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| − | '''St Constantine's Palace''' (Greek: Παλάτι του Αγίου Κωνσταντίνου) is one Atlantis'' oldest palaces. Originally called the '''Great Palace of Atlantis'''; (Greek: Μέγα Παλάτιον, Latin: Palatium Magnum) — or the '''Sacred Palace''' (Latin: Sacrum Palatium, Greek: Ιερόν Παλάτιον). It was not until 1454, when the remains of [[Wikipedia:St. Constantine|St. Constantine]] and [[Wikipedia:Constantine XI |Constantine XI, the last Byzantine Emperor]] were brought to the Palace, that the palace started to be called by its present name. The Palace is situated between the [[Hippodrome of Atlantis]] to its west, and the [[Hagia Sophia Cathedral]] to its north
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| − | [[File:St Constantine's Palace Complex.png|thumb|right|500px|Map of St. Constantine's Palace and its surroundings]]
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| − | Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained to this day the official residence of the Diadochian Sovereign.
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| − | ==Layout==
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| − | St Constantine's Palace is a walled enclosure sprawling complex of palaces, pavilions, dispersed amidst gardens and palace courtyards. The total size of the palace complex is around 200,000 square feet (19,000 m2. The palace complex occupies six distinct terraces.
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| − | The main entrance to the Palace complex is the [[Chalke Gate]] at the Augustaion, a large ceremonial throughfare. The Augustaion was located on the south side of the [[Hagia Sophia Cathedral]], and it was there that the city's main street, the [[Konstantinoupoleos Avenue]] often called the Mese ("Middle Street"), began. To the east of the Augustaion square lies the [[Palace of Magnaura]], where the [[Parliament of Diadochia]] meet, and to the west the [[Baths of Zeuxippus]], the largest public baths complex in Atlantis.
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| − | Immediately behind the Chalke Gate, facing southwards, were the barracks of the senior most palace guards, the [[Palati Scholae]]. After the palace barracks stands the reception hall of the Accubita Hall, followed by the Palace of Daphne, in early times the main imperial residence. It includes within its area the Octagon, the emperor's Imperial State bedchamber as well as the Pantheon the principal apartments of the Empress. From the Daphne, a passage leads directly to the imperial box (kathisma) in the [[Hippodrome of Atlantis]]. The main throne room is the Chrysotriklinos, built by [[Theodosius II of Diadochia]], and expanded and renovated by [[Nikolas I of Diadochia]]. Very near to the Chrysotriklinos is the Palace chapel of the Theotokos of the Pharos. To its north lies the Triconchos palace, built by the emperor [[Theodosios III of Diadochia]] in the fashionable persian style, giving it the nickname the Persian House. The Triconchos is accessible through a semicircular antechamber known as the Sigma. To the east of the Triconchos lies the lavishly decorated Nea Ekklesia Palace Chapel ("New Church"), built by Nikolas I, with five golden gilded domes. Between the church and the sea walls lies the great Imperial Palace polo field of the Tzykanisterion. Which gives its name to the nearby Tzykanisterion street, where the [[Tyzanisterion Polo Association]] and the [[Tyzanisterion Club]] are located.
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| − | Further to the south, detached from the main palace complex lies the seaside [[Boukoleon Palace]]. It was built by Theodosios III, incorporating parts of the sea walls, and used extensively until the 15th century.
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| − | Numerous churches and chapels are located in the palace complex, including, The Oratory of St. Theodore, The Sigma antechamber, and the Imperial Baptistery. The Imperial Stables of the complex include the personal stables of the Imperial Court and contain chargers, riding horses, and polo ponies. The Imperial Kennels located near to the Stables houses the dogs and cheetahs used by the emperors when hunting deer or bears and the cages holding falcons for the hunting of hares and game birds. The Palace Complex contains a private Zoo with exotic animals, a aviary with birds of all kind, an Imperial armoury, an Imperial mint, an Imperial treasury, Imperial archives, imperial store rooms, silk looms, and the imperial factories and workshops were luxury products of superb quality are made for the personal use of the Emperor, Imperial Family, and the Imperial Court as well.
