Basilica cistern, Istanbul

1. Comenius Project,
2013-2015
Classical Times light the
way to our future

2. The Basilica Cistern
in
Istanbul

3. The Basilica Citern was built in
the 6th century during the reign
of Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

4. It is located in Istanbul, west of St.
Sophia.

5. It was the biggest cistern in
Constantinople, it could hold up
to 78,000 m3 of water.
The Cistern has 336 columns.

6. It is 140 metres long and 70
metres wide.

8. The sunken Palace

11. This column represent slaves's
tears who died during the
constuction of the basilica
cistern.

12. The Medusa heads were used to
divert evil influences.

14. The Basilica cistern gave
water to Topkapi Palace.

15. Now there are only a few
centimeters of water, and it
is a tourist place.