Augustaion

   A large enclosed area in Constantinople (q.v.), perhaps part of a previous forum called the Tetrastoon (the Four Stoas). Constantine I (q.v.) remodeled it and named it in honor of his mother, the augusta Helena (qq.v.). He placed a statue of her there on a column. Around the area were grouped the most important buildings of the city. On the north side was the great church of Hagia Sophia (q.v.). On the east side was the Senate House. On the south side was the main entrance to the Great Palace (q.v.), adjacent to the Baths of Zeuxippus. One entered the Augustaion from the west, where the Milion (Milestone) was located. From this point the mileage of roads connecting Constantinople (q.v.) with its European provinces was measured. From the Milion one entered the Mese (q.v.), or Middle Street, the main thoroughfare through the city. Justinian I (q.v.) remodeled the Augustaion, rebuilding the Senate House, which had been destroyed in the Nika Revolt (q.v.). He also added an equestrian statue atop a column, referred to as Justinian's column, in front of which was a sculptural group of three barbarians offering tribute.