The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a large horse racing arena and center of social life located next to the imperial palace in Constantinople. It was constructed in the early 4th century under Emperor Constantine and could hold over 100,000 spectators. Horse and chariot races were popular events along with riots between factions that supported the Blues, Whites, Greens or Reds teams. Today, remains of the hippodrome can be seen in Istanbul's Sultan Ahmet Square.

1. Comenius Project, 2013-2015
Classical Times Light the Way to our
Future

2. Hippodrome de Constantinople
The Hippodrome of Constantinople is located in Istanbul.

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.

4. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was next to the great Palace.

5. It was then 450 metres long and 120 metres wide.
100 000 spectators could attend the races .

6. It was a monumental equestrian arena in the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

7. Horse racing and chariot races were popular
pastimes.

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

9. There were often riots.
In 532, 30 000 people were killed

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.

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).