The Harbour of Eleutherius, later known as Portus Theodosianus, was one of the oldest and most significant harbours on the southern coast of Constantinople. Surrounding this harbour were important walls, towers, and districts, which together formed a strategic and socially active area of the city.
The Harbour Walls and Tower
Historical records describe a portion of the harbour wall as early as the eleventh century. These walls enclosed the harbour and provided both protection and organization for naval and commercial activity. A tower stood just outside the walls, surrounded by the sea. According to historical accounts, this tower was referred to by locals as the Belisarius Tower The Harbour of Kaisarius and the Neorion at the Heptascalon.
The tower acquired its name from the famous Byzantine general Belisarius, who, according to tradition, was once imprisoned there after falling from imperial favor. Stories tell that, after losing his property and even his sight, Belisarius survived by hanging a bag from the tower’s window and begging for help from passing sailors. Near this tower was the harbour used by Emperors Theodosius, Arcadius, and their successors to keep their galleys. The tower and harbour together emphasized the strategic and defensive importance of this coastal area.
Nearby Palaces and Churches
Several notable buildings were located close to the harbour walls. Among them was the Palace of Empress Irene, mother of Constantine VI, known for its complex and controversial history. Basil II, one of the most famous Byzantine emperors, hosted the legates of Pope Hadrian II at this palace.
Religious buildings also dotted the neighbourhood. The Church of St. Panteleemon, built by Theodora, wife of Justinian the Great, stood on the site of her early humble dwelling, highlighting her rise from poverty to imperial power. The district of Narses, named after the famous general, and the district of Canicleius, where the emperor landed during visits to St. Panteleemon, were also in the vicinity. These areas illustrate the mix of imperial, military, and religious life near the harbour Tours Istanbul.
Later References and Modern Markers
Following the Restoration of the Greek Empire, historical writers continued to refer to this district by its traditional names. Today, some modern markers, such as the Greek Church of St. Theodore south of Boudroum Djamissi (Myrelaion), are believed to indicate the district of Claudius, preserving the memory of Constantinople’s urban geography.
The walls, tower, and surrounding districts of the Harbour of Eleutherius and Theodosius formed a strategically important and socially active part of Constantinople. The harbour itself served as a naval base, while the adjacent palaces, churches, and districts reflected the city’s imperial, religious, and cultural life. Together, these structures highlight the advanced planning and multi-functional use of Byzantine urban spaces, combining defense, administration, and public activity in a single coastal zone.
