Column of the Goths

A late Roman honorary column of granite on the acropolis hill of ancient Byzantion, now standing on the northeastern slope in Guelhane Park behind the Topkapi Palace. The column is about 15 metres high with a Corinthian capital and is usually dated to the late 3rd or early 4th century. Its Latin inscription FORTUNAE REDUCI OB DEVICTOS GOTHOS gives it its name and celebrates an unknown emperors victory over the Goths — perhaps Claudius Gothicus or Constantine. It is one of the few visible monuments from the pre-Constantinian phase of the city. Today it stands quietly among tulip beds and most tourists hurry past on their way to Topkapi. For visitors on a park walk it offers a quiet, almost intimate piece of Constantinople history.