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Distinguishing the Palaces of Constantinople
Two main points support the idea that the Palace of the Bucoleon and the Palace of Hormisdas were separate buildings. First, the Anonymus explicitly...
Identifying the Harbour of the Bucoleon
With the evidence regarding the famous group of the Lion and the Bull, it is clear that the Harbour of the Bucoleon was located...
The Gate of Tchatlady Kapou
On the western headland of the small bay in front of the Bucoleon Harbour stood an old slaughter-house. This building has long been used...
Earthquake Damage and Repairs in the Late 10th Century
In the year 975, during the final years of Emperor John I Tzimiskes, a strong earthquake struck Constantinople. The tremors caused significant damage to...
Identifying the Empress Irene in the Inscriptions
There is some uncertainty about which Empress Irene is referred to in one of the wall inscriptions. If the inscription belongs to the reign...
Restoration of the Theodosian Walls under Justin and Sophia
An inscription found on the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople reads:
“The Outwork of the Theodosian Wall was restored under Justin and Sophia, our most pious...
Street Dogs With Intelligence and Territory
The stray dogs of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) are not only survivors — they are also intelligent. These animals seem to understand their environment very...
Dogs Protected by Belief
The stray dogs of Constantinople (now Istanbul) are not just ignored—they are protected by strong religious beliefs. Many Muslims in the city believe that...
The Dogs and Firemen of Constantinople
The dogs and firemen of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) are well known. Tourists often talk about them because they are very different from what people...
Widespread Social Unrest
Everywhere in the Ottoman Empire, social life is in a sad state. We hear about riots and killings in many places. In Albania and...