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| − | ==Function==
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| − | St Constantine's Palace was the main residence of the [[List of Diadochian monarchs|Emperor of Diadochia]] and his [[Imperial Court of Diadochia|court]] from . It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitants of the palace rarely had to venture out since the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity, a city within a city. Audience and consultation chambers and areas served for the political workings of the empire. For the residents and visitors, the palace had its own water supply through underground cisterns and the great kitchens provided for nourishment on a daily basis. Dormitories, gardens, libraries, schools, many chapel and churches, were at the service of the court.
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| − | ==Chrysotriklinos Palace==
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| − | ===Chrysotriklinos Hall===
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| − | The Chrysotriklinos Hall is the principal throne hall in the palace. The Chrysotriklinos served for the reception of foreign embassies, the ceremonial conferring of dignities, as an assembly point for religious festivals and as a banqueting hall for special feasts, like Easter.
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| − | ===Tripeton Courtyard===
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| − | Located west of the Chrysotriklinos is the Tripeton. It is a open courtyard that lies between the Lausiakon hall and the Chrysotriklinos, and is connected to them both. The Tripeton is the forecourt of the Chrysotriklinos.
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| − | ===Aristerion of the Chrysotriklinos===
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| − | The Aristerion lies to the right of the Tripeton Courtyard. The Aristerion is the Emperor's private dining hall, were feasts were held for the most honoured guests, when the palace was still inhabited. During banquets at the palace, dessert is served in the Aristerion.
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| − | The walls of the hall are adorned with Bathyinian marble and the floor is covered with rich mosaics and marble.
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| − | ===New Chamber===
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| − | The New Chamber is connected to the Tripeton Courtyard by a private door. The New Chamber was built by [[Nikolas I of Diadochia]] and served as his bedchamber when he was Emperor of Diadochia. The New Chamber has crystal domed roof supported on a sixteen marble pillars, eight of dark green Thessalian marble six are of onychite ornamented with vines and exotic animals, while the remaining two are decorated with monograms of the Emperor.
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| − | The walls of the chamber, as well as the eastern semi-dome are decorated with gold mosaics, representing the Emperor Nikolas I. On the chamber's roof is depicted the labours of Nikolas, his military exploits and the like. In the middle of the floor of the chamber is a brilliantly coloured peacock mosaic.
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| − | The walls of the chamber also include representations of Nikolas I and his consort, Eudokia in their Imperial state robes, with their children beside them holding books
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| − | ===The Long Chamber===
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| − | The Long Chamber lies to the south of the Chrysotriklinos. Its doors are made of silver inlaid with gold and ivory. The Hall has three other doors besides its principal silver doors, one leads to the Palace Chapel Theotokos of the Pharos, the other to the the emperor's Imperial State bedchamber, while the other leads to the principal apartments of the Empress. The Long Chamber is a antechamber. It is in this hall that the [[Excubitors Guard]] kept guard over the Emperor and his family
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| − | ===Sacred Bedchamber of the Emperor===
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| − | The Sacred Bedchamber of the Emperor is the State Bedchamber of the Emperor of Diadochia. There is a door to the chamber by way of the Long Chamber. The Emperor's Bedchamber is decorated with purple and red silk curtains and fine satin.
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| − | ===Bedchamber of the Empress===
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| − | The Bedchamber of the Empress are were the principal apartments of the Empress Consort. The bedchamber stands besides the the Octagon on one side and the New Chamber on the other.
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| − | The Bedchamber is decorated with gold curtains and fine silks.
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| − | ===Palace chapel of the Theotokos of the Pharos===
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| − | The Palace chapel of the Theotokos of the Pharos holds very significant importance to the life of the Imperial Court when it resided in the Palace. It was at this palace Chapel from 10th century onward until the Palace stopped being inhabited on a regular basis that Imperial Couples were married.
