As mentioned earlier, in 610, Heraclius appeared with a fleet before Constantinople to end the tyranny of Emperor Phocas. At that time, the quarter of Hormisdas was defended by the Faction of the Blues, one of the city’s famous chariot-racing parties that also served as a political and military force. The Blues controlled this district, which included the palace and the port that would later be known as the Bucoleon Private Guides Turkey.
Imperial Enhancements under Constantine Porphyrogenitus
By the tenth century, the palace and harbour—then called the Bucoleon—received special attention from the emperors. Constantine Porphyrogenitus, known for his love of the arts, adorned the quay of the harbour with statues of animals brought from various parts of the Empire. It is possible that the famous group of the Lion and the Bull, which symbolized imperial power, was placed there by him. He also added a fishpond to the palace, enhancing both its utility and beauty.
Later, Emperor Nicephorus Phocas added a villa at the site, which became his preferred residence. This villa was probably the building marked by a row of three windows, each supported by a lion figure at either end.
Fortifying the Palace
Despite his military success, Nicephorus Phocas was unpopular due to his austere character and heavy taxation to support the army. Hostile public sentiment grew so strong that, after visiting the Holy Spring of Pege, he was attacked by a mob at the Forum of Constantine and narrowly escaped being stoned before reaching the palace. Rumors of a conspiracy to kill him circulated widely Transition from Hormisdas to Bucoleon.
To protect himself, Phocas decided to turn the Great Palace into a fortress. He surrounded the grounds with a strong and tall wall forming a broad arc, stretching from Ahour Kapoussi on the east to Tchatlady Kapou on the west. This effectively cut the palace off from the rest of the city.
Luitprand, who saw the wall shortly after its construction, praised it highly: “The palace at Constantinople surpasses in beauty and strength any fortifications that I have ever seen.” The Palace of Bucoleon, included within these fortifications, benefited from this defensive enhancement, making it not only a luxurious residence but also a secure stronghold.
Significance of the Fortifications
The addition of walls and other protective measures highlights the dual role of the Bucoleon palace and harbour: it was both a centre of imperial residence and a strategic military site. The enhancements by Constantine Porphyrogenitus and Nicephorus Phocas show how Byzantine emperors combined artistic grandeur with practical security, ensuring that the palace and its harbour were well-equipped to serve both ceremonial and defensive purposes.
