Hidden Ruins of Byzantine Constantinople

Fragments of Byzantine Constantinople hidden in plain sight.

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:28 The late Byzantine city
2:17 The Ottoman city
3:32 Column of Leo
4:15 Column of Marcian
4:50 Forum of Constantine
5:44 Forum of Theodosius
6:38 St. Polyeuctus
7:37 Palace of Antiochus
8:48 "Botaneiates Palace"
9:36 Column of the Goths
10:29 Thessaloniki

[polyglot]

Years ago, while working for a German manufacturer in the automotive industry, I was invited to the Headquarters of Koç, the largest corporation in Turkey. The HQ was a restored Ottoman palace on the Asian side of the Bosporus with a spectacular view of Istanbul across the channel. In the courtyard of the palace and, in fact, all over the grounds, was an extraordinary collection of Byzantine capitals, sculptures, friezes, sarcophagi, architectural fragments, etc.

[Blackadder]

For those who want to visit Istanbul, I can recommend going in THIS part of the year (October) when the temperatures are very pleasant and it's not too busy with tourists.

[AndroqMinoq]

My jaw dropped when the camera entered that dark window to reveal those columns

[tommywolfe]

1:25 in between each arch in each window they used different stone and different patterns, even making something so simple pop out like that is pretty dang creative! And it still looks beautiful!

[sovietz]

Told in Stone always uploads when I’m on the bus home from school. I love watching content right as I get out of history class! Gotta continue History throughout the day!

[PopeLando]

*Looks through broken ancient window*
"Let's see if we can look inside..."
*Finds Khazad-Dûm*

[basilbrush]

Even though I saw the thumbnail, i was staggered and surprised as the camera adjusted to reveal that wonderful complex of columns through a window on an unremarkable side street. Fantastic work.

[teoman]

As a person who grew up in Istanbul, I really appreciate your videos! If you get the time you should also look at the Roman aqueducts in Kemerburgaz and Gokturk, they are incredible.

[brick]

It seems increasingly likely that I won't be able to see it for myself for the foreseeable future, so these videos are really quite a treasure. Sigh, maybe one day.

[CAVALIERETEMPLAR]

You forgot some other hidden places
-Belgrade Gate
-Altı mermer
-Forum Arcadius
-Old Harbour
-Galata Walls
-Gül Mosque
-Zeyrek Cisterns
and many more. Have to check those too.

[qboxer]

Whilst the vandalism of a two and a half thousand year old city fills me with sadness, I appreciate your video very much.

[gaemlinsidoharthi]

There is always a crushing sadness at the loss that features in so many of your stories, told in stone. At least we have these few remnants that have not yet been crushed themselves to remember what once was.

[SpotTheUnicorn]

8:57 the pan from the dilapidated exterior to the (relatively) intact and intricate interior is wild

[peterrehm]

You can really let your imagination run wild thinking about what Constantinople must have been like pre-1204. I found a fascinating scholarly journal online about all the relics and such that were destroyed by the Fourth Crusade. The article may have been published by Oxford. I wish I could remember.

[ale_s]

Wow, that abandoned place looked beautiful inside

[KozmicKarmaKoala]

Haghia Sophia and Basilica Cistern were highlights. Chora and the walls were amazing. The view from Topkapi gardens down to the Bosphorus. SIGH !!! Thank you !

[Michael_the_Drunkard]

4:37 the Colossus of Barletta is rumored to be the lost statue of Emperor Marcian

[MohammedAasimFlims]

I can only imagine how an average denizen of Constantinople must have felt when the city was in it’s prime, walking among the marbled marvels of ancient world praying in the most beautiful churches carrying on the roman legacy. To them the rest of Europe was barbaric

[kelvyquayo]

I read during the crusader sack.. when they plundered the tombs of the emperors the golden crown of Heraclius still had the hair attached to it when they carried it and the loots back to Venice.

[markopalis]

Hello toldinstone!
I have watched all of your videos, and they are very informative.
I have been to Rome many times, and the last time i was i used one of your videos to locate two roman monuments hidden in plain sight.
Also i have been to Constantinople two times and i have visited all the Eastern Roman accesible places possible.
Now one thing i would like from your channel is for you to make a video, showing what was lost in the middle ages in Constantinople, just like the video you did for Rome, explaining especially buildings like the Blachernae Palace, or Grand Palace, and so on.
That would be an amazing video i would really appreciate, and i guess most of the viewers here too.
Thank you for the fine job you are doing !