention how the large Palaces of their Emperors, seated in the middle of the City, nor the Seats of the Nobility enclosing great Tracts of Land, nor how the old Foundations still appearing above Ground, nor the Remains of Buildings, discover’d by the nicest Discernment under it, are almost entirely defac’d. Had I not seen, the Time I liv’d at _Constantinople_, so many ruinated Churches and Palaces, and their Foundations, since fill’d with _Mahometan_ Buildings, so that I could hardly discover their former Situation, I had not so easily conjectured, what Destruction the _Turks_ had made, since they took the City. And tho’ they are always contriving to beautify it with publick Buildings, yet at present it looks more obscurely in the Day, than it did formerly in the Night; when, as _Marcellinus_ tells us, the Brightness of their Lights, resembling a Meridian Sun-shine, reflected a Lustre from their Houses. The Clearness of the Day now only serves to shew the Meanness and Poverty of their Buildings; so that was _Constantine_ himself alive, who rebuilt and beautify’d it, or others who enlarg’d it, they could not discover the Situation of their antient Structures. The Difficulties I labour’d under in the Search of Antiquity here were very great. I was a Stranger in the Countrey, had very little Assistance from any Inscriptions, none from Coins, none from the People of the Place. They, as having a natural Aversion to any thing that’s valuable in Antiquity, did rather prevent me in my Enquiries, so that I scarce dar’d to take the Dimensions of any Thing, being menac’d, and curs’d if I did, by the _Greeks_ themselves. A Foreigner has no way to allay the Heat and Fury of these People, but by a large Dose of Wine. If you don’t often invite them, and tell them _you’ll be as drunk_ as a _Greek_, they’ll use you in a very coarse manner. Their whole Conversation is frothy and insipid, as retaining no Custom of the old _Byzantians_, but a Habit of fuddling. It is not the least, among these Inconveniencies, that I could not have Recourse to so many Authors in describing _Constantinople_, as a Writer may have in describing Old _Rome_. They are so fond of Change and Novelty, that any Thing may be called _Antique_ among them, which is beyond the Memory of them, or was transacted in the first Stages of Humane Life. And not only the magnificent Structures of antient Times have been demolish’d by them, but the very Names of them are quite lost, and a more than _Scythian_ Barbarity prevails among them. The _Turks_ are so tenacious of their own Language, that they give a new Name to all Places, which are forc’d to submit to their Power, tho’ it be never so impertinent and improper. They have such an Abhorrence of _Greek_ and _Latin_, that they look upon both these Tongues to be Sorcery and Witchcraft. All the Assistance I had was my own Observation, the Memory, and Recollection of others, and some Insight into antient History. By these Assistances principally I discovered the Situation of the fourteen _Wards_ of the City. The Inhabitants are daily demolishing, effacing, and utterly destroying the small Remains of Antiquity; so that whosoever shall engage himself in the same Enquiries after me, though they may far exceed me in Industry and Application, yet they will not be able to make any farther Discoveries of the _Monuments_ of the fourteen Wards. But it is not my Intention to prefer my self above other Writers; if I can any way be assistant to future Times, my End is answered. I hope I need make no Apology for recording in History such _Monuments_ as are falling into Ruines; and if my Stay at _Constantinople_ was somewhat longer than I intended, I hope it will not be any Imputation upon me, as it was occasioned by the Death of my Royal Master. It was by his Command that I travelled into _Greece_, not with any Design of staying long at _Constantinople_, but to make a Collection of the antient _Greek_ MSS. Not with any Intention of describing only that City; but as a farther Improvement of Human Knowledge, that I might delineate the Situation of several other Places and Cities. Upon the Death of my King, (not having Remittances sufficient) I was forc’d, with a small Competency, to travel thro’ _Asia_, and _Greece_, to this Purpose; and I can assure the Reader, that I did not undertake this Voyage upon any Prospect of sensual Pleasure, any View of worldly Interest, or any Affectation of popular Applause; no, I could have liv’d in Ease, more to my own Advantage; and in a much better State of Health, as to all Appearance, in my own Countrey. Not all the Dangers and Inconveniencies of a long and a laborious Voyage could ever move me to a speedy Return. How I came to engage my self in such unfortunate Travels I know not. I was very apprehensive of the Troubles and Dangers, which I must necessarily undergo, and which indeed have befallen me, before I ventur’d upon such an Undertaking; yet I would willingly persuade my self, that my Resolutions herein were Good, and my Design Honourable; being confirm’d in the Opinion of the _Platonists_, That _we ought to be indefatigable in the Search of Truth_; and, _That ’tis beneath a Man to give over, when his Enquiries are Useful, and Becoming_.

_The_ DELINEATION _of_ CONSTANTINOPLE _as it stood in the Year 1422 before it fell under the Dominion of the Turks_

_From Du Fresne Lib. 1. p. 1._

1. _Ecclesia Apostolorum._
2. _Ecclesia Sanctæ Sophiæ._
3. _S. Joh. de Studio._
4. _Portus Palatii._
5. _Hodegetria._
6. _S. Demetrius._
7. _Porta Iudæa._
8. _Porta Piscaria._
9. _Contoscalium._

_J. Tinney Sculp._]

1 _The outward Porch._
2 _The inward Porch._
3 _The 2 Doors of the outward Porch._
4 _The 5 Doors of the inward Porch._
5 _The 8 principal Pillars._
6 _The Centre._
7 _The Holy Doors._
8 _The Holy Table._]

_J. Tinney Sculp._]

_J. Tinney Sculp._]

_J. Tinney Sculp._]

_aa. Propilæum or Church porch._
_b. The Nave, or body of the Church._
_cccc. The circuit of the Chancel._
_d. The holy Table._
_e. The holy Chair._]

_From Sʳ. G. Wheler._]

Lib. 2. Cap. 13._

_The Porphyry Pillar.