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| − | In the chapel there are many pieces of the true cross, as well as gold chandeliers and gold candlesticks. The Emperors who resided at the Palace attended service in the chapel more than any other church in the complex.
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| − | ===Church of St. Demetrius===
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| − | Located very near to Our Lady of the Pharos. Every day on October 26, in honor of the Saint's day the Emperor makes a trip to the Church. The church is decorated with Icons of Saint Demetrius.
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| − | ==Palace of Triconchos==
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| − | ===Lausiakon hall===
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| − | The Palace of the Triconchos is separated from the Daphne Palace by the gallery known as the Lausiakon Hall. The Gallery's south end is connected with the Hall of Cassander, and its north is connected with the Gallery of the Forty Saints. The Bench of the [[Megas Kouropalatēs]] (Lord Steward) is located at the door leading to the Hall of Cassander. Located to the west of the Lausiakon are the Palace Kitchens.
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| − | ===Palace Kitchens===
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| − | The Palace Kitchens are connected to the Lausiakon by way of a bronze door, located to its west. The palace kitchens consist of the main Imperial kitchen, outer service section, beverages kitchen, confectionery kitchen, creamery, storerooms and rooms for the cooks. The meals for the Emperors were prepared here. Food was prepared for around 5,000 people. The kitchen staff consisted of more than 900 people, rising to 1,500 on religious holidays. As many as 8,000 meals a day could be prepared. Even the serving of food to the Emperor was strictly regulated by protocol.
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| − | Despite no longer being inhabited by the monarch, many members of the Imperial Family live in the palace, so the kitchens are still in use.
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| − | ===Church of St. Basil===
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| − | The Church of St. Basil, located near the Lausiakon is a palace chapel, visited very often during Lent by the Imperial Family as well as on the Saint's day on the first of January.
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| − | ===The Triconchos===
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| − | The Triconchos stands to the north of the Lausiakon. It is connected to several buildings and is bounded on the south by the Hall of Cassander.
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| − | The Hall gives its name to the complex of buildings connected to it.
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| − | The Hall has three aspses. When the Palace was still inhabited by the Emperor, members of the [[Diadochian nobility]] would receive the Emperor here at Christmas. A direct passage connects the Triconchos Hall with the Chrysotriklinos. The various officers of the Bedchamber stand in the hall, awaiting the Emperor.
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| − | ===The Sigma===
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| − | The Sigma is named so because of its [C] like shape. It is connected to the Triconchos by way of three doors. Its walls are covered with marble of bright colours, such as red, yellow, green, and other. The roof, a large crystal dome rests on fifteen pillars of Dokimaian marble. Below its floor lies a spiral staircase that leads to a vault of the same shape called the Mysterion. The Sigma in later times was used as a dance hall.
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| − | ===The Mysterion===
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| − | The Mysterion, located directly below the Sigma, connected to it by way of a spiral staircase is also the site of the Imperial Treasure chamber. The Mysterion is connected by a a door to the Tetraseron, which is located below the Triconchos
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| − | ===Tetraseron===
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| − | The Tetraseron is located under the Triconchos and is similar in shape. It is connected to the Mysterion by way of vaulted chamber and staircase leading to the Sigma.
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| − | ===The Mystic Fountain Courtyard===
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| − | The building was connected to the Sigma on its western side. On August 5, during the great festival of the Dedication of Atlantis ceremonies of great religious importance are held here. The Festival of Torches has been held here for centuries.
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| − | The Mystic Fountain contains the bodies of Emperors Constantine I of Byzantium, and Constantine XI, the last Byzantine emperor.
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| − | ===The Gallery of the Forty Saints===
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| − | The Gallery of the Forty Saints is a large gallery located to the north of the Chrysotriklinos. The Gallery is named after the Forty Martyrs who are all commemorated on the 9th of March.
