Turkish archaeologists seek 4th century Byzantine palace in historic Istanbul district

A fourth century AD Byzantine palace may be located under a building which previously belonged to the Press Publicity Association, reports said Friday.

HaberTürk daily Photo

According to the Habertürk daily, the 360-square -eter land above the ancient palace, located in Istanbul's famous Sultanahmet district, was put under protection after its evacuation in 2011 and demolishment in 2013.

Excavations have not been launched yet, the daily reported.

Archaeologists have reportedly said that the palace could have been constructed by Philoxenus, one of the great senators during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great, between 324 and 337 AD.

Another scenario claims that the site includes the remains of Senator Lausus' Palace, thought to be constructed between 415 and 420 AD.

Archaeologists have also discovered vaults of the Cistern of Philoxenos (Binbirdirek Sarnıcı), which is located right across the site of the unidentified palace.

Meanwhile, the Press Publicity Association noted that the vault structure has been registered as a cultural asset.

Source: Daily Sabah [October 06, 2017]