Augustaion (Constantinople)

The main ceremonial square of ancient Constantinople — predecessor to today's Sultanahmet Square before Hagia Sophia.

The Augustaion was the main ceremonial square of ancient and medieval Constantinople — roughly where today's Sultanahmet Square lies in front of Hagia Sophia. Originally a public market, it was transformed under Justinian I in the 6th century into an enclosed courtyard surrounded by colonnaded porticoes. It served as the linking space between Hagia Sophia, the Imperial Palace, and the Hippodrome. The name references statues of emperors Constantine and Theodosius I. The square endured for over a thousand years and was still partially visible in the early 16th century.