The Hippodrome Square

The magnificent Hippodrome was the sporting and social center of 6th-century Constantinople, where chariot races were the most popular spectator sport. Even after the Roman Empire began to decline, the Hippodrome remained the place where official ceremonies and people's assemblies were held. Today, the square features three ancient monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine.