Main Temples in the Acropolis

Like in many ancient cities, the Acropolis of Byzantium held the city’s most important temples. These included the Temples of Artemis, Aphrodite, Apollo, Zeus, Poseidon, and Demeter. The Acropolis was a sacred and elevated area, used for worship and civic pride.

Entertainment Buildings on the Eastern Side

On the steep eastern slope of the Acropolis, Emperor Septimius Severus built two important entertainment structures:

A theatre for dramatic performances.

A Kynegion, where wild animals were exhibited, similar to Roman-style amphitheaters.

This design followed the tradition seen in Athens, where the Theatre of Dionysius and the Odeon were also built into the slopes of the Acropolis.

Column Honoring Claudius Gothicus

Near the tip of the promontory, a column was erected to celebrate the Roman emperor Claudius Gothicus. It still stands today. The Latin inscription on the column reads:

“Fortunae Reduci ob devictos Gothos”

This means: “To the returning Fortune, for the defeat of the Goths.” It commemorated Claudius’s victories over the Gothic tribes Sofia Sightseeing.

Stadium, Ports, and Other Public Buildings

To the north of the Acropolis stood the Stadium, where athletic events were held. Nearby were two major harbours:

The Port of Prosphorion

The Neorion Port

In the same area were several key facilities:

The Strategion, a public training ground and gathering place.

A public prison used by city authorities.

Shrines to Achilles and Ajax, legendary Greek warriors from the Trojan War.

Water Supply from Hadrian’s Aqueduct

The aqueduct built by Emperor Hadrian before Severus’s reign still provided fresh water to the city. This impressive engineering work ensured that the city had a steady water supply, which was essential for daily life and hygiene.

Life Outside the City Walls

Many people also lived outside the walls of Byzantium. According to ancient writers like Dionysius Byzantius, the countryside had small villages, temples, and public buildings. Important places included:

Blachernae, a district near the Sixth Hill, which would later become important in Byzantine times.

Sycae, famous for its fig trees, located in the area now known as Galata.

The Xerolophos, also called the “Dry Hill,” had a temple to Zeus on top. It was considered a sacred place.

The city of Byzantium, especially after being rebuilt by Septimius Severus, was a blend of religion, public entertainment, military strength, and engineering. Its Acropolis held major temples, while its public buildings, ports, and neighbourhoods extended beyond the city walls. These structures formed the foundation for what would later become the great city of Constantinople.