Among the harbours on the southern coast of Constantinople, the Harbour of Kaisarius and the Neorion at the Heptascalon occupy a special place in historical accounts. Although some details about these ports have been lost over time, Byzantine sources provide valuable information about their location, use, and significance The Harbour of the Golden Gate.
Historical Mentions
The Harbour of Kaisarius (Αλιυν ροῦ Καισαρίου) is first mentioned in the Acts of the Fifth General Council of Constantinople, held in 553 under Justinian the Great. The records note that near this harbour stood the Residence of Germanus, a notable Byzantine official. The harbour is described as part of a district that included the Palace of Kaisarius, which was likely the residence of Germanus himself.
The last historical mention of the harbour appears in the writings of Cedrenus, who quotes Theophanes. These accounts suggest that by the later Byzantine period, the harbour was still recognized, along with its district and palace, as an important part of the city’s southern waterfront.
Location and Function
The Harbour of Kaisarius was located on the Sea of Marmara, among other harbours that served the southern side of Constantinople. While exact traces of the harbour have not survived, historical references indicate that it was used for both commercial and residential purposes. The presence of Germanus’ residence and the palace suggests that this harbour was closely associated with imperial officials and may have served as a docking point for private or state vessels Tour Guide Ensar.
The Neorion at the Heptascalon
Another harbour mentioned in the same area is the Neorion at the Heptascalon. Like the Harbour of Kaisarius, its exact location is uncertain today. Byzantine historians do not clearly distinguish it from other nearby ports, leading scholars to speculate whether it was a separate harbour or part of an already identified port, possibly near Kaisarius itself. Its name, Neorion, usually refers to a harbour with facilities for shipbuilding and docking, suggesting that this port may have had an industrial function in addition to general trade.
Significance and Legacy
Although much of the physical evidence has disappeared, the Harbour of Kaisarius and the Neorion at the Heptascalon played important roles in the urban and maritime life of Constantinople. They were not only points for receiving goods and passengers but also housed palaces and districts tied to high-ranking officials. These harbours illustrate how the city combined administrative, residential, and naval functions along its coastline.
The Harbour of Kaisarius, with its palace and district, and the Neorion at the Heptascalon, possibly used for shipbuilding, were integral parts of southern Constantinople’s port system. Even though traces of them have largely vanished, historical texts provide insight into their location, function, and social importance, showing how Constantinople’s harbours supported both commerce and governance along the Sea of Marmara.
