Column of the Goths

The Column of the Goths (Gotlar Sütunu) is an 18.5 meter high free-standing Proconnesian marble pillar surmounted with a Corinthian capital dating to Roman times in Gülhane Park, Istanbul, Turkey.

History

The name of this monument derives from a Latin inscription at its base, commemorating a Roman victory over the invading Goths: FORTUNAE REDUCI OB DEVICTUS GOTHOS, which has been shown to have replaced an earlier Latin inscription. The dating and original dedication of the column are uncertain.

Most likely, the column was erected to honor the victories of either Constantine the Great or Claudius II Gothicus, both of whom are noted for achieving victories over the Goths. According to Byzantine historian Nicephorus Gregoras, the column was once surmounted by a statue to Byzas the Megarian, the semi-legendary founder of Byzantium. Other sources mention a statue of the goddess Tyche, now lost.

At any rate, it represents the oldest monument of the Roman era, preceding the foundation of Constantinople, still extant in the city.

References

Sources

• Mango, Cyril (2000). "The Triumphal Way of Constantinople and the Golden Gate". Dumbarton Oaks Papers (54): Retrieved on 2008-07-16.

External links

• The Goths Column | Governorship of Istanbul site