Lib. 3. Cap. 3._

_The Pillar of the Empʳ._ Marcian.

_Lib. 4. Cap. 8_.

_From Sʳ. G. Wheler._]

_from Du Fresne Lib. 1 Pag. 79._

_J. Tinney Sculp._]

A _The Entrance into yᵉ. Serraglio from yᵉ. City._
B _Lodging for the Guards._
C _The great Hall for publick Audience._
D _The Grand Signors Lodgings._
E _The Womens Lodgings._
F _Pleasure Houses._
G _The Grand Signors Barge-houses._
H _Part of Constantinople called Balat._
I _The Entrance into the Serraglio from Sea._
K _Sancta Sophia now yᵉ. Grand Signors Mosque._
L _Part of Asia Shoar._
M _The Bosporus wᶜʰ. divides Europe from Asia._

_From B. Randolph._]

_APPENDIX._

_The following Piece was communicated to me by a Gentleman of the University of_ Oxford, _who had copy’d it from the latter End of the Second Book of_ Nicetas Choniat, Concerning the Destruction of Constantinople. _I had no sooner perus’d it, but I found it so curious in it self, and so well suited to the Subject of my Author, that I perceiv’d the Obligations I was under for that Favour; and judg’d it worthy of a Translation. I would only farther advertise the Reader, that the following Passage is not to be met with in any of the Printed Copies of_ Choniat, _but is a Transcript from him in that Part of his Book, where he writes, concerning the Statues of_ Constantinople, _which the_ Romans, _when they took that City, caused to be melted down, and coyn’d. The Passage may be found in a_ MS. Cod. Bodl. fol. 447. _l._ 25. _and runs thus_:

* * * * *

The _Roman_ Conquerours, who were of an with avaritious Temper, even to a Proverb, practis’d a new Method of Rapine and Plunder, entirely unknown to those who had taken the City before them. For breaking open by Night the Royal Sepulchres in the great Grove of the _Heroum_, they sacrilegiously rifled the Corps of those Blessed Disciples of _Jesus Christ_, and carry’d off whatsoever was valuable in Gold, Rings, and Jewels, which they could find in these Repositories of the Dead. But coming to the Body of the Emperor _Justinian_, and finding his Coffin untouch’d, tho’ it was publickly known for some Years that it was nobly enrich’d, aw’d with in Fear and Admiration, they forbore to disturb the Imperial Ashes. And as they express’d no Reverence and Regard to the Dead, so were they equally Savage and Inhuman in their Treatment of the Living; even to those who were their own Countreymen. They spar’d neither the House of GOD, nor his Ministers, but stripped the great Church (_Sancta Sophia_) of all its fine Ornaments and Hangings, made of the richest Brocades, of inestimable Value: But still continuing unsatiable in their Avarice, they no sooner cast their Eyes upon the brazen Statues, than they order’d them to be melted down. The fine _Statue of Juno in Brass_, which stood in the _Forum_ of _Constantine_, they chopt in Pieces, and threw it into the Forge. The Head of this Statue was so large, that four Yoke of Oxen could scarce drag it into the Palace. Upon the _Base_ of it was cut, in _Basso Relievo_, the Figure of _Paris_, _Venus_ standing by him, presenting her with the Apple of Discord. The noble _Quadrilateral Pillar_, supported with several Ranges of Pillars, and which by its Height overlook’d the whole City, and was both the Wonder and the Delight of the curious Spectator, shared the same Fate. This lofty Column was adorn’d with rural Representations of all kinds of singing Birds, Folds of Cattle, milking Pails, of Sheep bleating, and of Lambs frisking and playing, _&c._ There was also engrav’d upon it a View of the Sea and Sea-Gods; some of whom were catching Fish with their Hands; others ordering their Nets, then diving to the Bottom; whilst some in a wanton Manner, were throwing Balls at one another. This Pillar supported a _Pyramid_ at the Top of it, upon which was plac’d the _Statue of a Woman_, which turn’d about with the Wind, and was therefore called _Anemodes_. This excellent Piece was also melted down for Coinage, as was also an _Equestrian_ Statue, fixed upon a Quadrilateral _Pedestal_ in the _Taurus_. This was a bold Figure, of an heroic Countenance, and surprizing Stature. It was reported by some, that he was one of the Spies, who was sent by _Joshua_ the Son of _Nun_. With one Hand he pointed Eastward, with the other to the West, and the Coast of _Gabeon_. But this Statue was generally believed to represent _Bellerophon_, (born and brought up at _Peloponnesus_) sitting upon _Pegasus_; for the Horse was without a Bridle, as _Pegasus_ is mostly figur’d, scouring the Plain, despising a Rider, flying and driving about in a headstrong manner. There is an old Report, which at this Day is in every Body’s Mouth, that there was stampt in the Breast-Plate of this Horse, with great Skill, the Figure of a Man, which appear’d outwardly; this Image was either one of the _Venetici_, the _Epizophurii_, or the _Bulgari_, who were not, at that Time, conquer’d by the _Romans_. This Horse and his Rider were also melted down. In the Accoutrements of this Horse was likewise found a small brazen Image, wrapp’d up as it were in Wool, which the _Romans_ look’d upon to be of little or no Value, and therefore threw that also into the Fire. Neither did the Resentment of the barbarous and unpolite Soldiers stop here, but they expressed the utmost Fury against the finest Statues, and most curious Pieces of Workmanship in the _Hippocum_, cutting the largest of them, which cost immense Sums, into small Coins of little Value. The great Statue of _Hesperian Hercules_, fix’d upon a magnificent _Pedestal_, clothed in a Lyon’s Skin, which seem’d to live, and affright the Spectators with his tremendous Voice, felt the Marks of military Power. He was not here arm’d with his Quiver, his Bow, or his Club, but stretching out his right Leg and Arm, he kneeled upon his left Knee, and leaning upon his left Elbow, with his Hand open, he supported his Head in a thoughtful Manner, and seem’d to lament his Misfortunes; uneasy above all at those which _Eurystheus_ out of mere Envy had impos’d upon him. This Figure was broad-chested, the Shoulders were large, his Hair long, curl’d, and reaching to his Waste; his Arms were brawny, and as long as those of the Original made by _Lysimachus_, which was the first and last Master-piece of his Skill. In short, of such a stupendous Size was this Statue, that his Wrist was as thick as a Man’s Body, and the Length of his Leg equal in height to that of any ordinary Person. This noble Statue, I say, did not escape the Rage of these mighty Pretenders to native Virtue and Honour: Beside this, they also carry’d away the _Image of the Loaded Ass_ and his _Driver_. These Figures were set up originally by _Augustus Cæsar_ at _Actium_, of whom the Fable goes, that when he went out privately in the Night Time to take a View of _Anthony_’s Army, he met a Man driving an Ass; and asking him “_Who he was_, and _whither he was going_? He answered, _my Name is_ Nichon, _and my Ass’s_ Nichander, _and I am going to Cæsar’s Army_”. The _Statues_ also of the _Hyæna_, and the _Wolf_ which suckled _Romulus_ and _Remus_, underwent the same Fate, and were coyn’d into little brazen _Staters_. The _several Statues_ also of a _Man_ fighting with a _Lyon_, of the Horse _Neilôus_, cover’d with Scales behind, of an _Elephant_ with a moving _Proboscis_, of the _Sphinx’s_, beautiful as Women, and terrible as Beasts; which can occasionally walk, or fly in the Air, to fight with Birds of Prey. There was also the _Statue_ of a _wild Horse_, pricking up his Ears, snorting, curvetting, and prancing; this, and _old Scylla_ were served in the same injurious Manner. She was figur’d like a Woman to the Waste, with a grim frightful Look, just as she appear’d, when she sent her Dogs to destroy _Ulysses_. There was also plac’d in the _Hippocum_ a _brazen Eagle_, which was the Invention of _Apollonius Tyanæus_, and a celebrated _Monument_ of his Sorcery. This Impostor, when he was once requested by the _Byzantians_, to heal them of the Bitings of Serpents, which was then a common Malady among them, immediately using some diabolical Charms, and heathenish Ceremonies, he plac’d this Eagle upon a Pillar; it was a pleasant Sight enough, and deserv’d the Curiosity of being more narrowly inspected; for it made an agreeable Harmony, and less dangerous than that of the _Syrens_. Its Wings were stretch’d out, as ready for Flight, and it was trampling upon a _Serpent_, wreathing it self about him. The Serpent seem’d to make the utmost Effort to bite the Eagle, but its Venom had no Power to hurt him. The Eagle seem’d to gripe him so hard in his Talons, that he was forced to hang down his Head quietly, and seem’d either to be unwilling, or unable to spit his Venom at him. The _Eagle_, on the other Hand, look’d brisk and sprightly, and having obtain’d the Victory, seem’d to be in Haste, to bear him through the Air in Triumph, denoting by the Sprightliness of his Look, and the Feebleness of the Serpent, that the Serpents, that tormented the _Byzantians_, would hurt them no more, but suffer themselves even to be handled and strok’d by them. But these were not the only Curiosities observable in this _Aquiline_ Statue. It was also very remarkable, that the _twelve Hours_ were engraven under its Wings, under each Wing six, which shew’d the Hour of the Day, by the Rays of the Sun darting thro’ a Hole in each Wing, artificially made for that Purpose. But what shall I now say of the fine Proportions of _Helen_, who engag’d all _Greece_ in her Quarrel, and for whose Sake _Troy_ itself was laid in Ruines? No Wonder that when living she could charm the most stubborn, and soften the most impenetrable Heart, when in breathing Brass she captivated all that saw her. Her Habit sat loose upon her, which discover’d too great an Inclination for Gallantry. Her Hair, which seem’d to wave in the Wind, was long and delicate, braided with Gold and Jewels. Her Robe was girt about her, falling down to the Knee. Her Lips seem’d like the opening Roses, you would fancy they mov’d, and such an agreeable Smile brightned her Countenance, as entertain’d the Eye of the Spectator with Pleasure. It is impossible for me to describe the Sweetness and Chearfulness of her Looks, the Arches of her Eyes, and the perfect Symmetry of the whole Statue. Take it therefore as it is given us by Poets and Historians. _Helen_ the Daughter of _Tyndarus_ was the Perfection of Beauty, the Child of Love, the Pride, and the Care of _Venus_; the Master-piece of Nature, the great Prize of the _Grecians_ and _Trojans_. Where is now your _Nepenthe_, the secret Charm to guard you from all Evils? Where are your irresistible _Philtrums_? Why did you not use them against these barbarous Invaders, with the same Success as you did formerly? But I suppose it was determined by the Fates, that you should fall by the Force of Fire, who have rais’d such Flames in the Breasts of those who came to behold you; or perhaps these our new Conquerours, who pretend to be descended from the _Trojans_, threw your Statue into the Fire, to revenge the burning of that City, of which you was only the innocent Cause. But I can neither think nor speak with Patience of these avaritious Monsters, who have demolish’d the most valuable, the most curious, the most costly Statues in the whole World; Fellows, who would have sold their Wives for Money; who behav’d themselves rather like Birds of Prey, than a regular well-disciplin’d Army; only with this Difference, that they spent their Prey as loosely, as they got it ingloriously, and would willingly venture their Lives to support their Extravagance. Hear these Verses of _Homer_, who is well known to the _Greeks_ and the _Barbarians_; to the Learned, and Unlearned, concerning _Helen_.

—_No Wonder such Celestial Charms,
For ten long Years should hold the World in Arms._

Pope.

Pardon this Digression:—There was also plac’d upon a Pillar a more _modern Statue_ of a _Woman_, which was very curious and agreeable. Her Hair hung down behind, combed close down from the Forehead backwards, not breaded up, but bending to the Hand of the Spectator. Upon the right Hand of this Statue stood the _Equestrian Statue_ of a _Man_. The Horse stood upon one Leg, the other bore a Cup with a mix’d Potion. The Rider was of a large Size, his Body compleatly arm’d, his Legs and his Feet were cover’d with Greaves, his Air was manly, rough, and warlike. The Horse was mettlesome, and high courag’d, pricking up his Ears, as tho’ he heard the Trumpet. His Neck was high, his Look fierce, his Eyes sparkling, as eager for the Battle; he rear’d up his Fore-feet, and pranced like a War-Horse. Near this Statue, hard by the Eastern Goal, call’d _Rusius_, were a Range of _Statues_ of _Charioteers_, dextrous in driving the Chariot, and turning the Goal. They were very busy in managing their Bridles, and smacking their Whips, and directing their Horses, with their Eyes fix’d steddily upon the Goal. In short, there seem’d to be describ’d in these _Figures_ all the Tumult and Fury of a Chariot Race, with the most vigorous Struggle for Victory and Success. This Description of these Statues may seem imperfect; for it never was my Intention to describe them all. But what gave me the most agreeable Pleasure, and seem’d to me the most admirable Piece of Workmanship, was a large _Pedestal_, upon which was plac’d _an Animal cast in Brass_, as large as an Ox, having a short Tail, and a moderate Dewlap, something like the _Ægyptian_ Cattle. It had no Hoofs; but held in its Teeth, ready to strangle it, another _Animal_, cloth’d all over with Scales, almost impenetrable. It seem’d to be a _Basilisk_, and had a Mouth somewhat like a Serpent’s. It was taken by many to be an Ox of the _Nile_, and by some to be a _Crocodile_. But I forbear to give the several Conjectures upon it. These Figures however seem’d to represent an odd Sort of Fight, each of them furiously striving for Victory. The Creature which seem’d to be the _Basilisk_ was in Colour like a Frog, and was all over bloated from Head to Foot. He was casting out his Venom upon his Antagonist, with an Intent to destroy him. This _Animal_ was carv’d as bearing upon one Knee, and in a languishing Condition. This Observation gave the Spectators occasion to believe it fallen dead backward, if the _Base_ where he stood had not supported him. There was also the _Figure_ of another _Animal_, in whose Jaws was represented a Smaller Creature, whose Mouth was open as almost choak’d by the Teeth which held him, struggling to get loose, but to no Purpose. His Tail, which was very Short, seem’d to tremble; his Shoulders, his fore Feet, and the hinder Part of his Body, were hid in the Mouth of his Enemy, and mash’d by his Jaws. These _Animals_ also mutually kill’d each other. Thus we may observe, that these Poisonous Creatures, so destructive to Man, are no less noxious to each other. And this, many Times, is the Case of Nations, and Kingdoms, as was exemplify’d in the _Romans_, when they made War upon us; killing, and destroying one another, through the Power of _Christ_, who rejoyceth not in Blood, and disperseth the Nations that delight in War; who maketh the Just to walk upon the Adder, and the Basilisk, and treadeth the Lyon and Dragon under his Feet.

* * * * *

_In the Beginning of this_ MS _upon a large Folio Page, are inscrib’d the following Words, in the Benefactor’s own Hand_. “_Sir_ John Roe, _Bart. Ambassador from His Majesty of_ Great Brittain _to the_ Grand Seignior, _as a perpetual Testimony of his Gratitude to the University_, (Oxon) _gave this Book, which he met with in his Travels, to the Publick Library_, 1628.”

AN EXPLANATORY INDEX.

A.

ABACUS from ἄβαξ, which signifies a square Trencher. It is the four
square Table, that makes the Capital on the Top of a
Column, _p._ 148

ACROPOLIS, is that Point of Land where Old _Byzantium_ stood, 157

ÆGYPTIANS, how they adorn their Pillars, 175

ALPHABETS, _Assyrian_ and _Greek_, 77

ANNULETS, are little square Parts turn’d round in the _Corinthian_
Capitals, 264

ANTIQUITY, a famous Piece of it, 154

APOPHYGE, it comes from the _Greek_ Word ἀποφυγὴ, and signifies that
Part of a Column, where it seems to _fly_ out of its _Base_, 253

AQUEDUCT of _Valens_, 197
Of _Valentinian_, 212
Other _Aqueducts_, 213

ARCHITRAVE, this Word is a Compound of two Languages, ἀρχὴ and
_Trabs_, and denotes the first Member of the _Entablature_, 113

ARIUS, his miserable Death, 177

ARMATION, a Place of Arms, 28

ASTRAGAL, is deriv’d from the _Greek_ Word Ἀστράγαλος, and signifies
the little Joynts in the Neck. It is a Member of Architecture
joyn’d to _Bases_, _Cornices_, and _Architraves_, 242

AVASARIUS, a Street in _Constantinople_, 238

B.

