The Column of Constantine, or the Burnt Column, is one of the most historic monuments in Istanbul, originally erected by Emperor Constantine the Great to celebrate the city’s transformation into the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD. Located at the heart of the ancient Forum of Constantine, it was once crowned by a statue of the emperor, depicted as Apollo. Over the centuries, the column has undergone several modifications, including the addition of iron hoops in 416 AD for structural support. The column is famous for its relics, which were buried under its base during its dedication, including the Palladium of Troy and pieces of the True Cross. Today, it stands as a solitary reminder of Byzantium’s imperial past, with its damaged Corinthian capital and the remnants of its statue—a symbol of the city's long and multifaceted history​