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| − | ===The Pearl Hall===
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| − | The Pearl Hall, like most of the buildings of the Triconchos Palace, was built by Emperor Theodosios III. It lies north of the Gallery of the Forty Saints. It has eight pillars of rose-coloured marble supporting its roofs. The walls are adorned with representations of all kinds of animals and floor is of prokonnesian marble with rich mosaics.
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| − | The Emperor Theodosios III built for himself a bedchamber, above this hall. The Emperor Theodosios III occupied this hall from spring to the Autumn equinox. After winter he resided in the Carian Vestiary. After the death of Theodosios III in 876 the building became the residence of the Megas Papias.
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| − | ===The Ares===
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| − | The Ares, called such because of the mosaics of the Area, the Greek god of war on its walls was built by Theodosios III. The Hall is located to the east of the Sigma and is used as the Imperial Armoury
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| − | ===The Church of St. John===
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| − | The Church of St. John is located on the north side of the Mystic Fountain Courtyard, with the Gallery of the Forty Saints on the other side of the courtyard.
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| − | ===The Carian Vestiary===
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| − | The Carian Vestiary, like countless other buildings in the palace complex, was erected by Theodosios III. It got its name because its floors were of Carian marble. The Carian Vestiary is located to the east of the Pyxites Hall. The building houses the Imperial Wardrobe and the silken robes worn by the Emperor. Th building also houses the rich gold-embroidered stuffs for use at the magnificent receptions of ambassadors, as well as the gold and silver utensils for the Emperor's table. The [[Protovestiarios]] has charge over the Imperial Wardrobe, this includeds clothing as well as furniture.
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| − | ===The Eidikon and Genikon===
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| − | The Eidikon is connected to the Lausiakon by way of a single door. This chamber was a treasure chamber. The Eidikon forms the basis of the modern day Privy Purse of the Emperor.
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| − | Connected to the Eidikon is the Genikon, the many Imperial Storehouses, workshops and imperial factories, were luxury products of superb quality are made for the personal use of the Emperor, Imperial Family, and the Imperial Court as well.
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| − | ===Pyxites Hall===
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| − | The Pyxites Hall is located south of the Sigma, and like countless other buildings in the palace complex, was erected by Theodosios III. The building served as a residence for the court clergy
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| − | ===The Kamelas===
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| − | The Kamelas, built by Theodosios III is located to the south of the Triconchos. The Kamelas contains three bedchambers.
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| − | ===The Mesopatos===
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| − | The Mesopatos is located to the south of the Kamelas and facing the Chrysotriklinos. Emperor [[Cassander IX of Diadochia]] created the large building to serve as an Imperial Library. From the time of his death, up until the practice of using Eunuchs in the Imperial Court ended, the court Eunuchs had their quarters in the Mesopatos; which is quite large.
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| − | ===The Vestiary of the Augusta===
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| − | The Vestiary of the Augusta is connected to the Mesopatos. Located to the south of the Mesopatos it houses the Wardrobe of the Empress.
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| − | ===The Mousikos===
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| − | The Mousikos, located directly under the Vestiary of the Augusta. It is a bedchamber of exceptional beauty and exquisite marble.
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| − | ===The Tetrakoubouklon===
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| − | The Tetrakoubouklon is a hall that contains four magnificent bedchambers. Two of these bedchambers look to the Mesopatos while the other two look to the Lausiakon.
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| − | ==Daphne Palace==
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| − | The Palace of the Daphne is separated from the Triconchos by the Hall of the Augustus
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| − | ===The Octagon===
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| − | The Octagon or Octagonal Chamber is called this because of its eight porches. The Octagon is one of the State Bedchamber of the Emperor. The Octagon is located in front of St. Matthaios Church.
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| − | ===Church of St. Matthaios in the Daphne===
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| − | The Church of St. Matthaios is connected to the Daphne Palace. The church lies to the east of the Octagon. The marriages of Emperors were sometimes performed here.
