The Hippodrome/Circus of Antiocheia in Light of Recent Studies

Abstract

The Antioch hippodrome/circus is located in the Basileia/Insula area on the north of the ancient city. It was partly excavated between 1932-1935 by Antioch Excavations Expedition , however the excavations was interrupted due to the some reasons. Antioch excavations is restarted in 2011, and . the remains of the foundations were unearthed. A total of sixteen stairways remains of the building are survived. They are preserved on the eastern side and the sphendone, but the western side stairs are not preserved. The opus caementicium technique was used in the construction of the foundations and the stairs of the building. The drainage canals and siphon systems, reflecting the water arrangements on the euripus platform. The north-south building measures 513m x 113m externally and seats approximately 80,000 people. On the carceres, the starting point of the race at the southern end, there are twelve gates leading to the total racing area. On the east and west sides of the carceres there are side gates in the towers, and on the sphendone there is an exit gate. The present structure was built on a pre-existing structure here, after the earthquake of 115 AD, it was renovated with restoration in the 4th century, after the earthquake of 458 AD, the structure suffered great damage and gradually lost its favor, after the earthquakes of 526 AD, the structure was gradually abandoned.