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Walled Obelisk - Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
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Walled Obelisk - Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
The Walled Obelisk (Constantine Obelisk) close to the Serpentine Column at the southern side of the Hippodrome of Constantinople (now Sultanahmet Square), Istanbul, Turkey. Named after Constantine VII (who repaired it in the tenth century). Originally covered with gilded bronze plaques, but they were sacked by invading troops during the Fourth Crusade. Only the stone core of this monument survives Date: circa 1903
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Media ID 14393945
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Constantine Constantinople Core Hippodrome Istanbul May16 Obelisk Poor Porphyrogenitus Repair Seventh Sultanahmet Walled
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: The Walls of History: The Surviving Stone Core of the Constantine Obelisk in Istanbul's Sultanahmet Square 2.. The captivating image showcases the surviving stone core of the Walled Obelisk, also known as the Constantine Obelisk, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Serpentine Column at Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey. Once a grand monument adorned with gilded bronze plaques, this obelisk stands as a testament to the rich history of Constantinople, now modern-day Istanbul. Originally erected during the Roman era, likely in the 14th or 15th century BC, the obelisk was a gift from the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III to the ancient city. It was later moved and re-erected in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient circus and public square, during the reign of Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD. The obelisk underwent extensive repairs during the 10th century under Emperor Constantine VII, who added the external bronze plaques. However, the monument's fortune took a turn for the worse when the Fourth Crusade invaded Constantinople in 1204. The invading troops plundered the city, stripping the obelisk of its precious metal coverings, leaving only the stone core that stands proudly in Sultanahmet Square today. The image, captured around 1903, offers a glimpse into the past, revealing the enduring history and resilience of this ancient monument. The serene atmosphere of the square, with the obelisk standing tall against the backdrop of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, adds to the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing a piece of history that has withstood the test of time. This photograph is a reminder of the intriguing stories that lie within the walls of Istanbul and the enduring legacy of its historical landmarks.
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