jan 24, 389 - Theodosian base for Egyptian obelisk

Description:

Constantinople, late 4th century

Theodosius placed two obelisks in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, imitating the placement of two obelisks in Rome's Circus Maximus. The base of Egyptian obelisk used depicts in relief carving the imperial family sitting in the kathisma, or imperial box.

relevant terms: Hippodrome, kathisma, isocephaly