3. • Its construction was started by Emperor Septimius Severus in the city that was
still called Byzantium. (in 203 ).
It was completed by Constantine to his new capital, Constantinople.
8. It was also the centre of social and political life.
- People went to the races,
- they had bets.
- There were 4 teams : 1 ) the Blues
2 ) the Whites, both were close to the the power
3 ) the Greens
4 ) The Reds, representing tradesmen and craftmen
10. • The racecourse was used until the end of the 12th century, before being
partially burned by the Crusaders in 1203.
11. • Today the remains of the hippodrome are visible on the place of Sultan
Ahmet in İstanbul.
12.
13. • As most of the monuments built by Constantine I in his new capital, the
racetrack was decorated with many sculptures made especially large
sanctuaries and cities of the Greek East.
14. • The hippodrome has become a popular place of tourist and promenade,
known as the "Sultanahmet Meydanı" (Sultan Ahmet place) or "At
Meydanı" (place to Horses).