BAGNIO’S, of _Achilles_, 20
Of _Arcadius_, 79
Of _Anastasia_, 208
Of _Bajazet_, 193
Of _Carosia_, 198
Of _Constantius_, 210
Of _Honorius_, and _Eudocia_, 169
Of _Zeuxippus_, 97

BASE. This signifies the Foot of a Pillar, which supports it; as
also that Part, upon which the Shaft of the Pillar bears, 109

BASILICA, is derived from Βασιλεὺς, a King, and was a large
Building, made at first for Kings and Princes; afterwards
they were turn’d into Courts of Justice, and sometimes into
Churches. _In Constantinople_ it contain’d the Imperial Library,
consisting of six hundred Thousand Volumes; was also a Seat of
Learning, and a Place of Traffick, 145

BEZESTAN, in the _Ottoman_ Language, is their Grand Exchange, 48

BLACHERNÆ, a Part of the Suburbs, 63

BRAZEN-BULL, 228

BYZANTIUM, founded by _Byzas_, 13
The _Megarians_ its first Inhabitants, 14
Rebuilt by the _Lacedæmonians_, 15
Afterwards call’d _Antonina_, ibid.
After that _New Rome_, _Constantinople_, and _Anthusa_, or
_Florentia_ by _Constantine_, ibid.
Its Revolutions, _ibid._
Its Walls, Towers, Gates, Ports, 17
Taken by the _Romans_, 19
Its Antient Situation and Extent, 20
The greatest City in all _Thrace_, 21
Rebuilt by _Constantine_, 23
Its seven Towers, 71
Its Old Castle where built, 76

C.

CAPITAL, the Top of a Pillar, 113

CAPITOL; This was a large Temple, where they celebrated their
Festivals and Triumphs, and to which they repair’d upon publick
Occasions, 203

CAPOCHEE’S, the drudging Porters among the _Turks_, 38

CHALCA, a Description of it, 134

CHALCOPRATIA, the Places where they worked their Brass, 148

CARAVANSERA, a Place built like an Inn for the Reception of Strangers
and Travellers, 52

CERAS, or CHERAS, a Bay which divides _Galata_ from the City, and is
so called, because it winds round like a _Horn_, 20

CHRYSOSTOM St., banish’d, 102

CHURCH of St. _Anthony_, _Blessed Virgin_, St. _John Baptist_, 28
Of _Anastasia_ and _Hirena_, 192
Of St. _Agathonicus_, 80
Of the _Apostles_, 221
Of the _Blachernæ_, 63
Of _Bacchus_, and _Sergius_, 117
Of St. _Euphemia_, 124
Of St. _Irene_, 101
Of St. _Marcian_, 114
Of St. _Mina_, of _Mocius_ and St. _Anne_, 260
Of St. _Peter_ and St. _Paul_, 117
Of St. _Paul_, 204
Of St. _Polyclete_, 124
Of _Procopius_, of the Martyr _Theca_, 121
Of St. _Theodore_, 202
And of St. _Thomas_, 120

CHURCH, without the Walls of the City. This Church was called
Χριστὸς χώρας, that is, a Church sacred to _Christ_, in a
Monastery call’d _Chora_; because when first built it stood in
the Suburbs, 242
See _Cantacuzenus_.

CHURCH of St. _Sophia_, situate in the Imperial Precinct, 81
By whom built, 82
By what Architects, 84
Its Length, Breadth, and Height, 86
Incrusted with elegant Marble of all Kinds, 87
Its Roof, Pillars, and Arches, _ibid._
The whole Architecture of it describ’d from _Page_ 87, to 95

CIRCUS MAXIMUS, a Place of a large oblong Figure, built for the
Exercise of Martial Sports, with Seats for the Spectators, 103

CISTERN, of _Bonus_, 28
Of _Mocisia_, 66
Imperial Cistern, whose Roof is supported with 336 Marble
Pillars, discovered by the Author, 147
More Cisterns, 162
Cistern of _Theodosius_, 169
Of _Arcadius_ and _Modestus_, 124
Of _Justinian_, 260
Of St. _Benedict_, 275

COCHLIA, This was a Gate of the City, and so call’d, as I conceive,
because it had winding Stairs within it, 116

COLOSSUS, Its Description and Size, 108, 109

COLUMNA VIRGINEA, 58

CONSTANTINE. An Account of his fine Buildings, 23, 24
A Prince of Remarkable Clemency and Goodness, 28
His Military Standard, 183
The Story of his seeing the Cross in the Heavens vindicated, 84
His Coffin, 222

CONSTANTINOPLE, its delightful Situation, 1
Its Strength, 2
Its Commodities, 3
Conveniencies of its Port, 5
Is the Key of the _Mediterranean_ and _Black Sea_, 6
Its choice Wines, 7
Its Timber, 8
Its Fish, 9
Temperature of its Climate, _ibid._
The Disposition of its Inhabitants, 10
The Fortress of all _Europe_, 11
Its Magnificence and vast Extent, 24, 25
Its Figure, 29
Its Compass and Length, 30
Its Breadth, 31
Strength, and Stateliness of its Walls, 67
By whom built and repair’d, 68
Its several Gates, 70
The long Walls of it by whom built, 72
Divided into 14 Wards, 73

CORNICE; this signifies the third, and highest Part of the
_Entablature_, 113

CYCLOBION; this was a round Castle in the City, and some time a
Palace, 239

CYNEGION; this was the same Kind of Building with the _Theatrum
Venatorium_ in antient _Rome_, 244

D.

DELPHIC TRIPOS, 111

DENTILS, is a Member of the _Ionic Cornice_, Square, and cut out at
proper Distances, which gives it the Form of a Set of Teeth, 242

DICERATON; a Tax laid upon the People for Repairing the Walls of the
City, 68

DIGIT; this is a Measure somewhat short of an Inch, 104

DIVAN, it signifies the _Forum Judiciale_ of the _Turks_, 38

E.

EMERALD, of a large Size, 160

ENTABLATURE; this Word denotes the three Members of Architecture,
_viz._ the _Architrave_, _Frieze_, and _Cornice_, 113

EXACIONION; this was a Place, thro’ which there ran the Land-Wall of
the City, 218

EXAMMON _of_ HERACLIUS, or Ἐξάμον. This is a Word which is
_Greeciz’d_ from the Latin _Examen_, and signifies a Standard
Measure appointed by that Emperour, 141

F.

