Constantinople was home to many harbours, each with its own history and strategic importance. Among these was the Harbour of Theodosius, also known as the Harbour of Eleutherius. This harbour, located on the southern coast of the city along the Sea of Marmara, played a significant role in the early development of Constantinople.
Location and Identification
According to the Notitia, a Byzantine administrative record, Constantinople included a harbour called Portus Theodosianus, located in the Twelfth Region of the city. This region included the shore at the southern base of the Seventh Hill, which corresponds to the modern area of Vlanga Bostan. Today, the remains of a very ancient harbour are still visible at this site, although it has been filled in and converted into market gardens The Harbour of Eleutherius Structure and Measurements.
Historical evidence suggests that the Harbour of Theodosius was also known as the Harbour of Eleutherius. The district of Eleutherius and the palace bearing the same name were situated in the valley connecting Vlanga Bostan to Ak Serai and the Et Meidan. This geographic connection supports the identification of the harbour with both names.
Historical Significance
The Anonymus describes the Harbour of Eleutherius as a very ancient port, located west of the Harbour of Sophia and abandoned long before his time. This suggests that the name Harbour of Eleutherius was the earlier designation, reflecting the port’s great antiquity. According to tradition, a man named Eleutherius, who was present at the foundation of Constantinople, was credited with the harbour’s construction. This makes it one of the oldest harbours on the city’s southern shore.
The harbour’s ancient walls provide further evidence of its age. The northern walls of the harbour are the oldest fortifications in Constantinople, possibly dating back to the reign of Constantine the Great. These walls indicate the strategic importance of the harbour for both trade and defense.
Monuments and Commemoration
A statue of Eleutherius once stood near the harbour. The statue depicted him in the attire of an excavator, holding a spade in one hand and carrying a basket on his back, symbolizing his role in the harbour’s construction. This monument celebrated the harbour’s founder and highlighted its significance in the city’s early history Private Tour Guide Istanbul.
The Harbour of Eleutherius, later known as the Harbour of Theodosius, was one of Constantinople’s earliest and most important ports. Its location at Vlanga Bostan, ancient walls, and historical references demonstrate its age and strategic value. The harbour not only facilitated trade and transportation but also contributed to the growth and security of the city. Today, even though much of it has been transformed into gardens, the site preserves evidence of Constantinople’s early maritime infrastructure and the enduring legacy of Eleutherius.
