An Ancient Engineering Marvel
The Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, it was constructed to supply water to the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. The cistern measures about 453 feet long and 213 feet wide, capable of holding nearly 21 million gallons of water.
Reclaimed Materials
The structure is supported by 336 marble columns, many of which were repurposed from older Roman buildings and temples. These columns are arranged in 12 rows, creating a strikingly symmetrical appearance. Two of the most famous columns feature large Medusa heads as their bases, placed sideways and upside-down—details that remain a mystery.
Rediscovery and Restoration
The Basilica Cistern was largely forgotten after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, as the Ottomans preferred running water over stored water. It was rediscovered in the 16th century by the French traveler Petrus Gyllius, who noticed locals drawing water from beneath their basements.
The Hidden World Beneath Istanbul 🌊
An Ancient Engineering Marvel
The Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is an underground water reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, it was constructed… pic.twitter.com/NZaD0AoPbF— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) October 7, 2024