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| − | ===The Bedchamber of the Daphne===
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| − | The Bedchamber of the Daphne is a state bedchamber used for ceremonial occasions such as the festival of the Nativity, the chamber is connected to the Octagon another state bedchamber.
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| − | ===Gallery of St. Matthaios===
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| − | The Gallery of St. Matthaios is the hall that connects the Bedchamber of the Daphne to the Hall of the Augustus, which separates the Palaces of Daphne and the Triconchos.
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| − | ===Hall of the Augustus===
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| − | The Hall of the Augustus lies north of the Octagon. The officers of the bedchamber await the Emperor in the Hall of the Augustus. The coronation of the Augusta or Empress was often celebrated in this hall.
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| − | ===Daphne Churches===
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| − | The Daphne Palace includes numerous lesser chapels and churhes, including the Church of Our Lady in the Daphne, the Church of the Holy Trinity.
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| − | ===The Baptistery===
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| − | The Baptistery known for its three large gold crosses. The Baptistery is where baptisms at the Imperial Court were celebrated.
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| − | ===The Thermastra===
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| − | The Thermastra is hall that connects the Palace covered Hippodrome with the Consistory.
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| − | ===The Ivory gate===
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| − | The Ivory gate leads into the Thermastra. The gate is located on the east side of the great covered hippodrome.
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| − | ===The Onopodion===
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| − | The Onopodion is entered from the Hall of the Augustus by way of a passage way known as the Golden Hand. The building is connected to the great Consistory. After the coronation of an emperor, the nobles recieve him in the Onopodion.
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| − | ===The Great Consistory===
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| − | The Great Consistory is a spacious building situated north of the Onopidion. The Consistory' three main doors or ivory called the left hand, middle and right hand respectively connect it to the Onopodion.
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| − | the Great Consistory is made up of the Summer Consistory, the Winter Consistory, and the Ante-Consistory where ambassadors await the Emperor.
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| − | All ambassadors were received in the Consistory without weapons. The Consistory houses the crucifix of St. Constantine and the rod of Moses.
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| − | ===Accubita Hall===
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| − | The Accubita Hall is a large reception hall in the palace complex, frequently called the Great Hall. The Hall was used for state banquets and fetes; it was also were the Emperor laid in state, and where the members of Parliament received the Emperor and where the clergy received him too. During the palace's time as the residence of the Emperor, huge amounts of guests, numbering over 5,000 people feasted in its hall saluting the Emperor in the Greek, Latin, and [[Atlantean language]]s The Gothikon, (salutation in gothic to the Emperor) in this hall as well.
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| − | At the Imperial table the heads of the Blues and Greens stood on the right and left. On Christmas day the Emperor would hold a feast here for 500 people.
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| − | ===The Dikionion===
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| − | The Dikionion is located between the Accubita Hall and the Onopodion.
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| − | ===The Hall of the Palati Scholae===
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| − | The Barracks or Hall of the Palati Scholae was alongside the Accubita Hall, located to its north. During the time when the muslim threat seemed very real, ambassadors from Muslim lands were received in the Hall of the Palati Scholae with soldiers posted on every side.
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| − | ===The Hall of Lights===
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| − | The Hall of Lights, called so because of its many candles, is located to the east of the Hall of the Palati Scholae. This hall was were foreigners resident in the city would assemble to greet the emperor during processions.
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| − | ===The Tribune===
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| − | The Tribune is located near the Hall of Lights. The Tribune is decorated with silken hangings and fine rugs. The Tribune is where the Emperor would receive his Privy Council.
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| − | ===The Hall of the Kandidatos===
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| − | The Hall of the Kandidatos is located close to the Consistory, and is connected to it by way of a passage. The Hall was were the Kandidati stood, they are the Emperor's personal bodyguard.
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| − | ===Open Hippodrome of the Palace===
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| − | The Hippodrome of the Palace is large exercise ground were the Emperor and his court would exercise their horses during stormy or rainy weather. Many equestrian and athletic games were celebrated in the Open Hippodrome as well as its smaller sister the, covered Hippodrome.
