HIPPODROME

The vast area covered by the Hippodrome lies between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It is also known as At Meydani, or plaza of the horses, because after the conquest of Costantinople it was used principally for horse races.

Its original layout dates to 203 A.D. under Septimius Severus. It was enlarged and embellished by Constantine in 325 and recalls the Circus Maximus in Rome.

---