The once 50 metre tall Column of Constantine was built 330 AD from cylindrical blocks of porphyry. In the joins between the blocks, were elaborate bronze wreaths - the Crusaders helped themselves to those. Oh dear what a world! Has much changed? The column is now World Heritage listed.
It was once topped by a statue of Constantine I portrayed as Apollo but a strong gale felled that 1000 years ago. What a fate! In C18th an earthquake and fire destroyed much of the surrounding neighbourhood and scorched the column. After that it became known as the Burnt Pillar. Today it is reinforced by iron hoops leading to the name Cemberlitas (hooped) Column - I think! One might say that it has withstood the test of time - almost. Constantine would have been delighted!
It would be easy to miss the Milion tucked into a corner at the end of our street. It was built around the same time as the Çemberlitaş Column and once stood as the zero marker to measure the distance to all cities of the Byzantine Empire. After a similar one in Rome - and a little like the Macquarie Obelisk in Macquarie Place, Sydney albeit on a hugely grander scale.
It is astonishing to see such ancient objects still standing. Not the structures themselves so much but as reminders of a distant time and indeed the passing of time.
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