Byzantion/Constantinople harbours in Antiquity

This thesis aims to examine the historical development, structural characteristics, and urban significance of the harbours located within the boundaries of Byzantion/Constantinople during Antiquity. In the ancient world, harbours were not only crucial for maritime trade but also played a significant role in the social, economic, and military dynamics of urban life. Owing to its strategic geographical position, Byzantion/Constantinople occupied a highly advantageous location for maritime activity, rendering it a prominent centre for harbour construction and development. The study covers the period from the foundation of the city up to the end of the 4th century AD, focusing on the transformation of its harbour structures over time. Primary sources from Antiquity, alongside epigraphic and numismatic evidence as well as modern scholarly research, have been employed in the analysis. The thesis explores the architectural evolution and functional changes of the harbour installations, the materials used in their construction, and their role within the broader context of urban infrastructure. While comparative examples from other ancient cities are also discussed, the primary focus of the research remains on the harbours of Byzantion/Constantinople. In this regard, the thesis aims to provide a multifaceted assessment of the city's maritime heritage in Antiquity.