The Hippodrome, now called Sultanahmet Square, was once the center of Byzantine life and culture in the 3rd century AD. It was originally 40 rows of seating around a huge track, with the center covered with works of art, and used as a public meeting place as well a place for entertainment. It's still a very popular park area within the city.
There were probably food kiosks in the old Hippodrome also, with ancient versions of Coke and corn dogs.
This is Istanbul's oldest monument, built by a Pharaoh in 1500 BC, brought by Emperor Theodosius from Luxor to Istanbul in 390 BC.
A portion of the base is below ground level now.
This is one of the newest structures in the Hippodrome, the fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm, built in 1898.
Below are some of the structures and walls around the original central area.
According the the sign, this is all that remains of the triumphal arch from which distances to all parts of the Byzantine empire were measured.
Nearby and below ground was one of the largest of the cisterns which supplied water to the city from the surrounding aquaducts. It was built in the 5th century AD and remained in use until the 16th century. A supply of water was important during the times when the city was under siege.
It was an eerie place, with brickwork and columns overhead, and water trickling below.
Because the cistern had to be built quickly, some columns had to be used wherever they could be found, as this upside-down one.
This column has the design of the "evil eye", seen everywhere in Turkey as protection from harm.
This is one of the newest structures in the Hippodrome, the fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm, built in 1898.
This column has the design of the "evil eye", seen everywhere in Turkey as protection from harm.
The Armada also had birdcages scattered about - this large one with finches was near the breakfast buffet (seen below).
The dining area was situated on the rooftop, with a view of the Blue Mosque in the near distance. 
On the other side of the dining area was a view of the Sea of Marmara. These two photos were taken in the early morning. 
A short walk brought us to the rocky shore. A cruise ship can be seen leaving, again in the early morning. 
Very little graffiti was seen in Istanbul. This is one of the few spotted, more like art than graffiti.
This view of the Blue Mosque from the dining area was taken at dusk. We could hear the muezzins calling to prayer while we ate. 
The view from the ledge near our room. There were two swimming pools, which would have been delightful after a hot day out touring, but they were shut down at 6:00 PM - can you believe!
The variety and abundance of food at the buffet was truly impressive - this photo shows about a tenth of what was available. 
All we could actually see were a few scattered column bases. 
This photo was taken from the window of the plane, as we left Kusadasi on our way to Istanbul.
Six statues and two people.
The remnants of this frieze are similar to the Elgin Marbles taken from the Parthenon and now in London.
Head and hand - one of my favorites.
and a sweet small statue of Eros/Cupid with rabbit.
Behind the museum was a garden with a mosaic floor. 
One of the adjacent exhibits was of a typical weaving room. 
And here we are, with all of Turkey on the wall behind us. 
This is the entrance to the temple of Hadrian. 
This is the entrance to one of the baths.
Cats were everywhere - this one is gazing curiously at Steve's hat. 
Many inscriptions are still visible, including this on the top of the arch.
The hillside shows the foundations of sumtuous private homes.
The street winds down the hill toward the sea. 
The crowds began arriving as the day went on. Not a cloud in the ever-present blue sky, and very hot (as was our entire trip).
The two-story facade of the Library of Celsus is still standing. 
This lovely marble statue is inside the library. 
A marble carving of a Christian era guardian angel.
This street led down to the harbor. Looking back, we can see the stadium cut into the hillside. 
