Forum of Constantine

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Keystone that was probably a part of the forum, kept at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The Forum of Constantine was built at the foundation of Constantinople immediately outside of the old walls. It was circular in shape and had two monumental gates to the east and west. The Column of Constantine which still stands upright and is known today in Turkish as Çemberlitaş was erected in the centre of the square.

The column was originally crowned with a statue of Constantine as Apollo, but a strong gale in 1150 caused the statue and three of the column's upper drums to fall, and a cross was added in its place by the Byzantine emperor Manuel Comnenus (reigned 1143-1180). Otherwise the forum remained nearly intact until the Fourth Crusade in 1203-1204. The Senate House lay on the north side of it. We know from the sources that the square was decorated with a number of antique statues, but it is impossible to determine their exact appearance and location.

The Forum suffered major damage in a fire started by soldiers of the Fourth Crusade in 1203. After the Sack of 1204, the antique statues decorating the Forum were melted down by the Crusaders.