When Was Basilica Cistern Built in a video
When Was the Basilica Cistern Built?
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarnıcı or the Underground Palace, is one of the most impressive and popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. It is a massive underground cistern that was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
The cistern was built to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other public buildings in the city. It is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul, with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters of water.
The cistern is 140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 8 meters deep. It is supported by 336 columns, many of which are reused from older Roman buildings. The columns are arranged in 12 rows, with 28 columns in each row.
The most famous columns in the cistern are the two Medusa heads that are located at the entrance. These heads were originally used in a Roman temple, but they were reused in the cistern when it was built.
The Basilica Cistern was forgotten for centuries after it was built. It was rediscovered in 1545 by the Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi. The cistern was restored in the 1980s and is now open to the public.
How Long Did It Take to Build the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern was built in a relatively short period of time. Construction began in 532, shortly after the Nika riots that destroyed much of Constantinople. The cistern was completed in 537, just five years later.
The speed of construction is a testament to the engineering skills of the Byzantines. The cistern is a complex structure that required careful planning and execution. The columns had to be precisely aligned and the watertight roof had to be made from specially-treated wood.
The Basilica Cistern is a remarkable feat of engineering and architecture. It is a testament to the ingenuity of the Byzantines and their ability to build great structures even in times of turmoil.
Why Was the Basilica Cistern Built?
The Basilica Cistern was built to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other public buildings in the city. The city of Constantinople was located on a peninsula, and it was vulnerable to water shortages during times of drought. The cistern was built to ensure that the city would always have a reliable source of water.
The cistern was also built to provide a backup water supply in case of a fire. The Great Palace was often the target of arson attacks, and the cistern would provide a way to extinguish fires and prevent them from spreading.
The Basilica Cistern was a vital part of the infrastructure of Constantinople. It helped to ensure the safety and security of the city, and it played a role in its economic prosperity.
The Legacy of the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is a reminder of the engineering skills and architectural genius of the Byzantines. It is a testament to their ability to build great structures even in times of turmoil.
The cistern is also a popular tourist attraction. It is a unique and atmospheric place to visit, and it offers a glimpse into the past of Constantinople.
The Basilica Cistern is a valuable part of the cultural heritage of Istanbul. It is a reminder of the city’s rich history and its importance as a center of trade and culture.
I hope this article has answered your question about when the Basilica Cistern was built.
when the Basilica Cistern was built
The Basilica Cistern was built in 532, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The construction of the cistern was ordered by Justinian as part of his plan to rebuild Constantinople after it was damaged in the Nika riots of 532.
The cistern was built to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other public buildings in the city. It is located about 150 meters southwest of the Hagia Sophia, and it is the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul.
The cistern is 140 meters long, 70 meters wide, and 8 meters deep. It is supported by 336 columns, many of which are reused from older Roman buildings. The columns are arranged in 12 rows, with 28 columns in each row.
The most famous columns in the cistern are the two Medusa heads that are located at the entrance. These heads were originally used in a Roman temple, but they were reused in the cistern when it was built.
The Basilica Cistern was forgotten for centuries after it was built. It was rediscovered in 1545 by the Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi. The cistern was restored in the 1980s and is now open to the public.
the construction of the Basilica Cistern
* The cistern was built using a technique called opus caementicium, which is a mixture of concrete, sand, and lime.
* The columns were made from marble, and they were transported to the site from quarries in Greece and Asia Minor.
* The roof of the cistern was made from wood, and it was covered with a layer of lead to make it watertight.
* The cistern was filled with water from the Belgrade Aqueduct, which is a 42-kilometer long aqueduct that brought water to Constantinople from the Belgrade Forest.
The Basilica Cistern is a remarkable feat of engineering and architecture. It is a testament to the ingenuity of the Byzantines and their ability to build great structures even in times of turmoil. The cistern is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a reminder of the rich history of Istanbul.
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