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| − | ===The Covered Hippodrome===
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| − | The smaller covered Hippodrome was used by the Emperor and his children. The Palace Hippodrome is decorated with purple hangings. Like its bigger sister the [[Hippodrome of Atlantis]], the palace hippodrome had raised seats for spectators, to watch imperial courtiers on horseback.
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| − | ===Hall of Cassander===
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| − | The Hall of Cassander is frequently called, simply the Cassander.
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| − | The Hall served as a major reception hall and its magnificent walls and rich silk hangings were and still are thew marvel of the world.
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| − | The Emperor use to give banquets in this hall on the 25th of March in honour of the Imperial Court Officials. This hall faces the east and is connected to the Lausiakon, which extends to the Chrysotriklinos. The Hall of Cassander is the most spacious and splendid of all the halls and galleries of the palace. Banquets were held here on Easter Eve, Low Sunday, St. Elias day (July 20), Fest of the Nativity (September 8), and on the Emperor's birthday.
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| − | Also the Emperor held banquets here after Divine Liturgy for friends and courtiers.
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| − | ===The Skyla===
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| − | The Hall of Cassander forms the southern extremity of the Daphne Palace.
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| − | Its eastern end is connected to the Lausiakon. The Skyla stands near to the Palace Hippodromes. The Skyla is the treasure vault were the spoils of war are kept.
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| − | ===Skylomangana===
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| − | The Skylomangana are the Imperial Kennels. The Imperial Kennels house the hounds used in the chase in for the Imperial Hunt.
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| − | ===The Tzykanisterion===
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| − | The Tzykanisterion is a a large open field were members of the Imperial Court exercised on horseback. The Tzykanisterion is also the site of the earliest polo field in Diadochia, where centuries of Emperors from Theodosios III, onward played polo with their nobles, courtiers and many other skilled players. The game came to Diadochia from the east and the Tzykanisterion was built by [[Theodosios III of Diadochia]], and [[Nikolas I of Diadochia]] extended it.
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| − | ===The Mesokepion===
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| − | The Mesokepion is a large lavish garden which lies to the east of the Hall of Cassander and the Lausiakon, and south of the Chrysotriklinos, extending to the Karean gate.
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| − | ===Churches near the Mesokepion===
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| − | Many churches are located near the Mesokepion, including the Chapel of St. Elias and its adjoining oratory, the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, the Chapel of St. Stephen, Chapel of St. Barbara, Chapel of St. Paul, Chapel of St. Peter, the Monastery of Kalypas, Kampas Monastery and others.
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| − | ===The Porphyry Chamber===
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| − | The Porphyry Chamber is the chamber where the Empress resides during her pregnancy, to ensure that the children are born in the purple. The Pavilion is called the Porphyry Chamber because of its purple walls and purple silk hangings.
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| − | ===Gallery of Marcian===
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| − | The Gallery of Marcian extends to the Karean gate, and is connected to the Skyla
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| − | ===Imperial Baths===
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| − | The Imperial Baths lay above the Nea Ekklesia, between it and the Pharos. The Imperial Baths were restored and enlarged by Nikolas I during his reign. The Imperial baths have a total of sixteen chambers, and a huge pool of warm water, one of cold, with a steam room as well.
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| − | ===Tzykanisterion Baths===
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| − | The Tzykanisterion Baths are located beside the Tzykanisterion. They have seven chambers, twelve porches and great large immense swimming pool.
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| − | ===The Imperial Stables===
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| − | [[Michael III of Diadochia]] had the old stables demolished and rebuilt them on a more elaborate scale. The stables are huge and vast and can house some 800 horses. The Stables are vaulted and they have many water fountains for the horses.
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| | [[Category:Imperial residences in Diadochia]] | | [[Category:Imperial residences in Diadochia]] |
| | [[category:Palaces in Atlantis]] | | [[category:Palaces in Atlantis]] |