FACTIONS. These were Company of Chariot-racers. There were four
Companies of them at Old _Rome_. At _Constantinople_, (as far
as I have observ’d, or at least not mention’d by _Gyllius_) but
only One, which was called the _Prasine Faction_, because they
wore a _Green_ Livery. The Word _Prasine_ is deriv’d from Πράσον,
a _Leek_, 116, 117

FASCIAE. These are three _Bands_ in Architecture, of which the
_Architrave_ is compos’d, 242

FRIEZE. The round Part of the _Entablature_, which is between the
_Architrave_, and the _Cornice_, 253

Forum of _Arcadius_, 257
Of _Augustus_, 83
Of _Constantine_, 171
_Cupedinis_, 153
Of _Honorius_, 275
_Forum Pistorium_, 195
_Forum Prætorianum_, or the Court of Publick Justice, 170
_Forum_ in the _Taurus_, and the _Forum_ of _Theodosius_, 169

G.

GALATA, now called _Sycæ_ and _Pera_, its Situation, 264

GATES, of _Constantinople_, 70

GRAND-HETAERIARCH, Commander of the prime Auxiliary Band; for there
were two such Bands under the _Greek_ Emperors, the One called the
ἡ μεγάλη, the other ἡ μικρὰ ἑταιρεία i. e. the Greater and Lesser
Band of Auxiliaries. The Commander of the former was ὁ μεγάλης
ἑταιρείας Ἄρχων, or sometimes in one Word Μεγαλεταιρειάρχης, 230

See _Codinus_.

GYMNASIA, Places where they exercis’d themselves in Martial
Sports, 158

H.

HIPPOCUM, 290. This I take to be the same with the _Hyppodrom_.

HIPPODROM, the Place where they perform’d their Races of all
Kinds, 103

HOMER, his _Iliads_ and _Odysses_ inscrib’d, in Golden Characters, on
the Gut of a Dragon, 144

HOSPITAL of _Sampson_, and _Eubulus_, 100

HYPOTRACHELION, this is the most slender Part, or _Neck_ of the
Pillar, which touches the _Capital_, 263

I.

INTERCOLUMNIATION, the Distance of one Pillar from another, 147

L.

LABARUM, this Word signifies a longer piece of Wood, transvers’d near
the Top with a short Piece, upon which hangs the military Flag, 184

LAMPTERUM, a place in _Constantinople_ so called, because it was
Nightly Illuminated, 192

M.

MAGNAURA, a place in the Suburbs, 239

MAHOMET, took the City, 195

MANGANA, a Place of Arms; also a Monastery of that Name, 96

MEDAL, of _Belisarius_, 116

MILIARIUM AUREUM, this was a gilded Pillar, from whence they us’d to
adjust the Distances of Places from the City, 152

MODIUS, this generally signifies a Bushel according to English
Measure; but I am sensible, I had translated it more properly,
had I made it to signify no more than a Peck wanting half a Pint;
which is the _Grecian Modius_, 107

MODULES, these are certain Measures invented to regulate the whole
Building, 113

MONASTERY, of _Studius_, 259

MORION, a place so call’d, which ran round the _Hippodrom_, 123

MOSAIC WORK, A curious Piece of it, 87

O.

OBELISK, built of _Thebaic_ Marble, 103
Two more _Obelisks_, 104

OVOLO, or Egg, is that Member of Architecture, which is first plac’d
on the Top of _Ionic Capitals_, 113

P.

PACES, by this, the Author means the Ordinary Steps a Man takes in
Walking, which cannot be exactly reduced to the _Roman Pace_,
because they vary according to the different Ascents and Descents
of the Ground he walks, 65

PALACE of _Constantine_, 134
of the Grand _Seignor_, 37
of _Justinus_, 120
Other Palaces built by him, 121
Palace of _Maximinus_, 81
Palaces of _Sophia_, 121

PALLADIUM of _Minerva_, 117
Describ’d, 179
How Figur’d, 180

PEDESTAL; this is that Member of Architecture, that supports a
Column, having a Base and Cornice different, according to the
Difference of the several Orders of Building, 113

PHANARIUM, a Street in _Constantinople_, 236

PHARO, a Watch-Tower; set up as a Guide to Ships at a Distance, 96

PHILOXENON; this Word, by its Derivation from the _Greek_, signifies
a publick Place of Entertainment for Travellers, and Strangers.
The _Turks_ at present call these Places _Caravansera’s_, 161

PILLAR of _Arcadius_; this is the same Pillar, which is called the
Historical Pillar; and which is Represented among the Cuts which
I have added to this Book: It is therefore called the Historical
Pillar; because it Represents the Actions and Triumphs of that
Emperor. It is a plain Marble Column, 147 Foot in Height; work’d
in _Basso Relievo_, 250
See _Tournefort_.

PILLAR of MARCIAN; this Pillar is only mention’d by my Author;
but since his Time has been discover’d in a private Garden at
_Constantinople_, by Sir _G. Wheler_. The Pillar is made of
_Granate_, and is thought to have been the Urn, where that
Emperor’s Heart was buried, 256
See the same Author.

PILLARS; Of _Constantine_, 156
_Corinthian_, very large, 137
Pillars in the _Hippodrom_, 110, 111, 112
Of _Justinian_, 129
_Porphyry_ Pillar, 172
See also the Cuts.
Pillars in the _Senate-House_, 131
Of _Sophia_, 120
Of _Theodosius_, 129
Of _Valentinian_, 256

PLINTH; in Architecture it is taken for that square Member, which
makes the Foundation of the Base of the Pillar, 113

PORTICO’S; these were Buildings of curious work, added to publick
Structures whether Sacred or Civil.

