Notes on the so-called "Ioukoundianai Palace" at Hebdomon (Constantinople)

The site of the ancient maritime suburb of Hebdomon, in Constantinople, is nowadays occupied by the modern quarter of Bakırköy. In the early Byzantine period it was largely renowned both for its military premises and for the Kampos, the main parade ground of the New Rome, today replaced by the Veliefendi Hippodrome. Hebdomon was also the coronation place for a number of early Byzantine sovereigns. Besides, it soon developed as an aristocratic and monumental complex along the Via Egnatia. In Late Antiquity the area was widely appreciated as a pleasurable retreat, provided with resorts for the members of the imperial families. This was the main role of the estate known as Ioukoundianai.