The famous marble sculpture of the lion attacking the bull is a key piece of evidence in locating the Harbour of the Bucoleon in Constantinople. The sculpture is mentioned in several historical sources, but the clearest description comes from Pietro Zen, a Venetian envoy to the Turkish court, who sent a report to the Venetian government in 1532. In his report, Zen described the monument in detail as he saw it after it had been affected by an earthquake The Lion and Bull Monument.
Misuse of Historical Sources
Historians have not always used Zen’s report correctly. Von Hammer, for example, quoted parts of the description but ignored other critical passages that help identify the exact location of the sculpture. Dr. Mordtmann recognized the importance of Zen’s account and used it more effectively, though he too omitted some details. The original manuscript of Zen’s report is preserved in the Marciana Library in Venice, among the unpublished archives of the Venetian Republic, providing a primary source for studying the Bucoleon Harbour and its decorations.
Description of the Sculpture
According to Zen’s report, the sculpture was located “at the gate where animals are slaughtered, near the columns of the Hippodrome, on the road below,” known in Turkish as Chiachadi Capisso, or “Gate of the Crack” in European languages. The sculpture stood outside the water-gate, beneath three ancient windows, with a lion carved at either end of the row.
The marble block supported a very large bull, much larger than life, being attacked at the throat by a lion. The lion is mounted on the bull’s neck and strikes forcefully at one of the bull’s horns. Both animals were carved from a single piece of fine-quality stone. Originally, the heads of the animals faced Asia, but during the earthquake they were observed to have turned toward the city.
Reaction and Interpretation
Zen noted that the next morning, the local population gathered at the site in amazement. People debated the meaning of the event according to their own beliefs, as it seemed extraordinary that such massive sculptures could move. The event coincided with the appearance of a comet in the sky, which added to the awe and superstition of the onlookers Customized Guided Turkey Tours.
Historical Significance
The description of the lion and bull sculpture provides both artistic and geographical insight. Artistically, it demonstrates the skill of Byzantine sculptors, who could create life-sized, dynamic figures from a single block of marble. Geographically, it confirms the location of the Bucoleon Harbour near the water-gate and the southern shore of Constantinople. By combining Zen’s report with archaeological findings, historians can accurately reconstruct the layout and grandeur of this imperial harbour.