PORTICO, Of the Church of the Apostles, 221
Imperial _Portico_, where sealed, 150
Other _Portico’s_, full of Statues, 151
_Portico_, called _Sigma_, 221

PRYTANEUM; this was a stately Building, where those who had deserv’d
well of the Government, were handsomely maintain’d at the publick
Charge. There was such a Structure at _Athens_, for the same
purpose, 169

PYRAMIDICAL Engine; its Use and Contrivance, 197

S.

SCOTIA; this is a Member of Architecture hollow’d, or fluted as a
Demi-Channel. It is particularly us’d in the _Bases_, where it is
plac’d between the _Tore_, and the _Astragals_, 113

SENATE-HOUSE; built by _Constantine_, 132
How adorn’d, 182

SERAGLIO, or the Imperial Palace; a Description of it, 37, 38, 39,
40, 41
Where situate, 51
Its Extent, 52

SHAFT of a Pillar is the Body of it, 111

STADIA; these were Places, in the Form of _Circo’s_, for running of
Men and Horses, 136

STATUES; Of _Apollo_, 176
Of _Arcadia_, and _Verina_, 79
Of _Arcadius_ and _Honorius_, 197
Of _Ariadne_, 139
Of _Arius_ and others, 154
Of _Byzas_ and _Phidalia_, 141
Of _Constantine_ the _Great_, 170
A Silver Statue of _Eudoxia Augusta_, 101
Two _Female Statues_, 186
Of the _Fortune_ of the City, 154
A gilded _Statue_, and that of _Justinian_, 141
Of _Helena_ and others, 138
Of _Hercules_, 142
_Statues_ in the _Hippodrom_, 108, 109, 110, 111
_Statue_ of old _Homer_ very fine, 78
Of _Justinian_, 127
_Statues_ in the _Lausus_, 159
Of _Leo_ the Emperour, 123
Of _Longinus_, 187
Of the _Muses_, 139
Of Princes, Poets, Historians, and Orators, 99
Of _Pulcheria_, 139
Of _Rhea_, 131
Of _Theodora_, 79
Of _Theodosius_, 125, 129
Of _Trajan_, _Theodosius_, _Valentinian_, _Gibbus_,
_Firmillianus_, and _Eutropius_, 142
Of _Zeno_, _Statues_ in the _Bagnio’s_ of _Zeuxippus_, 98

STATUES (mention’d in the _Appendix_) demolish’d by the _Romans_.
_Anemodes_, a _Woman_ plac’d on a _Pyramid_, and turning with the
Wind, 287
_Animals_; two large ones represented in Brass, 293
_Animals_; two less, 294
An _Ass_ and his _Driver_, 289
_Charioteers_; a Range of them, 293
An _Eagle_ in Brass, entwin’d by a _Serpent_, 290
An _Elephant_, 289
An _Equestrian Statue_ of a Man, 293
An _Equestrian Statue_ in the _Taurus_, 287
A _Helen_ very fine, 291
An _Hesperian Hercules_, 288
A _Horse_ wild, 289
A _Hyæna_, and a _Wolf_, _ibid._
A _Juno_ in Brass, 288
A _Man_ fighting with a _Lyon_, 289
_Neilôus_, a _Horse_, _ib._
Old _Scylla_, ibid.
_Sphinx’s_, ibid.
a _Woman_, a more modern _Statue_, 293

STRATEGIUM, a kind of a Parade, or Place where the Generals usually
pitched their Tents, and exercis’d their Men, 23

SYPARUM; the Flag of a Military Standard, 184

T.

TAURUS; a Street in _Constantinople_, 193

TEMPLES;
Of _Amphiaraus_, 274
Of _Apollo_, 120
Of _Bacchus_, 77
Of _Ceres_, 166
Of _Concord_, 120
Of _Diana Lucifera_, 274
Of _Ja_, 259
Of _Juno_, 190
Of _Jupiter_, 97
Of _Neptune_, 76
Of _Pluto_, 190
Of _Proserpina_, 166
Of the Sun and Moon, 208
Of _Tellus_, 166
Of _Venus Placida_, 274

TETRAPYLUM; a Description of it, 196

THEBAIC OBELISK, where fix’d, 103
Its Length, with a Description of it, 104, 105
Manner of Raising it, (See the Cuts) 106

THERMATION; a Place of Bathing, 255

TOMB of _Bajazet_, 194
describ’d, 200
_Tomb_ of _Constantine_, 221
Of _Mahomet_, 55
Of _Mahomet_, _Solyman_’s Son, 202
Of _Mauritius_, 248
Of _Selymus_, 59

TORE; this is the third Member of Architecture in the _Base_ of the
Column, which turns round it like a Ring, 113

TRABEATION, 113
See _Entablature_.

TRICLINIUM; this was a place of Publick Entertainment, and was many
Times a very sumptuous Building most beautifully adorn’d, 162
The great _Triclinium_ built by _Anastasius_, 246
The _Triclinium_ of _Magnaura_, 239

TRIPOS of _Apollo_; this _Tripos_ was set upon a brazen Pillar made
of three Serpents entwin’d, which was about fifteen Foot high,
according to _Tournefort_. See the Cut of the _Serpentine_
Pillar, 112

TURKS; their Way of building Pillars, 188

V.

VESTIBULE, or VESTIBULUM; a House of Entrance into a Church, or any
great Building, 133

VOLUTÆ. The Word signifies _wreath’d_, and is that Part of the
_Capitals_, of the _Ionic_, _Corinthian_, and _Composite_ Orders,
which is suppos’d to represent the Bark of Trees twisted, 119

W.

WALLS of _Constantinople_, 72

WALKS Imperial, 142

X.

