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The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, was a grand public arena primarily used for chariot races. Beyond races, it served as a venue for gladiator games, imperial ceremonies, public protests, and executions during the Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.
Originally built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 CE, the Hippodrome was later expanded by Constantine I when he established Constantinople as the Byzantine capital in 330 CE. Constantine enlarged the structure and connected it to the Great Palace of Constantinople, remnants of which can still be seen at the Museum of the Great Palace Mosaics.
With a seating capacity of approximately 40,000, the Hippodrome was a center of both entertainment and political power. It was adorned with monuments brought from across the empire, including the Serpent Column from Delphi and the Obelisk of Thutmosis III from Egypt, also known as the Obelisk of Theodosius. These monuments were a display of the Byzantine Empire’s vast reach and dominance.
Under Ottoman rule, the Hippodrome was renamed At Meydanı (Horse Square) but was no longer used as an arena. Instead, it became a public square. The construction of the İbrahim Paşa Palace, which now houses the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, in the 16th century and the Blue Mosque in the 17th century caused significant damage to the site. By the 18th century, it had largely been abandoned.
Today, the Hippodrome is easily accessible from Sultanahmet Tram Station, just a two-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It is surrounded by other significant historical sites, including Topkapi Palace, the Underground Cistern, and the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. As it is located in Istanbul’s most touristic district, visitors can find a range of accommodations nearby, with luxury and boutique hotels such as Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Ibrahim Pasha Hotel, and Armada Sultanahmet Old City.
References:The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.