The Hebdomon was not only a place of military gathering and ceremony, but also a site where public executions were carried out. When executions took place elsewhere, it was common for the severed heads of the condemned to be displayed at the Hebdomon so that the public could see them. This practice served as a warning and a symbol of imperial justice. One of the most tragic examples was the case of Emperor Maurice and his five sons, whose heads were exposed to public view after their execution. Such acts were meant to demonstrate the absolute authority of the state and to discourage rebellion or treason.
The Hebdomon and the Life of the Byzantine Court
The greatest importance of the Hebdomon lies in its close connection with the Byzantine imperial court. During the early centuries of the Eastern Roman Empire, when many ancient Roman traditions were still respected, the army remained a powerful political force. For this reason, emperors were often proclaimed in places where soldiers were present in large numbers The Assembly at the Campus.
At the Hebdomon, an emperor could be publicly acclaimed by his troops, surrounded by a vast crowd of citizens from Constantinople. In these ceremonies, the support of the army gave legitimacy to imperial power. The presence of the people reinforced the idea that the emperor ruled with the approval of both soldiers and subjects.
The suburb was also a starting point for triumphal processions. On special occasions, victorious emperors began their ceremonial march from the Hebdomon and proceeded toward the Golden Gate, entering the city in triumph. These events combined military pride, political authority, and religious symbolism.
The Imperial Palace at the Hebdomon
The emperors maintained a palace at the Hebdomon, which they used for several purposes. It provided a place to enjoy fresh country air, away from the crowded streets of Constantinople. At times of unrest, the palace also offered refuge from the violence and disorder caused by the rival city factions, whose clashes could disturb public order Tour Packages Bulgaria.
In addition, the palace allowed emperors to be close to the Campus, where important state ceremonies, military reviews, and public gatherings were held. By residing there temporarily, emperors could oversee these events directly and strengthen their public image.
The Inauguration of Emperor Valens
The earliest known reference to the Hebdomon, although the place is not named directly, appears in connection with the inauguration of Emperor Valens in the year 364. Valens was proclaimed emperor as the colleague of his brother, Valentinian I. According to the historical account, Valentinian declared Valens emperor in a suburban location, where the decision was unanimously approved, since no one dared oppose it.
Valens was then dressed in imperial robes, crowned with the diadem, and returned with his brother in the same ceremonial vehicle. This event shows how important the Hebdomon already was as a place of imperial proclamation and ceremony.
The Tribune of the Hebdomon
To commemorate his inauguration, Valens built a special tribune at the Hebdomon. This structure was richly decorated with statues and was designed to accommodate emperors during public ceremonies held on the Campus. The tribune allowed emperors to address the army and the people in a formal and elevated setting.
This structure became known as the Tribune of the Hebdomon, and it symbolized the lasting role of the suburb as a stage for imperial power, military authority, and public ritual.
In summary, the Hebdomon was a place where justice, power, ceremony, and daily imperial life all intersected. From public executions to imperial inaugurations, from triumphal marches to quiet retreats, it played a central role in shaping the political and ceremonial traditions of Byzantine Constantinople.