XEROLOPHON; this Word signifies a _dry Unction_, and the Place was
call’d so, because whoever was anointed there never us’d to
bath, 259

_FINIS._

A
DESCRIPTION
Of the CITY of
CONSTANTINOPLE,
As it stood in the REIGNS of
ARCADIUS and HONORIUS.

Published from the
_Notitia Utriusque Imperii_.

WITH
PANCIROLUS’_s_ NOTES.

——_Vestigia retrò
Observata sequor._——

VIR. ÆN. II.

_LONDON_:
Printed in the Year MDCCXXIX.

A
DESCRIPTION
Of the WARDS of
CONSTANTINOPLE.

The first _Region_, or _Ward_.

_The first_ Ward _contains in it, the House of_ Placidia Augusta; _the House of the most illustrious_ Marina; _the_ Bagnio’s _of_ Arcadius; _twenty nine Streets; an Hundred and eighteen large Houses; two_ Portico’s _of a great Length; fifteen private_ Bagnio’s; _four publick, and fifteen private Mills; and four_ Gradus. _It was governed by one_ Curator, _who had under his Charge, the whole_ Ward. _There was also one_ Vernaculus, _who was Messenger of the_ Ward, _was also Assistant to him, and entirely at his Command. It had also twenty five_ Collegiati, _chosen out of the several Bodies of Tradesmen, whose Office it was to direct and assist in Cases of Fire. There were also five_ Vico-Magistri, _whose Business it was to watch the City by Night_.

* * * * *

Thus far my Author. I shall here add a Remark made by _Gyllius_, it not being foreign to our Purpose, _viz._ That those whom _P. Victor_ and _S. Rufus_, believed to have been called the _Denunciatores_ in antient _Rome_, here in new _Rome_, he calls _Vernaculi_. Neither of them mention the _Collegiati_, tho’ all Historians take Notice of the _Vico-Magistri_, who with more Propriety of the _Latin_ Tongue, should rather have been called _Vicorum Magistri_, as appears, he tells us, by an Inscription yet remaining in the Capitol of _Old Rome_, which is as follows.

IMP. CAESARI DIVI.
TRAIANI PARTHICI FIL.
DIVI NERVAE NEPOTI.
TRAIANO HADRIANO.
AVG. PONTIF. MAXIMO.
TRIBVNIC. POTESTAT. XX.
IMP. II. CON. III. P.
MAGISTRI VICORVM XIIII.

NOTES.

_The first Ward._] ’Tis evident from _Pliny_, and also from _Tacitus_, in that Part of his History, where he mentions the Burning of the City by _Nero_, that antient _Rome_ was divided into fourteen _Regions_, or _Wards_. _Sex. Rufus_, and _P. Victor_, who had pass’d the _Consular_ Dignity, have given us some short Descriptions of them. As to the _Wards_ of _New Rome_, they are here described as I found them placed before the _Notitia Utriusque Imperii_. _Constantinople_, which was a kind of Representation of _Old Rome_, was likewise after her Example, as _Justinian_ observes in his 43ᵈ _Novel_, divided into fourteen _Wards_; and he calls them _Regions_ or _Wards_. There were many Monuments of Antiquity carried thither from _Old Rome_, and many new ones made there, which I could by no Means pass by, as the Accounts of them may be necessary to the Knowledge of both Places. And therefore to explain and illustrate them the more, I have subjoined some _Annotations_ of my own; and have also taken Notice, as they fell in my Way, of some Observations made in my _Comments_ on the _Notitia_, _&c._ The Author of the _Description_ observes this Method. The Churches, and other Matters which are most Material, he treats of in the first Place, then he mentions what is less Important, in the same Order, in every _Ward_; as the Streets, Houses, _Bagnio’s_, Mills, the _Gradus_, then the _Curator_, _Vernaculus_, the _Collegiati_, and last of all, the _Vico-Magistri_. In the thirteenth _Ward_, through a Mistake, the Streets are omitted, which Error I have taken Care to correct, as I have also another in the fourteenth _Ward_, where he has left out the _Curator_, the _Vernaculus_, the _Collegiati_, and the _Vico-Magistri_. He mentions only fourteen Churches, in seven _Wards_; whereas at _Rome_, there was not a Street without some Temple or other, and some had two. I shall make my _Annotations_ upon every Monument of Antiquity, in the same _Ward_, and in the same Place, that I find it.

_The House of_ Placidia Augusta.] This Lady was the Daughter of _Theodosius_ the _Great_, and Sister of _Arcadius_ and _Honorius_. When _New Rome_ was taken by _Alaric_, King of the _Goths_ and _Vandals_, he carried her away into Captivity, who afterward married his Kinsman and Successor _Athaulfus_. Upon his Death, she was restored to her Countrey, and being married again to _Constantius_, she had by him two Sons, _Valentinian_ and _Honoriades_; as _Eutropius_, _Zonaras_, _Cedrinus_, and other Historians tell us.

_The House of the most illustrious_ Marina.] _Marina_ was the Daughter of _Arcadius_, who being honoured with the Title of the _Most Illustrious_, as _Cedrinus_ writes, continued a Virgin. The Title of the _Most Illustrious_, is discovered by an antient Inscription to have been first given to _Valerianus_ the Younger, about the Year of our Lord 260. Afterwards it was given to _Severinus_, and _Maximinus Cæsar_, and at Length it was ascribed to Ladies of the highest Birth. This sometimes entitled them to a Share in the Government; for whosoever was dignified with this Character, was allowed to wear a Purple Habit, laced round with Gold, and took Place of the _Præfecti_, (the Mayors or Chief Magistrates of the City) as _Zosimus_ observes, who will have it, that this Honour was first instituted by _Constantine_; tho’ ’tis very evident, that this Dignity was conferred long before his Time.